Sooner or later, a lot of homeowners face a problem of a leaking bathroom faucet. Generally, leaks in the faucet are caused by a worn-out O-ring or cartridge, worn seats, or washers in its assembly.
The good news is that all these parts are conveniently available and can be easily replaced. You can buy the parts from a nearby hardware store.
Fixing a leaky bathroom faucet is easy and will not take a lot of time. Keep in mind that if you do not understand the problem or are not willing to indulge in this plumbing task, you must call a plumber instead.
Causes Of A Bathroom Faucet Leaking At The Base
There are many reasons that lead to leaky faucets at the base. Here are the top causes:
Damage in the Cartridge
A faucet with two separate handles for hot and cold water is called a cartridge-type faucet. This cartridge is like a valve present on both the handles that will control the water flow into the spout. Dripping water may be a sign of a damaged cartridge.
Washers are Broken
A common reason that leads to leaking faucets is that the washers are broken. Washers are present near the valve seat. With time and usage, the friction caused can wear out these washers.
This causes the faucets to leak. A wrong-sized washer or a washer that is not installed properly can also cause a water leak.
Water Pressure
There may be certain times when the faucet starts to leak immediately. If you notice, your bathroom faucet only drips when the faucet’s handles are moved in a particular way. This is possible due to the different water pressures.
Malfunctioning of the O-Ring
A sink faucet has an O-ring placed at the stem screw in your sink faucet. It is like a small disc to hold the faucet handle in place. Just like washers, these O-rings can become loose or worn out with time leading to leaks.
 Damaged Valve Seat
The faucet might start leaking from the spout if the valve seat is damaged. The valve seat is a part that connects the spout and the faucet. It can be damaged due to corrosion or sedimentation and lead to causing a leak.
Symptoms Of A Bathroom Faucet Leaking At The Base
Apart from hearing or seeing your faucet leak, there are many symptoms that the bathroom faucet is leaking at the base.
Angle of water flow
If water from your faucet is not flowing in a straight line and creating a sputtering sound, there can be a minor damage or major part deterioration.
Noisy Handle
Opening and closing the faucets should be a smooth operation. Any difficulty in turning the handle or any scraping noise means that there is a problem. Some issues may be small and can be corrected using a lubricant, while some may need the intervention of a plumber.
Deposits of minerals on the Faucet
You may notice mineral deposits or rust near the base of the faucet. This indicates that the faucet needs a replacement. These deposits are an indicator that your faucet has deteriorated completely.
Weird Sounds
You, at times, may hear weird sounds like shrieking or screeching in the faucets. These sounds indicate a problem with the rubber washer and needs a replacement. However, clanging sounds need to be checked by a plumber to diagnose the problem.
 Water Spots
Dried water spots under the sink, on the floor, or on ceilings also signal a leak. Any water spot should not be ignored. Check for the nearest faucet to discover a leak.
 Loose Faucet handles
Faucet handles may get loosened if there are any leaks. A loose handle breaks the connection between your pipes and the water supply, which can let water out.
Puddles near the base
Leaks can be discovered if there are any water puddles near the base. A cracked O-ring or a valve cartridge could lead to leaks.
Steps To Fix A Bathroom Faucet Leaking At The Base
Water can leak from a faucet in different ways. Water puddles may appear at the base even if there is a handle leak. You must confirm first that the water near the base is not due to a handle leak.
You may wrap a towel on the handle and turn on the faucet to check for leaks. If there is a handle leak in the faucet, the towel will get wet.
If the leak is from the base of the faucet, you can fix the leak in the following manner:
1. If the faucet has a single handle, remove the aerator and clean it properly. Rethread it onto the faucet to fix the leak.
· The spout base leak will be fixed if the problem does not persist.
· If the issue persists, you will need a replacement of the cartridge.
2. If the faucet has two handles, remove the aerator and clean it properly. Rethread it onto the faucet to fix the leak.
· The spout base leak will be fixed if the problem does not persist.
· If the issue persists, you will need a replacement of the cartridge.
· If the faucet is a mini, two-handle widespread one, you need to replace its O-rings.
Preventive Measures To Avoid A Bathroom Faucet Leaking At The Base
1. Washers provide a seal and avoid leaks. With time, washers become brittle, and water starts to leak. Inspect the washers to prevent leaks.
2. Check the screws holding the faucet, as they can become loose with time. If you notice loose screws, simply tighten them to stop the leak.
3. Repeated use can cause wear and tear, small cracks, and serious leaks. Inspect the faucet for any cracks and get them repaired before any major damage.
4. Keep checking for the water pressure, as frequent changes can corrode the pipes.
5. Clean the debris regularly to avoid any blockages. Rinse using a cleaning solution to avoid damaging the faucet.
6. Check that the shutoff valve is not corroded or damaged. By regularly checking and replacing, you can prevent leaks.
7. Keep checking for any corrosion near and on the faucet. Corrosion can result in cracks, which can cause a leak. Remove corrosion using
a cleanser and a cloth.
Conclusion
Coming home to see the base of the sink full of water is definitely something no one wants. These preventive measures and easy fixes will prevent you from waking up to the sight of a dripping faucet.
The good news is that these steps are easy and will definitely prevent your faucet base from leaking.
