The main cause of leaking or dripping water from a plastic faucet is a damaged rubber gasket. Sometimes a bad washing machine is accompanied by a bad faucet holder. The reason for a single faucet is the same, the solution is different.

The small rubber parts that seal the water in the faucet wear out. They get squeezed between the faucet stem and valve seat again and again, and as you get older, they get squeezed harder and harder as you tighten the knob more and more to stop dripping. New faucets from well-known brands try to solve this problem by making more complex stem systems, but they still rely on rubber seals to keep water out.

Faucets use the same style stem, and the principle is the same. The knob is attached to the valve stem. When you turn the handle, the threaded rod moves up and down the body of the faucet.

At the end of the stem is a rubber gasket. When turned all the way, the rubber gasket seals against the brass seat which has a nice rim to ensure a good seal. Over time, the rubber can become brittle and break, can be pressed against the seat and cut, or just get so bumpy that it no longer seals.

To fix the leak, you will need the following tools:

1. Use a screwdriver to gently pry open the button covering the screw and remove the handle.

2. An adjustable wrench to remove the valve stem.

3. The faucet tool, available at most hardware stores for about $12.00. Pick it up when you go to get the part.

 

Turn off the water by closing the angle stop under the sink. By closing one side at a time, you'll be able to identify which one is leaking, but I always replace them both.

Once the water is off, open the hot and cold sides to drain any water in the lines, then remove the knob. I always put the screws on the knobs and keep them away from the sink.

Next, you will use an adjustable wrench to turn counterclockwise to remove the valve stem. Be sure to save the nylon washer that seals the nut to the faucet body.

 

With the stem removed, you can look at the rubber gasket on the end. Next stick your pinky into the hole where the stem comes out. You'll notice the rubber-tight edge seats. The top edge of the seat should be smooth. If it's rough or has debris in it, you'll also need to replace the seat.

 

Check the ends of the stems. If the brass is damaged, you will need to buy a new stem. If this is a newer model faucet, the rubber will be facing up and shrouded inside the stem assembly, with the stem snug against the rubber. In this case, there are no seats.

 

In plastic faucets, there are many different stem designs, but once they start dripping, you basically need to replace the stem barrel.

 

In all three cases, I recommend taking the old part to the hardware store to make sure you get the correct part.

 

When you come back, reassemble the faucet in reverse order. If you need to replace the seat, you can remove the seat by inserting a tool into the hole in the center and turning it counterclockwise. When you put the new ones in, make sure they are fastened.

 

After reassembly, remove the hole punch from the end of the faucet arm. Then turn on the water and check if the drip has healed. Let the water flow for one minute while cleaning the aerator. Reinstall the aerator after cleaning. This will fix the faucet.