Tired of that dripping faucet?
By Larry Bilotti for Home Sweet Solutions

Why does water dripping from the roof after a rainfall sound restful, while the drip from a leaky faucet grates on our nerves? Perhaps because a leaky faucet means there is a problem that needs to be remedied. If left unattended, the drip will continue, not only wasting water, but also creating such serious issues over time as erosion of the sink.

The good news is that most leaky compression faucets (the standard two-handle variety) are caused by an ill-fitting, worn or badly compressed washer located in the base of the handles. If this is the case, there’s no need to call the plumber or buy costly materials. Just follow these simple steps.

SUPPLIES
Rag
Flathead screwdriver
Utility knife
Electrical or painters’ tape
Phillips head screwdriver
Crescent wrench
Distilled white vinegar (if needed)
Soft scouring pad (if needed)
Rubber washers

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Shut off the water.
Before you begin to fix your leaky faucet, you will need to turn off the water supply to the sink. The shutoff valve should be located under the sink. If not, you will need to temporarily shut off the main water valve to the house. Once completed, turn on the faucet to drain any remaining water.

2. Take precautions.
Place a rag in the sink to cover the drain. This will safeguard against any of the parts (e.g., washers, handle caps and nuts) accidentally slipping down the drain.

3. Remove the faucet top cap.
In most cases, your faucet handles will have a decorative top cap -- a plastic or metal inset sometimes marked "H" and "C". Carefully pry this off with a small flathead screwdriver or with the edge of a utility knife. (Note: To avoid scratching the fixtures, wrap electrical or painter’s tape on the tip of the screwdriver or the edge of the utility knife.)

4. Remove the handle.
Once you’ve removed the decorative top cap, loosen the Phillips head screw in the center of the handle with a Phillips head screwdriver. Lift or gently pry off the handle and loosen the exposed packing nut with a crescent wrench. This will enable you to lift up the stem set and take it out. If it looks dirty, clean it with distilled white vinegar and a soft scouring pad.

5. Replace the washer.
At the base of the stem is the washer and washer screw. Undo the screw and replace the old washer with a new one. (Note: The washer needs to be the right size, so be sure to take the old washer -- or entire stem set -- with you when shopping for a replacement.) Once the washer is replaced, simply reassemble the handle and turn on the water. Your leaky faucet should now be fixed.

by Larry Bilotti, who has an extensive background in DIY home improvements and home maintenance, not only from his years as executive editor of Country Living magazine, but from personal hands-on experience restoring his Catskills, N.Y., retreat -- Trout House.

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