How to Repair a Leaky Copper Sink Faucet

A copper sink faucet is something that you will have to take special care of whenever you are repairing. Copper is a material that is much more fragile than other kinds and will need to be taken care of with a little TLC and extra protection. You will find that being able to repair a leaky faucet is simple. Repairing a leaky copper faucet is also simple, but will require a few more steps to make sure that it is done properly.

Step 1 – Turn off Water

The first thing that you are going to have to do is get the main water supply turned off to the sink that you will be working on. This is something that you will have to do before you begin anything else. Not doing this could result in flooding your home. The shut off valve should be right below the faucet that you are working on. You can also turn off the water going into the entire house. If you do this, then you will need to turn on all of the faucets to let the water out. However, if you just turn off the water to the faucet you are working on, then that is the only faucet you will have to open up.

Step 2 – Packing Nut

Once you are sure that the water is turned off, you will then need to get the packing nut loosened up. This will be inside or right below your faucet handles. Make sure that whenever you are working with anything made of copper that you wrap it in a towel before you use any tools on it. Copper is a material that can dent or be dinged very easily. You will pull on the faucet handle so that you can remove the entire valve unit. You may need to twist and turn it some to get it completely free.

Step 3 – Washer

Once you have the valve unit removed, you will need to find the old washer. It is typically underneath the actual valve unit. You will remove the screw that is holding the washer. You will then replace the old washer with one of the new ones that you have. Replace the screw as well.

Step 4 – Valve Unit

Once you have the new washer and screw in place, you will need to get the valve unit put back onto the faucet. You will turn the handle so that is in the correct position before you tighten it. Make sure that you use caution whenever you are tightening copper. Because it is fragile, tightening it too much can break it. Tighten it no more than you need to. From there, get the packing nut tightened as well.

Step 5 – Finish Up

Once everything is put into place and has been tightened, turn your water back on. If you still see a leak, then you may need to go back and use a different size washer.