Why You Should Fix That Dripping Faucet Today
A faucet that drips once per second can waste thousands of gallons of water over the course of a year. Beyond the environmental impact, it quietly inflates your water bill month after month. The good news: most leaky faucets are a straightforward DIY fix that requires no special plumbing knowledge — just a little patience and the right tools.
What You'll Need
- Adjustable wrench or basin wrench
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Replacement washers, O-rings, or cartridge (based on faucet type)
- Plumber's grease
- Towels and a small bucket
- Needle-nose pliers (optional but helpful)
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 faucet – Has a single handle that rotates over a dome-shaped cap. Common in kitchens.
- Cartridge faucet – Single or double handle with a cartridge inside. Very common in bathrooms.
- Ceramic disc faucet – Wide cylindrical body with a single lever. Usually high-end and very durable.
- Compression faucet – Two separate handles you tighten to stop water. Older style, most prone to dripping.
Once you know the type, you can buy the correct replacement parts at any hardware store.
Step 2: Shut Off the Water Supply
Look under the sink for the shut-off valves — one for hot, one for cold. Turn them clockwise until they stop. Then turn on the faucet to release any pressure and drain remaining water. Place a towel or bucket under the sink to catch drips.
Step 3: Disassemble the Faucet Handle
Most handles have a decorative cap hiding a screw at the top. Pry off the cap with a flathead screwdriver, unscrew the handle screw, and wiggle the handle free. Take a photo before removing any parts — it'll help you reassemble correctly.
Step 4: Replace the Worn Part
- Compression faucets: Replace the rubber washer at the bottom of the stem. This is almost always the culprit.
- Cartridge faucets: Pull out the cartridge and take it to the hardware store to find an exact match.
- Ball faucets: Replace the entire ball kit — springs, seats, and O-rings typically come in a kit.
- Ceramic disc: Clean the ceramic disc with white vinegar. If cracked, replace the entire cylinder.
Apply a thin layer of plumber's grease to any rubber O-rings or washers before reassembling to extend their lifespan.
Step 5: Reassemble and Test
Put everything back in reverse order. Don't overtighten — hand-tight plus a quarter turn is usually enough for most parts. Turn the shut-off valves back on slowly and check for leaks. Run the faucet for 30 seconds and observe the connections.
When to Call a Plumber
If you see water damage inside the cabinet, notice low pressure throughout the house, or the faucet body itself is cracked, it's time to call a professional. But for the vast majority of drips and leaks, this repair is entirely within reach for any homeowner or renter.
Pro tip: Take photos of every disassembly step on your phone. If you get confused during reassembly, you'll have a visual reference to work from.