Question
I have a vintage bathroom faucet with drips under the sink.
Water runs down the pop-up rod.
I also see water under the faucet base.
The leak is right in the middle of the faucet.
I removed the handles and valve stems.
I added new washers.
I also added graphite stem packing rope.
I placed packing under and above the steel washer.
The steel washer sits below the hold-down nut.
I thought the leak came from the valve stem.
But the faucet still leaks.
Can anyone help me stop this leak?
Answer
The leak is likely not from the valve stem. It is more likely from the faucet body, spout seal, or the gasket under the faucet base.
A stem leak usually shows up near the handle.
It often leaks when the faucet is turned on.
But your water is showing up in the middle.
It also runs down the pop-up rod.
That points to water entering above the sink.
Then it travels through the faucet body area.
It may also follow the drain lift rod.
Water often takes a strange path.
So the drip may not start where you see it.
What To Check First
Dry the whole faucet and sink area.
Use paper towels under the faucet.
Then run only cold water.
Watch the center hole under the sink.
Next, run only hot water.
If it leaks only while water runs, check the spout.
The spout may need new O-rings.
Some vintage faucets use seals inside the body.
These seals can fail with age.
If it leaks when water sits on the deck, check the base gasket.
Old plumber’s putty can dry out.
A cracked gasket can also let water pass.
Water can then drip through the center hole.
Do Not Add More Packing Yet
More stem packing may not solve this leak.
Too much packing can make the handle hard to turn.
It can also hide the real problem.
The Home Depot explains that faucet stems help control water flow.
Their guide also shows how stems and cartridges are removed during repairs.
You can read more at The Home Depot leaky faucet guide.
Best Fix For This Vintage Faucet
Remove the faucet from the sink if possible.
Clean the sink deck very well.
Remove old putty, grime, and mineral buildup.
Check the gasket under the faucet base.
Replace it if it is hard or cracked.
Use plumber’s putty only where the faucet maker allows it.
Some surfaces need silicone instead.
Also check the spout O-rings.
If the faucet is very old, replace all soft seals.
Use exact parts when you can find them.
Bring the stem and spout parts to a plumbing shop.
They can often match old parts better than big stores.
Why This Leak Matters
Small faucet leaks can waste a lot of water.
EPA WaterSense says one drip each second can waste over 3,000 gallons yearly.
You can learn more from EPA WaterSense Fix a Leak Week.
Final Tip
If the faucet has hidden cracks, the repair may not last.
At that point, replacement may be smarter.
But first, check the base gasket and spout seals.
Those are the most likely causes here.
I’m Chris Mayer, writing for Plumbing 101.
