Determining which side of a faucet is leaking can be done through a simple process of elimination. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you identify the source of the leak:
Turn off the water supply: Before you begin inspecting the faucet, it's essential to turn off the water supply to avoid any potential accidents or further water leakage.
Identify the type of faucet: There are typically two types of faucets: compression faucets and cartridge faucets. Compression faucets have separate hot and cold handles, while cartridge faucets have a single handle that controls both hot and cold water.
Check the handles: Start by observing the faucet handles closely. If you have a compression faucet, check for any visible leaks around the handle bases. If you find water dripping from one of the handles, that's the side that's leaking.
Observe the spout: If you have a cartridge faucet or didn't find any visible leaks around the handles of a compression faucet, move on to the spout. Look for water dripping or pooling around the spout area. If you see water leaking from the spout, the issue is likely related to the cartridge or other internal components.
Test each handle: For cartridge faucets or if the leak is not apparent from the spout in a compression faucet, you can perform a simple test to identify which side is leaking. Turn off one water supply line (either hot or cold) under the sink or at the main water supply valve. With one side turned off, turn on the faucet and see if the leaking stops. If it does, you've identified the leaking side. If the leak persists, turn off the other water supply line and repeat the test.
Once you have identified the side that is leaking, you can proceed with the appropriate repair or replacement of the faulty components to fix the leak. If you are unsure about how to proceed with the repair, it's best to seek the assistance of a professional plumber.