Q–The faucet in my bathroom sink has started to leak. This is a single-handle, 5-year-old faucet that has no washers.
I’ve been told that it’s a cartridge-type faucet and should never leak, so when it does leak the whole faucet needs replacing. Is this true? Can such a faucet be repaired by a reasonably handy do-it-yourselfer?
A–Although these faucets have no washers, they do have O-rings that eventually wear out. Most such faucets are easy to repair when they start to leak.
If the leak is only around the handle, then the upper O-ring has to be replaced. If water drips from the spout after the faucet has been shut off, all the O-rings should be replaced (some have two rings; others, three).
The first step is to turn off water to the faucet. To get at the O-rings, you’ll have to remove the cartridge by first taking off the faucet handle. You’ll find the retaining screw under a cap that pries off. Next, pull out the retaining ring that holds the cartridge in place. Then pull the entire cartridge out of the faucet body by grabbing its stem with a pair of pliers. Replacement O-rings, and even a complete replacement cartridge, can be purchased at most plumbing supply outlets.
