Here’s How to Stop Water Leaks in Your Home

From kitchen taps to bathroom tubs, water leaks can occur anywhere in your home. While a leaky faucet may seem like a small nuisance, it can turn into a full-blown plumbing problem if it’s not taken care of immediately. Water pooling under sinks or on surfaces can lead to extensive property damage and mould, which can be harmful to you and your family. Wasted water can also add up to higher bills. Most water leaks can be easily addressed with some quick DIY plumbing repairs. Here’s how to do them.

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

A dripping faucet can be a source of irritation but there’s no need to fret. Fixing a leaky faucet is usually easy and inexpensive. These simple steps will help you fix a variety of faucets in your home.

Compression Faucets

Most leaky compression faucets simply need a seat washer replacement:

1.  Shut off the water supply 

2. Use a screwdriver to remove the faucet handle 

3. Use pliers to remove the valve stem assembly and cover 

4. Remove the seat washer and clean any residue 

5. Coat the new washer in plumber’s grease and install it 

6. Remove, recoat and replace the O-ring if needed 

7. Reassemble the faucet and turn on water supply

Cartridge Faucets

Cartridge faucets are designed to be easily replaced when the tap begins to leak:

1. Shut off the water supply 

2. Remove the faucet handle with a screwdriver 

3. Remove the retaining nut with a wrench 

4. Remove the retention clip and cartridge 

5. Coat the new cartridge in plumber’s grease and replace cartridge 

6. Reassemble the faucet and turn on water supply

Ball Faucets

Ball faucets contain more parts than other faucets, so it’s best to buy a replacement kit when faced with a leaky faucet:

1. Shut off the water supply 

2. Remove the faucet handle with a screwdriver 

3. If faucet leaks from the base, tighten the locking collar 

4. If the faucet leaks from spout, remove the top cap, ball assembly, valve seals and spout 

5. Coat the new spout O-ring in plumber’s grease and install it 

6. Install new valve seals and ball, reassemble the faucet, and turn the water on

Ceramic Disk Faucets

Ceramic disk faucets often leak because the rubber seals get damaged and require replacement: 

1. Shut off the water supply 

2. Remove the faucet handle with a screwdriver 

3. Remove the disc cartridge 

4. Remove the seals and clean the port 

5. Coat the new spout O-ring in plumber’s grease and replace it 

6. Reassemble the faucet and turn on the water

How to Fix a Dripping Showerhead

A leaking showerhead is not only a nuisance but can also leave behind unsightly stains: 

1.  Shut off the water supply and remove the showerhead 

2. Soak the showerhead in cleaning vinegar overnight to remove residue 

3. Check the washer or O-ring for wear and replace if needed 

4. Wrap the shower arm with thread-sealing plumber’s tape or replace the showerhead if broken 

5. Reassemble and reattach the showerhead and turn on the water

How to Fix a Leaking Bathtub or Shower

A shower or bathtub faucet leak can keep you up at night. If it’s the tub or plumbing pipes behind the wall that need replacing, you’ll need to call a plumber. Although many times, all that’s required is a new drain or caulking:

Replacing the Caulking

1. Use a utility knife to cut away all the old caulking in the tub or shower 

2. Replace any loose grout between tiles 

3. Treat any mould you find with mould cleaner 

4. Apply caulking with a caulking gun 

5. Remove any excess caulking and allow to thoroughly dry

Fixing the Drain

1. Remove the stopper 

2. Unscrew the drain flange and remove it 

3. Remove old putty from around the drain 

4. Wrap plumber’s tape around the threads of the flange, and apply plumber’s putty to underside 

5. Reinstall the drain flange and remove excess putty

How to Fix a Leaking Toilet

A leaking toilet is a big concern, but a little DIY know-how may fix the problem without calling in a plumber. The first thing to do is tighten up the floor bolts and replace the washers if they’re worn out. If the leak persists, here’s what to do: 

1.  Shut off the water supply and drain the water from the toilet tank 

2. Disconnect the toilet floor bolts and remove the toilet 

3. Use a putty knife to remove and replace the toilet wax ring 

4. Replace the toilet and reconnect the water supply 

5. Clean the toilet and floor thoroughly

How to Fix a Leaking Kitchen Sink

A leaking kitchen sink is often caused by a faulty drain or drainpipe. A simple DIY fix can save you money on a service call: 

1.  Tighten the slip nuts between pipes with a pipe wrench 

2. Replace any old or cracked rubber gaskets at pipe connections 

3. Disconnect the drainpipe from bottom of the sink strainer 

4. Remove the locking nut from the strainer 

5. Wipe the drain hole clean with paper towel and apply plumber’s putty around drain 

6. Replace the sink strainer and check for leaks

How to Repair Leaking Pipes

Leaking pipes is a serious concern as the issue will likely only worsen over time. Here’s some handy items to have on hand.

Plumber’s Tape: 

Plumber’s tape is an effective sealant for worn out threads and joint fittings. Simply wrap the flexible tape around the worn threads to patch up leaks on low-pressure lines. 

Silicone Tape: 

Self-fusing silicone tape is helpful for fixing hairline cracks not found at the joints . Simply wrap the tape around exposed pipes, stretching it tight in overlapping layers for a seamless waterproof layer. 

Epoxy Putty: 

Pipe or epoxy putty is also a good quick fix for repairing leaky pipes. Knead the putty first until it’s pliable, then apply it to the leak and allow it to harden. 

Pipe Wrench: 

A pipe wrench is an adjustable wrench specially designed for use on threaded pipes. The jaws are serrated for gripping, and the top jaw adjusts up and down to fit different size pipes.

Addressing water leaks promptly is essential to preventing damage and inhibiting mould growth. If it’s just a leaky faucet or showerhead your DIY fix should solve the issue. If it’s leaking pipes, be sure to call a plumber to inspect the area and replace the pipes if necessary.