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How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

Wanna learn how to fix a leaky faucet? Specifically a leaky Delta faucet? You’re in the right place.

A bathroom faucet leak can be one of the most frustrating things about being a homeowner. But don’t fear this common problem.

You can do this fix yourself and save your money for the movies instead.

Let’s dive in!

Getting Started with Leaky Faucets

This post deals with repairing a Delta bath sink two-handle center-set faucet. If that isn’t a mouthful I really don’t know what is. The faucet in question is in the picture.

This small quick project requires the following supplies:

If you have all of these tools or can borrow them the cost for the Delta replacement parts is under $20.00.

I’m sharing this tutorial because I’ve had to do this repair many times and discovered a few tips that will help you make it quick and painless. Plus, there’s a video for your viewing enjoyment. Don’t bother grabbing popcorn, it’s only 3 minutes long (tight budget, haha).

So let’s do it!

 

Determine How to Fix a Leaky Faucet…

The first step is to identify the type of faucet you have. In this case, I’m repairing a bathroom sink two-handle center-set faucet.

Then you’ll need to determine the area of the faucet that is leaking.

Is the leak coming from under the Delta bathroom faucet handle or is the leak coming from the aerator?

I knew the leak was coming from the aerator because I saw it first thing in the morning when I shuffled into the bathroom to begin my day. The pop-up stopper was always wet which indicated a persistent drip.

Turn the hot water shutoff valve under the sink to the off position (completely to the right). Check to see if the leak is still there. If the leak is gone you know the hot water side of the faucet is the culprit.

If the drip persists then you know the cold water side of the faucet is to blame.

You can also follow this flow chart to figure out HOW to fix the Delta bathroom faucet leak.

Delta Bathroom Faucet Repair Flow Chart

(A special thanks to Powell Svendsen for pointing out an error on the first version of my flow chart :))

Using a Delta Bathroom Faucet Repair Kit

Before you do anything make sure the water is turned off to the faucet. You’ll only have to shut off the water to the corresponding handle that was causing the drip.

As promised, here’s the video that walks you through this entire fix but you can also view the pictures below if you prefer that instead.

To access the Delta faucet cartridge and seats & springs you’ll have to remove the faucet handle & body.

Unscrew the delta faucet handle by hand and use an Allen wrench to loosen the set screw that holds the handle body in place.

Then remove the faucet handle body and set it aside.

Delta Bathroom Faucet Leaks-Unscrew the faucet handle
Delta Bathroom Faucet Leaks-Remove the faucet handle body

Unscrew the stem unit nut with channel locks.

And take a picture of the stem unit before you remove it with the channel locks.

Believe it or not, there is a proper way to reinstall it and a picture comes in handy.

Delta Bathroom Faucet Leaks-Loosen the stem unit nut with channel locks

Remove the old delta faucet cartridge with channel locks or needle-nose pliers.

Delta Bathroom Faucet Leaks-Remove the old cartridge with pliers

If you need to replace the little rubber seat and metal spring you can use needle-nose pliers to do so. I tried using my wife’s tweezers but they didn’t work (don’t tell her, she wouldn’t be happy).

Delta Bathroom Faucet Leaks-Extract the old seat and spring

I always put the new seat and spring down into the faucet together as one unit. Just make sure they’re oriented like in the picture below with the wider side of the spring facing down into the faucet.

Delta Bathroom Faucet Leaks-Make sure the wider side of the spring faces down

Finally, firmly press the seat & spring into the faucet. If you need to replace the cartridge because you had a drip coming from the aerator go ahead and do that now following the tips in my video.

As an FYI, one of my readers (Powell Svendsen) was able to clean the O-rings on the cartridge and eliminate a leak coming from the aerator. So you could give this a try before buying a new cartridge unit.

Thanks, Powell for sharing your great tip!!

Screw the stem unit lock nut onto the faucet base and put the Delta faucet handle back in place.

You’re done!!!

What’s Next

Very easy and you’ll save a call to the plumber.

Our other tutorial shares how to replace a bathroom faucet step-by-step.

If you’re doing a bathroom remodel and need help, join one of our online courses – they’ll make your bathroom renovation much easier!

Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to help.

Cheers,

Jeff




Delta Bathroom Faucet Repair