1.   Because lining up openings creates less pressure than pushing a stopper into a hole, parts of washerless faucets last longer.

2.   All that changed with washerless faucets, which have all but replaced the old-style compression faucet.

3.   But even washerless faucets fail over time, which is what happened in my own kitchen last week.

4.   But some washerless faucets also have hot and cold handles.

5.   Most washerless faucet handles are held in place with a set screw that can be turned with an allen wrench of the right size.

6.   The third type of washerless faucet is the cartridge type.

7.   To fix a washerless faucet, remove the handle or handles and determine the type of mechanism it uses.

8.   While a compression faucet forces a washer into a hole to control the flow of water, washerless faucets work by lining up openings.