Stopping the drip on an older two-handle faucet
Quick answer
Most drips in older two-handle faucets come from worn rubber washers or valve seats. Replacing the washers and dressing the seats often stops the drip without replacing the faucet. If the body is corroded or parts are gone, a new faucet is the better fix.
Older San Gabriel bathrooms often have two-handle faucets, sometimes wall-mounted over a pedestal sink or in a tiled tub surround. Their design is simple, and simple means repairable.
Hot or cold?
Turn off the shutoff under the sink for one side at a time. If the drip stops when the hot is off, the hot valve is the culprit.
Compression faucets
Most older two-handle faucets are compression type. A rubber washer presses down on a brass seat to stop the water. Over time, the washer hardens and the seat gets pitted.
- Replace the washer and screw.
- Dress or replace the valve seat.
- Replace O-rings or packing if the handle leaks.
Cartridge faucets
Newer two-handle faucets use cartridges. Cartridges are model-specific, so we identify the brand before ordering.
Tub and shower valves
Tub valves with three handles behind tile work the same way. Their shutoffs are often missing, so the water main has to be off for the repair.
When to replace
- Corroded or cracked faucet body
- No parts available
- Chrome worn through
Wall-mounted faucets
Older pedestal and wall-hung sinks sometimes have faucets that come straight out of the wall or from the backsplash. Their valves work the same way, but access is through the front of the faucet, and the shutoffs are often in the wall or missing. We plan for a main shutoff on these.
Matching vintage looks
If you love the look of an old cross-handle faucet but parts are gone, reproduction faucets in polished nickel, chrome and brass match older bathrooms well and use modern cartridges.
Hard water
San Gabriel Valley water carries minerals that build scale on valve seats and aerators. Cleaning the aerator and descaling the valve seat during a repair helps the new washer seal.
The cost of a drip
A slow drip is easy to ignore, but it adds up on the water bill and leaves stains on porcelain. It also usually gets worse over time.
Compression faucets
Many older San Gabriel bathrooms have two-handle compression faucets, where turning the handle tightens a rubber washer against a seat. A drip from the spout usually means the washer is worn or the seat is pitted. A leak around the handle stem means the packing or O-ring has failed. These faucets are simple and rebuildable.
Rebuilding a compression faucet
Our steps:
- Turn off the shutoffs under the sink
- Pry off the handle cap and remove the screw and handle
- Unscrew the packing nut and the stem
- Replace the seat washer and screw on the stem's end
- Replace the packing or O-ring
- Check the seat with a finger; if rough, replace it or dress it with a seat tool
- Reassemble and test
Bring the old stem to the hardware store to match washers and parts. Many old faucets use standard sizes, though some need a specialty plumbing supply.
Cartridge faucets
Single-handle and newer two-handle faucets use cartridges. A drip usually means a worn cartridge or seals. Replacements are brand-specific; note the brand and take the old cartridge to the store.
Tub and shower valves
Old tub faucets with two or three handles are compression valves and drip the same way. Their stems are often deep in the wall, so a deep socket is needed. If seats are damaged, they can sometimes be replaced.
Old valves can also be replaced with a pressure-balancing valve, which requires opening the wall.
Mineral deposits
Hard water leaves deposits that wear seats and washers. Cleaning aerators and soaking parts in vinegar helps. Hard water around the San Gabriel Valley is common.
When to replace
If a faucet has been rebuilt several times, parts are hard to find, or the body is cracked, replacing it may be simpler. Choose a faucet with the same hole spacing to fit the sink.
Shutoff valves
Old shutoff valves may not close fully. If water keeps running after closing the shutoffs, the valves need replacing too. See toilet shutoff valves in older San Gabriel homes.
Water waste
A faucet dripping one drop per second wastes thousands of gallons per year. Fixing drips saves water and money.
Handles that spin or are stiff
A handle that spins without stopping the water has stripped splines on the stem or handle. Replacing the stem, and sometimes the handle, fixes it. A stiff handle usually needs the stem cleaned and lightly greased with plumber's silicone grease. Do not use petroleum grease on rubber parts, which makes them swell.
Matching vintage handles
Cross handles and porcelain index buttons marked HOT and COLD are common in older bathrooms. Replacement handles must fit the stem's spline count and size. Bringing the stem to a plumbing supply store gets the right match.
Before taking a faucet apart, close the drain and lay a towel in the sink so small screws and washers cannot fall down the drain. Lay parts out in order on a towel as they come off; it makes reassembly much easier.
What our visit involves
We shut off the water, repair or replace the stem, washer, seat or cartridge, and check the shutoffs. If replacement is better, we install a new faucet with new supply lines. See plumbing fixes.
Faucet calls on the west side of town usually mean lunch at Newport Seafood on Las Tunas.
Want us to handle it?
Call or text (626) 684-3505, Mon–Sat 8:30 AM–7 PM. Send a photo and we will give you an upfront quote.
Call or text (626) 684-3505