🔧 Tighten That Faucet, Junior: Fixing a Leak with My Trusty Sidekick

Thanh Ong
Jul 20
2 min read

Welcome back to DIYDadQuests—where leaks fear us, wrenches respect us, and no drop escapes our judgment.

So there we were. The faucet was dripping. Drip… drip… drip.

Every drop was like a passive-aggressive reminder that I’m not the handyman I claimed to be when I installed that towel bar at a 30° angle last month. But this time, I had backup: my kid. My apprentice. My flashlight holder. My “are you sure you know what you’re doing?” consultant.

Today’s mission: stop the drip. Tighten the faucet. Save the water bill. Impress no one but ourselves.

🚿 Symptoms of a Faucet With Attitude

It drips even when off
It squeaks like it’s haunted
You tried “tightening it harder” and now it just spins and cries

It’s not broken—it’s just tired of your nonsense. Time to roll up those sleeves and become the faucet whisperer.

🧰 What You’ll Need:

An adjustable wrench (or as I call it, “The Pipe Persuader”)
Replacement washer or cartridge (bring the old one to the store—don’t guess)
Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
Plumber’s grease (not for toast)
Towel (for spills and dignity)
Your child, looking vaguely interested

🛠️ Step-by-Step: The Drip Stops Here

💧 Step 1: Turn Off the Water

There’s usually a valve under the sink. Turn it clockwise. Don’t skip this. Trust me. A splash surprise is not a bonding moment.

Bonus Dad Line:

“Son, the only pressure we want today is from Mom asking if this is taking all afternoon.”

🧼 Step 2: Plug the Drain

Stuff a towel or use a drain stopper. Because tiny screws love diving into pipes like they’re at a water park.

🪛 Step 3: Disassemble the Handle

Pry off the decorative cap (yes, it can be removed, just not willingly).
Unscrew the handle and remove it.
Your child will ask, “Are we allowed to break that?” The answer is: probably not.

🔧 Step 4: Remove the Old Part

Use the wrench to unscrew the nut holding the stem or cartridge in. Gently remove the part like it’s a tiny old man retiring from his plumbing career.

If it’s crusty, cracked, or smells like regret—it’s time for a new one.

🛠️ Step 5: Replace & Reassemble

Insert the new part, apply a touch of plumber’s grease.
Reverse the steps and put it all back together.
Let your kid do the final turn of the wrench so they feel like Thor.

🚰 Step 6: Turn the Water Back On & Test It

The faucet should be quiet. Confident. Not twitchy. If the drip is gone, high-five your kid and say:

“And THAT is how we fight water crime in this house.”