Why You Shouldn't Ignore a Dripping Faucet
Even a slow drip — say, one drop per second — can waste thousands of gallons of water over a year. Beyond the environmental cost, that's real money flowing down your drain. The good news: most leaky faucets are straightforward DIY repairs that don't require a plumber.
Identify Your Faucet Type First
The fix depends on the type of faucet you have. There are four main types:
| Faucet Type | How to Identify | Most Common Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Ball | Single handle that rotates over a dome-shaped cap | Replace ball, seats, springs, or O-rings |
| Cartridge | Single or double handle with a cartridge inside | Replace the cartridge |
| Ceramic Disc | Wide cylindrical body, single lever | Clean or replace the ceramic disc cylinder |
| Compression | Two separate handles that tighten to stop flow | Replace rubber washer or seat washer |
Tools and Materials You'll Need
- Adjustable wrench
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Replacement parts (specific to your faucet model)
- Plumber's grease
- Towels and a bucket
Step-by-Step: Fixing a Compression Faucet (Most Common in Older Homes)
- Shut off the water supply. Turn the shutoff valves beneath the sink clockwise until fully closed. Turn on the faucet to release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the handle. Pry off the decorative cap on top of the handle, then unscrew the screw underneath. Wiggle the handle free.
- Unscrew the packing nut. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut beneath the handle. Remove the stem by turning it the same direction you'd turn it on.
- Inspect and replace the washer. At the bottom of the stem, you'll find a rubber seat washer held by a brass screw. If it's worn, cracked, or flattened, that's your culprit. Replace it with an exact-match washer.
- Check the O-ring. While you're in there, inspect the O-ring on the stem. A worn O-ring causes leaks near the handle base. Replace it if it looks cracked or deformed.
- Reassemble and test. Put everything back in reverse order. Turn the water back on slowly and check for leaks.
Tips for Cartridge and Ball Faucets
For cartridge faucets, take a photo of the cartridge orientation before removing it — reinstalling it backwards is a common mistake. For ball faucets, buy a faucet repair kit specific to your brand (Delta, Moen, etc.) — these kits include all the small parts and are worth the few extra dollars.
When to Call a Plumber
If the leak is coming from the faucet body itself (not the handle or spout), if the shutoff valve under the sink is also leaking, or if you find corrosion in the supply lines, it's time to call a professional. These situations can escalate quickly if handled incorrectly.
Final Thoughts
Fixing a leaky faucet is one of the best-return DIY repairs you can do at home. With the right replacement parts and a bit of patience, most homeowners can handle this fix in under an hour — and enjoy the satisfaction of a silent, drip-free faucet.