How To Repair Leaking Wash Basin Faucet
A leaking wash Basin Faucet can waste a surprising amount of water and raise your utility bills, not to mention the constant dripping sound that can drive anyone crazy. Fortunately, fixing a leaking faucet is usually straightforward once you identify where the leak is coming from.
1. Identify the Type of Faucet
Before starting any repair, determine your faucet type, as the internal parts differ:
| Faucet Type | Description | Common Leak Location |
|---|---|---|
| Compression faucet | Two handles for hot and cold water | Worn washers at handle stems |
| Cartridge faucet | One or two handles with smooth motion | Damaged O-rings or cartridge |
| Ceramic disc faucet | One handle, durable mechanism | Worn seals or cracked disc |
| Ball faucet | Single handle, spherical valve inside | Worn springs or rubber seats |
Most modern wash basin faucets (including those from Funjay Sanitary) use ceramic disc or cartridge mechanisms, which are more durable and easier to repair.
2. Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Prepare these items before starting:
Adjustable wrench
Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
Allen (hex) wrench
Replacement cartridge, washer, or O-ring (as needed)
Plumber’s grease or silicone lubricant
Towels or sponge
Bucket or bowl
White vinegar (for cleaning mineral buildup)
3. Step-by-Step Faucet Leak Repair
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the shutoff valves under the basin and turn them clockwise to close both hot and cold lines.
If there are no local valves, turn off the main household water supply.
Step 2: Plug the Drain
Use a sink stopper or cloth to prevent small parts from falling down the drain during the repair.
Step 3: Inspect Where the Leak Is Coming From
There are typically three leak zones:
At the spout: Dripping when faucet is off → worn cartridge or valve seat.
At the handle base: Water seeping while faucet runs → damaged O-ring.
Under the sink: Puddles or corrosion → loose fittings or cracked supply hoses.
Once identified, proceed to disassemble that section.
4. Disassemble the Faucet
For Single-Handle Faucets:
Use an Allen wrench to remove the small set screw behind or under the handle.
Lift the handle off the cartridge assembly.
Remove the retaining nut using an adjustable wrench.
Pull out the cartridge or ceramic disc unit gently.
For Double-Handle Faucets:
Pry off decorative caps on each handle.
Unscrew the handles and remove the valve stems.
Inspect the rubber washers and O-rings at the base of each stem.
5. Clean and Replace the Worn Parts
a. Replace Washers or O-Rings (for compression faucets)
Remove the old washer at the bottom of the stem.
Install a new washer of the same size.
Apply a thin layer of plumber’s grease before reassembly.
b. Replace the Cartridge or Ceramic Disc (for modern faucets)
Pull out the old cartridge.
Soak it in white vinegar if clogged, or replace it entirely if damaged.
Align the new cartridge according to the notches in the valve body.
c. Clean the Valve Seat
Check inside the faucet body where the cartridge or stem sits.
Wipe away debris or use vinegar to remove mineral buildup.
6. Reassemble the Faucet
Reinsert the repaired or new cartridge/stem into the faucet body.
Tighten the retaining nut gently.
Reinstall the handle and tighten the set screw.
Turn the water supply back on slowly.
Test the faucet for leaks.
If the leak persists, double-check the alignment of the cartridge or replace additional seals.
7. Repairing Leaks Under the Sink
If water is leaking beneath the basin:
Check the supply hoses: Tighten with an adjustable wrench; replace if cracked.
Inspect the faucet base: Apply new plumber’s putty or silicone sealant if necessary.
Look at the drain assembly: Ensure gaskets are not worn or loose.
Even small drips under the sink can cause cabinet damage over time, so tighten or replace fittings as needed.
8. Preventing Future Leaks
| Maintenance Step | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Clean aerators every 3 months | Removes debris and maintains water flow |
| Turn handles gently | Prevents O-ring wear |
| Check connections yearly | Detects early signs of corrosion |
| Flush lines after installation | Clears debris that can damage seals |
| Use soft water if possible | Reduces mineral buildup |
9. Why Funjay Sanitary Faucets Are More Leak-Resistant
Funjay Sanitary designs every wash basin faucet with precision-engineered components that reduce the risk of leaks and simplify maintenance.
Key Features:
High-quality ceramic disc cartridges tested for over 500,000 cycles.
Solid brass bodies that resist corrosion and cracking.
Double O-ring seals for watertight operation.
Pre-installed hoses and quick-mount systems for easy setup.
Top-mount installation design — no basin wrench required for service or replacement.
These innovations ensure that leaks are rare and repairs—if ever needed—are fast and tool-friendly.
10. Summary
Repairing a leaking wash basin faucet involves:
Turning off the water supply.
Identifying where the leak is coming from.
Disassembling the faucet carefully.
Replacing damaged washers, O-rings, or cartridges.
Reassembling and testing for leaks.
If you prefer to avoid frequent maintenance, choosing a Funjay Sanitary faucet with ceramic disc technology and corrosion-resistant brass construction ensures long-term leak-free performance.
Durable design. Smooth operation. Reliable sealing — that’s the Funjay standard.
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