Drippy Faucet

ChrisF79

Just the other day, I finished using my bathroom faucet and when I turned the knob, it just kept slowly dripping. Maybe 1 drop a second. The knob feels different than it did before in that it's not as smooth when you pull it up to turn it on. How do I fix this? Could it be as simple as tightening the screw up top?

Mike Swearingen

Brand of faucet? Double handle? Single handle?
The leak is internal (worn washer, or seats, etc.). A screw on top usually just holds the handle on.
Please let us know more about your faucet, and we'll be glad to help you fix it.
Mike
(NC Realtor)

ChrisF79

Thanks for the fast reply, Mike. It's a very basic faucet. It has a round handle on top that I pull up to get the water on. Then it turns clockwise for cold, counter-clockwise for hot. When it's on cold, it drips. If I turn it all the way to the hot side while it's off, it stops dripping.

Any ideas?

redline

The cartridge may need replacement. If it is older then it may need an o-ring replaced.

Ron The Plumber

If it's a moen faucet, then just a cartridge needs replaced.

ChrisF79

Heh, really bad follow up question, but what's the cartridge?

redline

The cartridge is what controls the water flow.

see link below.



http://www.moen.com/consumersupport/...3/moen0133.cfm

ChrisF79

Now when I go to buy this cartridge, are they standard? Or do I need to get one specifically for my model faucet? It's 2a in that picture on your link.

redline

Without knowing the brand that you have it is hard to say.
You said that this is an inexpensive faucet. How old is it?
If it is an older one and the finish is worn then it may be easier to replace the whole faucet. If you are able to.

If replacing the whole faucet is over your head then just try replacing the cartridge for now.

I would recommend that you bring the old cartridge with you to the hardware store to match it up with the new one. They have different styles/manufacturers. Some models have similiar cartridges.

You may have an off brand faucet and they may not even stock one for your faucet. It depends on the model.

Turn off the water before you do any work on the faucet.

Sellncars

Find out who the manufacturer of the faucet, some have free replacement parts available. I know that American Standard does, i just replaced mine a month ago, the faucet is 3 years old, and the parts were sent free.

Sellncars