Quck answer
To fix a leaky laundry tub faucet, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the water supply: Locate the shut-off valve under the sink and turn it clockwise to stop the water flow.
2. Remove the handle: Use a screwdriver or an Allen wrench to remove the handle. Look for a small screw or set screw on the handle and unscrew it.
3. Take out the cartridge: Use pliers to remove the cartridge from the faucet body. This is usually located beneath the handle.
4. Replace the cartridge: Take the old cartridge to a hardware store to find an exact replacement. Install the new cartridge by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Reassemble the faucet: Put the cartridge back into the faucet body and reattach the handle.
6. Turn on the water supply: Turn the shut-off valve counterclockwise to restore the water flow.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix a leaky laundry tub faucet and prevent any further water wastage.
There are many fancy faucets available for kitchens and bathrooms, but laundry tub faucets are designed for durability rather than aesthetics, and they typically have simple screw-down valves. These valves, known as compression valves, are easy to repair when they start leaking. In fact, if you have access to a shutoff valve for the laundry room, the repair usually takes no longer than 10 minutes.
Leaky laundry tub faucets can have leaks either from the handle or the spout. While the cause of each type of leak may be different, the repair procedure is essentially the same for both. However, you will need different materials depending on the location of the leak. If the leak is from the spout, you will need a new washer for the base of the valve, and if the leak is from the handle, you will need new graphite string packing.
Materials You Will Need
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Wrench
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Phillips screwdriver
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Two valve seat washers
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Graphite string packing
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Flat-head screwdriver
Repairing an Old Laundry Tub Faucet
Whether your faucet is leaking from the spout or the handle, it is recommended to replace both the washer and the packing during the repair. This way, you won’t have to repeat the procedure in a few months.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water
If there is a dedicated valve for the laundry room, turn it off. If there is no dedicated valve, turn off the water supply for the entire house. Inform everyone about the repair and assure them that it won’t take long. Open both faucet handles completely and let the water drain out.
Step 2: Remove the Faucet Handles
Use a wrench to loosen and remove the retaining nuts that hold the faucet handles in place. In most cases, you won’t need to unscrew the handles from the valve stems to complete the repair, but it depends on the faucet design. If you do need to remove the handles, use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen and remove the screws that hold them on. While you are at it, you might as well repair the hot and cold valves, even if only one of them is leaking.
Step 3: Replace the Washers
Flip each valve over and locate the Phillips screw that holds the rubber or fiber compression washer. Remove the screw and replace the washer with a new one that is identical. Since you may not know the size of the washer you need until you take the faucet apart, you may need to bring the old washer to the hardware store to find a replacement. While you are there, pick up some graphite string packing.
Step 4: Repack the Handles
Remove the old packing material from under the retaining nuts using a flat-head screwdriver. Wrap new graphite string packing around the valve stem inside the nut. Wrap the packing in a clockwise direction so that it tightens when you screw the nut back onto the faucet. Three or four wraps should be sufficient.
Step 5: Reassemble the Faucet
Insert the valves into the holes in the faucet, screw on the retaining nuts, and tighten them with a wrench. Turn on the water and check for any leaks. If you notice any leaks, tighten the nuts until the leaks stop.
