Why You Shouldn't Ignore a Dripping Faucet
A faucet that drips once per second wastes roughly 3,000 gallons of water per year. Beyond the environmental impact, that's money flowing straight down your drain. The good news? Most faucet leaks are caused by a worn-out washer or O-ring — inexpensive parts you can replace yourself in under an hour.
What You'll Need
- Adjustable wrench or basin wrench
- Flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers
- Replacement washers, O-rings, or cartridge (match to your faucet type)
- Plumber's grease
- A towel or small bucket
Step 1: Identify Your Faucet Type
Before buying any parts, determine which type of faucet you have:
| Faucet Type | How to Identify | Common Repair |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Faucet | Single handle that rotates over a dome cap | Replace ball, seats, or springs |
| Cartridge Faucet | Single or double handle, smooth on/off motion | Replace cartridge |
| Compression Faucet | Two handles that you tighten to turn off | Replace rubber washer |
| Ceramic Disc | Single lever, wide cylindrical body | Clean or replace disc cylinder |
Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply
Look under your sink for the shut-off valves — one for hot, one for cold. Turn them clockwise until closed. Then turn on the faucet to release any remaining pressure and drain residual water.
Step 3: Disassemble the Faucet
- Remove the decorative cap on the handle (usually pried off with a flat-head screwdriver).
- Unscrew the handle screw beneath and pull off the handle.
- Depending on your faucet type, unscrew the packing nut or retaining clip to access the cartridge or valve seat.
- Take photos as you go — this makes reassembly much easier.
Step 4: Replace the Worn Part
For a compression faucet, you'll see a rubber washer at the bottom of the stem. If it's flattened, cracked, or hardened, it's the culprit. Swap it for a matching replacement.
For a cartridge faucet, pull the cartridge straight up and out. Bring it to a hardware store to find an exact match, or use the manufacturer's model number to order one online.
Apply a thin coat of plumber's grease to all O-rings and moving parts before reassembly.
Step 5: Reassemble and Test
- Reverse your disassembly steps to put the faucet back together.
- Slowly re-open the shut-off valves under the sink.
- Turn the faucet on and off a few times and watch for drips.
When to Call a Plumber
If you see corrosion on the valve seat, cracks in the faucet body, or water leaking at the base rather than the spout, the issue may be beyond a simple washer replacement. In those cases, professional help will save you time and prevent further damage.
Pro tip: Keep a photo of your faucet's make and model number in your phone. It makes sourcing replacement parts dramatically faster.