Why You Shouldn't Ignore a Leaky Faucet

A faucet that drips once per second can waste thousands of gallons of water over the course of a year. Beyond the environmental impact, that shows up directly on your water bill. The good news? Most faucet leaks are fixable in under an hour with tools you likely already own.

What You'll Need

  • Adjustable wrench or basin wrench
  • Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
  • Replacement washers, O-rings, or cartridge (depending on faucet type)
  • Plumber's grease
  • A rag or bucket to catch water

Step 1: Identify Your Faucet Type

Before you buy any parts, you need to know what kind of faucet you have. The four main types are:

  • Ball faucets – Single handle that rotates over a rounded ball-shaped cap. Common in kitchens.
  • Cartridge faucets – Single or double handle. Cartridge inside controls water flow.
  • Compression faucets – Two separate handles (hot and cold). Oldest and most common type.
  • Ceramic disc faucets – Single lever over a wide cylindrical body. Very durable.

Step 2: Shut Off the Water Supply

Look under the sink for the shutoff valves — one for hot, one for cold. Turn them clockwise until they stop. Then turn on the faucet to release any remaining pressure in the line. Place a rag in the sink drain so you don't lose small parts.

Step 3: Disassemble the Faucet Handle

Most handles have a decorative cap hiding the screw. Pop it off with a flathead screwdriver, then remove the screw and lift off the handle. Set parts aside in the order you remove them — this makes reassembly much easier.

Step 4: Replace the Worn Part

This is where the fix actually happens. Depending on your faucet type:

  • Compression faucet: Replace the rubber washer at the bottom of the stem. This is the most common cause of dripping.
  • Cartridge faucet: Pull out the old cartridge and take it to a hardware store to find a matching replacement.
  • Ball faucet: Replace the springs, seats, and O-rings — most hardware stores sell a repair kit for this.
  • Ceramic disc: Clean the ceramic disc with white vinegar. If cracked, replace the entire cylinder.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Reassemble the faucet in reverse order. Hand-tighten connections first, then use a wrench for a firm (but not over-tight) seal. Slowly turn the water supply back on and check for drips. Run the faucet for 30 seconds to flush out any debris.

When to Call a Plumber

If the faucet body itself is cracked, if you notice corrosion on the pipes, or if the leak persists after replacing parts, it's time to call a professional. But for the vast majority of dripping faucets, a $5–$15 repair kit and an hour of your time is all it takes.

Pro tip: Take photos at each disassembly step. If you ever get confused during reassembly, you'll have a clear visual reference on your phone.