Whether it is the water pooling under the sink or the dripping sound keeping you up at night, the issues brought about by a leaky faucet can be bothersome and can turn into a full-blown problem if you fail to address them properly. Fortunately, that task of fixing such a component is just simple and inexpensive, which can be easily done by a DIY-er, such as yourself.
1. Gather all the tools and materials that you are going to need for the project. Fixing a leaking bathroom sink faucet usually requires an adjustable or C wrench, a flat-head or Phillips screwdriver, O-rings, replacement washers and penetrating oil, such as CRC or WD-40.
2. Make sure you will not be making matters worse a mess worse by transforming the just-leaking faucet into one where water is gushing through. Before you start using the wrench or screwdriver on the fixture, see to it that the water supply is turned off, from the knob controlling the water coming in from the main line to the handle over the bathroom sink.
3. Remove any decorative component of the handle knob by simply prying it with a flat-head screwdriver. As you will see, underneath the knob is where you will find a screw that mounts the handle to the stem, which you should unscrew to remove the handle. While at it, do not forget to use penetrating oil to help loosen it more easily.
4. With the wrench, loosen the packing nut, which will reveal the stem, which should also be removed. Depending on the type of faucet installed in your bath, some stems would pop right off, while others would twist off from the valve. After removing the parts, check them for damage.
5. If everything is okay at this point, you can then inspect the washer and O-ring inside the valve seat, which could also be the reason for the leak. If these parts are causing the problem, then replace them with new ones. It is very important to make sure the replacement parts are a perfect fit, or else they will still leak after you re-install your faucet. You might want to take your old washer and O-ring to your local hardware shop to verify the appropriate size. You will also have the option to buy a package that includes many O-rings with different sizes.
6. From here on, reassemble all the parts carefully and orderly from the washer/O-ring, stem, packing nut, screw to the handle. Turn the knob gently and slowly to test the running water and check to see if the leak is gone.
Do not ignore that leaking faucet in your bathroom, as all those wasted drops of water can add up to a huge bill. And if the faucet is still dripping after all of the work you have done, then the leak might be caused by corrosion in the valve seat. As you can see, this can produce leaks near the spout if not cleaned over time. If this and other serious plumbing problems are the cause, then it might be best to call on a professional to get the job done for you.