How do you fix a leaky faucet yourself?

To fix a leaky faucet yourself, follow these steps:

1. Turn Off the Water Supply: Locate the shutoff valves under the sink and turn them off. If no valves are available, shut off the main water supply to your home. After turning off the water, open the faucet to relieve any remaining pressure and ensure no water flows out^[2][3].

2. Identify the Faucet Type: Determine whether you have a compression, cartridge, ball, or ceramic disk faucet. Knowing the type will help you figure out the likely cause of the leak^[2][4].

3. Take the Faucet Apart: Cover the sink drain with a rag to prevent losing any small parts. Remove the handle by unscrewing the screws or popping off decorative caps as needed. Depending on the faucet model, you might need to detach the spout or the entire faucet from the counter to access the internal parts^[2][3][4].

4. Inspect and Replace Worn Parts: Check the internal components, looking for worn washers, O-rings, or cartridges. For traditional compression faucets, worn washers are often the issue, while O-rings might need replacing in other types. If you have a cartridge faucet, you might need to replace the entire cartridge^[2][4].

5. Clean the Components: Use distilled white vinegar and a soft scouring pad to clean any mineral deposits from the faucet parts. This cleaning may help improve the performance of your faucet^[4].

6. Reassemble the Faucet: After replacing any damaged parts, carefully reassemble the faucet in the reverse order of disassembly. Ensure all components are securely tightened, but avoid over-tightening^[3][4].

7. Turn the Water Back On: Slowly open the shutoff valves, keeping the faucet open until water flows freely and air is expelled from the pipes. Once water is flowing smoothly, check for leaks^[3][4].

By following these steps, you can effectively fix a leaky faucet yourself and save on repair costs. If you're unsure about any step, consider watching instructional videos for additional guidance^[5].