How to Fix a Leaky Faucet with a Two Handle Design

Tired of a leaky faucet? Not only is it wasting money, but it is also wasting water. To repair a faucet, you will first need parts. You can either disassemble the faucet and take the parts to your local Lowe's, or you can by a faucet repair kit. You can also check the manufacturer's directions or the manufacturer's website for the exact parts for your faucet.

First, turn off your water supply. Then turn on of the faucet to relieve any residual pressure. Close or cover the drain. Place a towel in the drain to keep the parts in order and protect the sink. On some faucets, you can remove the handle or knob by prying off the cap, removing a screw, and pulling off the handle. Others can be removed by unscrewing a set screw.

Cartridge
To repair a cartridge style faucet, you will first have to remove the retaining clip or retaining nut. Then pull out the cartridge. If your cartridge is damaged or worn, just replace it with a new one. Then reassemble the faucet.

Compression and Reverse-Compression
To repair a compression or reverse-compression faucet, start by taking out the valve stem. On the bottom of the stem, remove the screw and washer and the old o-ring. Apply a little plumber's grease on the stem and add the new o-ring. Then reassemble your faucet and test it for leaks. If it still leaks, that means you valve seat might be damaged. Remove it and replace it.

Ceramic Disc
To repair a ceramic disc style faucet, start by unscrewing the mounting screws or retaining nut on the cylinder and pulling it out. Use a screwdriver to pry out the seals. Before replacing the seals, clean any buildup on the cylinder near the openings. Put the new seals in place, and then reassemble the faucet. When you turn on the water supply, make sure the faucet is in the on position and turn on the water slowly. Too much initial pressure can damage the ceramic discs in the cylinder.

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To find instructions on repairing a single handle faucet, watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7e2bI...

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  Howto & Style

[nahariyanit]

Great video. Question: Have cold water leak. I turned off both the knobs under the sink and the leak continues. What does that mean? Thank you to anyone that can help.

[Lowes]

It sounds like you need to replace the washers in the cut off under the sink. They have parts similar to a faucet. You'll need to turn off the water main to your house before you take the shut-off apart.

Thank you for watching the Lowe’s YouTube Channel. –Lowe’s

[Mikeishere1st]

Many of the original (1960's) rubber washer design valves in my house lasted well over 20 years without leaking, some I've never replaced in 30 years. My new high tech ceramic valve Pfister facet lasted less 8 years before it started leaking, (a very slow leak BTW). The cost of two rubber washers is less than $1; the cost of two new ceramic Pfister cartridges is $25 plus $9 shipping.

IMO these ceramic valves are just BS and designed only to stuff money in their pocket.

[Alex B]

Yes- thank you Al Gore.

[guideher]

I had this problem, then read that you need to place the knob back on the stem and keep turning counterclockwise. If not, try different angles to gently loosen the cartridge and get it out. It took me a long time and much frustration but it finally came loose. Good luck.

[Akita4U1]

The housing for the cartridge has two slots that will allow the cartridge to be reseated only if the tabs on the cartridge line up with the slots. Using a very small flathead screwdriver, place the screwdriver between the housing and the cartridge in the slot, and turn the screwdriver to force the cartridge up. Once you break the seal, you should be set.

[Bill Quinnan]

Anyone know what to do when the cartridge won't just pull out, and every attempt to pull out the cartridge with the vise grips just breaks the plastic, until you can't even grip it with the grips? (And, yes, I did remove the retaining nut.)

[Horseface24]

Very helpful. I love the internet.

[altlandf]

Just how do you know what kind of faucet you have when the worthless company don't put the type and model where you need it? This is in a kitchen and it's a deep sink so finding what the model is next to impossible.

[AreThereNoMoreNames]

That applies to ALL repairs. Any time you open up a pressurized valve or vessel, make sure to relieve the pressure, or it will be relieved when you create another opening. In this case, you'll have a 90 psi jet of water hitting your ceiling, and that'll do some serious damage.

[Salim Nanji]

Great video! It really helped to understand the cartridge type faucet and I was able to fix it easily after watching this video!

[daksmom1999]

My kitchen sink has compression/reverse compression faucets. U showed in the cartridge video that the water has 2 b turned off b4 repairs, but u didn't show tht in the compression video. Duz the water need 2 b turned off for compression faucet? A plumber in another video didn't turn the water off, either, for the compression/reverse compression faucet, but I didn't know if u have to turn water off, or if he just thought it's common knowledge 2 turn off water.

[davernelson]

Why not get in there and do it yourself!