As homeowners we all have a tendency to ignore leaking faucets. The problem is that they can cost us up to $30.00 a month, depending on the severity of the leak.
The good news is that most of us in Louisville, CO can fix a leaking faucet with a little coaching and patience. The first thing to do is shut off the water to the faucet in questions. Most new homes have shutoff valves associated with individual fixtures or rooms and they will not be a problem to locate. If this is not the case you will have to shut off the water to the whole house, so plan accordingly.
After the water is off you need to take apart the faucet handle. Unscrew the tiny screw on the back or on top of the handle. Sometimes, for cosmetic reasons, these screws are hidden by plastic or metal buttons.
Now you should see the main handle screw which you can remove. At this point you can remove the handle assembly. Take off the packing nut, carefully, without damaging the metal. The proper tool is a pair of pliers or wrench. Remove the spindle by turning it clockwise and it should come out.
Now you can take out the screw that holds the washer in place. You will definitely need to replace the old washer, but take a look at the screw and the stem also. If they are damaged or corroded then they should be replaced as well. If any question take them to your local hardware store for their advice.
You will be at the hardware or home improvement store buying replacement washers already so they can guide you on the screw and stem as well. Make sure the washers are exact replacements or else the leak will persist. The experts at the home improvement store will guide you.
Now put in the new washer and reinstall the faucet assembly, reversing the steps here to put it back together. Turn the water supply back on and test the faucet to ensure the leak is gone.