Knowing how to fix a leaky faucet will save money, and it’s easy. To fix a leaky rotary ball faucet (or rotating ball faucet) you usually just tighten the cap or cap-adjusting ring. Tightening the cap works because most leaks in rotary ball faucets occur around the handle or spout. If that doesn’t stop the leak, buy a repair kit and replace the faucet’s internal parts.
Gather your materials, turn off the water, and empty the pipes.
![Gather your materials, turn off the water, and empty the pipes.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/243887.image0.jpg)
You’ll need a hex wrench, screwdriver, silicone grease, and utility knife as well as a repair kit for your brand of faucet (which includes O-rings, seats, and springs) and a replacement faucet ball, if needed. Shut off the water under the sink, and let the faucet run until water stops.
Loosen the setscrew in the faucet handle.
![Loosen the setscrew in the faucet handle.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/243889.image2.jpg)
Use a hex wrench to loosen the setscrew.
Remove the handle and unscrew the cap.
![Remove the handle and unscrew the cap.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/243891.image4.jpg)
Use a rag or a pair of cushioned pliers to unscrew the cap.
Remove the cam assembly from the faucet.
![Remove the cam assembly from the faucet.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/243893.image6.jpg)
The plastic cam and cam washer are usually one piece.
Remove and inspect the ball.
![Remove and inspect the ball.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/243895.image8.jpg)
Lift out the ball. Inspect each part for damage. Replace with parts from the kit as needed.
Insert the tip of a screwdriver into the rubber seat and pull it out.
![Insert the tip of a screwdriver into the rubber seat and pull it out.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/243897.image10.jpg)
It may take a couple of tries to remove each seat in the faucet body, so be patient.
Use the same method to remove each spring.
![Use the same method to remove each spring.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/243899.image12.jpg)
You may need to twist the springs slightly to break them loose from the faucet body.
Remove the spout assembly to access the O-rings.
![Remove the spout assembly to access the O-rings.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/243901.image14.jpg)
Simply lift off the spout and pry off the old O-rings. Cut them off with a utility knife if necessary.
Grease the faucet and install new O-rings.
![Grease the faucet and install new O-rings.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/243903.image16.jpg)
Coat the faucet body lightly with silicone grease, and install new O-rings.
Install the new springs and seats by pressing them in place with your fingers.
![Install the new springs and seats by pressing them in place with your fingers.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/243905.image18.jpg)
Be sure to insert the springs before the seats.
Insert the ball so that it sits snugly.
![Insert the ball so that it sits snugly.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/243907.image20.jpg)
The small tab on the ball should fit into the notch in the faucet body or the faucet won’t work.
Screw on the cam and cap and reinstall the handle.
![Screw on the cam and cap and reinstall the handle.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/243909.image22.jpg)
Tighten the setscrew in the handle with a hex wrench.
If your faucet has a plastic ball, replace it with a metal one. Plastic types can wear out in less than a year, which means that you’ll be doing this repair again before you know it.