Tired of hearing that constant dripping from your leaky faucet? Is the sound keeping you up at night? Then it’s time to fix it. Some homeowners put off plumbing repairs because it’s costly to hire a plumber. But this can result in bigger problems that are even more expensive to deal with later on.

The good news is that you have an option to repair the leak yourself. With the right tools and parts from Danco, your DIY faucet repair project will be a breeze. Ready to start? Here’s how:

Find the leak

The first thing you need to do is find the source of that annoying leak. If there’s a pool of water around the base of your faucet, that usually means that the O-ring needs a replacement or the packing nut must be tightened.

But if the leak comes from the faucet spout, then the cartridge or stem likely needs to be replaced. In that case, you should identify the type of faucet you have, so you can determine if you either need a stem (a two to three-handle sink or tub shower faucet) or a cartridge (single handle sink or tub/shower faucet).

Tools of the trade

Aside from faucet replacement parts, you will need white vinegar, a towel for cleanup, and Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers. You’ll find replacement parts at Danco.

Don’t forget to shut off the water supply

Before starting any repairs, remember to turn off your home’s water supply to prevent flooding. You’ll find the shutoff valves under the sink for bathroom or kitchen faucets. Turn a valve clockwise until it is tightly closed. If you can’t find it under the sink, you’ll need to turn off the main water supply valve, which is typically found in the basement near the water heater or washer and dryer.

For shower and bathtub faucet repairs, you’ll find the main water supply where the water main starts at your property’s boundary line.

Shut the drain

Repair parts and tools could fall into the drain and get lost. To prevent that, use the Danco Bathroom Sink Pop-up Stopper which comes in sleek matte black. It’s made of non-corrosive, durable plastic for outstanding performance and long-term reliability.

For the kitchen sink, use the Disposal Genie II to catch small particles and prevent objects from going down the drain while allowing water to flow freely. It comes in six colors and comes with a rubber scraper to help you clean dishes. Turn it clockwise to close the drain opening. The Disposal Genie II is available on Amazon, Wal-Mart, and the Home Depot.

Remove the handle

Insert the Allen wrench into the screw to remove the faucet handle. If the handle has a top screw cover, remove that with a flat head screwdriver. Loosen the screw under the cover with a Phillips screwdriver.

Remove and replace the stem or cartridge

These parts regulate water flow. With a wrench, they’re easy to loosen and remove. Replace the cartridge if it’s the source of the leak. Different sinks require different types of stems and cartridges, but you’ll easily find what you need using the Danco Faucet Part-Finder. Take a photo of the part and upload it, then you’ll find recommendations.

Check the faucet seals, O-rings, and rubber washers for signs of wear and tear (e.g., grooves or flattened washers). When you remove them, use a towel to clean off grime and soak them in white vinegar to remove mineral deposits. Reassemble and insert the new stem or cartridge after cleaning.

Reattaching the faucet handle

After assembling the new stem or cartridge, you can replace or reattach the faucet handle. You’ll need a new one if it’s damaged or worn. Need an upgrade? Check out Danco Cross-Arm Handles for a custom look in a finish like Oil Rubbed Bronze, Chrome, and Brushed Nickel. The Cross-Arm Handles are available on Amazon and the Home Depot.

With the right tools and Danco repair parts fixing a leaking faucet takes some time, but it is an easy DIY project that will save you water, money, and stress!