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Leaky Faucet: Do It Yourself

Dripping faucets can be annoying, and they waste water. Fortunately, fixing them usually doesn't require replacing the entire faucet — just some simple parts and common tools. The videos below cover some of the most common types of repairs.

Four dripping faucets: a kitchen sink faucet, a bathroom sink faucet, an outdoor hose bibb, and a bathtub spout.

How-to videos by faucet type

Washer-style faucets

This video shows you how to repair dripping faucets that use replacement washers.

Thanks to homesteady for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube ↗
Washer-style (compression) faucet with exploded view of handle, stem, rubber washer and screw

Older single-lever faucets

This video shows you how to repair an older-style single-lever faucet.

Thanks to TheRenderQ for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube ↗
Ball-style, single-handle faucet

Newer single-lever faucets

This video shows you how to repair a newer-style single-lever faucet.

Thanks to Lifey Guy for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube ↗
Cartridge-style faucet

Tub and shower faucets (single handle)

This video shows you how to stop a dripping tub spout or shower by replacing the cartridge inside a single-handle tub and shower valve.

Tip: Most tubs don't have their own shutoff, so plan to turn off the water at the main. Cover the drain so small parts don't fall in, and take the old cartridge to the store to match it.

Thanks to This Old House for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube ↗
Single-handle tub and shower faucet with dripping spout and exploded view of handle, wall plate, sleeve, cartridge, retaining clip and valve body.

Hose bibbs (outdoor faucets)

Hose bibb washers

This video shows you how to replace the washers in a leaking outside garden faucet (hose bibb).

Thanks to FERRIN RYCO Plumbing and Air Conditioning for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube ↗

Replace the hose bibb

This video shows you how to replace the entire hose bibb.

Thanks to How2Plumb for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube ↗
Residential outside hose bibb

Easy fix, big savings

As you can see, fixing a dripping faucet is usually pretty easy and will save you a ton of money compared to calling a plumber for the same repair.

Where to next?

Back: Plumber Start over: Water Leaks at Home Next: Leaky Toilet DIY

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