This article is for informational purposes only. DIY repairs involve risks including personal injury and property damage. Always use appropriate safety equipment and consider consulting a licensed professional for plumbing, electrical, or structural work.
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
The rhythmic drip-drip-drip of a leaky faucet isn’t just annoying — it’s wasting water and money. A single dripping faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year. That’s roughly $100 in wasted water costs annually.
The good news? Many common faucet leaks can be repaired yourself with simple tools and inexpensive replacement parts. Here’s how.
⚠️ Safety first: Always wear eye protection when working under sinks — loosening fittings can send debris, water, or corrosion into your eyes. In older homes, faucets and pipes may contain lead or lead solder, so wash your hands after handling and avoid getting water in your mouth. Some jurisdictions require a permit or a licensed plumber for certain plumbing work, especially where building codes apply — check your local rules before starting. If you’re unsure, or if the work involves gas or involves modifying supply lines, consult a licensed plumber.
Identify Your Faucet Type
Before fixing anything, determine the type of faucet you have. This determines which part needs replacing.
| Faucet Type | How to Identify | Common Failure |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Two separate handles (hot and cold) | Worn rubber washer |
| Ball | Single lever handle | Worn O-rings or springs |
| Cartridge | Single handle (comes in many styles) | Worn cartridge or O-ring |
| Ceramic disk | Single lever, very smooth action | Dirty or cracked ceramic disks |
Step 1: Prep — Gather Tools & Turn Off Water
You’ll need:
- Adjustable wrench
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Allen wrench (hex key) set
- Replacement parts (washer, O-rings, or cartridge)
- Plumber’s tape
- A cloth or paper towels
Turn off the water:
- Look under the sink for shutoff valves on the hot and cold supply lines.
- Turn the valves clockwise to close them.
- If there are no shutoff valves, turn off the main water valve and open a lower sink faucet to drain residual water.
Step 2: Fix a Compression Faucet (Two Handles)
Most common type for older homes.
- Remove the handle cap (small cover on top) to expose the screw beneath.
- Remove the screw and pull off the handle.
- Remove the packing nut on the valve stem (should be a 6-sided nut).
- Pull out the stem assembly.
- Look at the bottom — you’ll see the rubber washer held by a small brass screw.
- Remove the screw, the old washer, and install the new one.
- Don’t forget to also check the O-ring around the stem (replace if cracked or worn).
- Reassemble everything in reverse order.
- Turn the water back on and test.
Order to check: If it leaks around the handle (not the spout), the packing nut or O-ring needs replacing. If it drips from the spout, the washer is worn.
Step 3: Fix a Cartridge Faucet (Single Handle)
Most common type in modern homes.
- Remove the handle — usually held by a small set screw (Allen wrench) or a screw under a cap.
- Remove the metal retaining nut or clip (may need pliers or an Allen wrench).
- Pull out the cartridge using needle-nose pliers or a cartridge puller.
- Take the old cartridge to a hardware store to get an exact match (they come in many sizes).
- Insert the new cartridge and secure it.
- Reassemble and test.
Cost: Cartridges cost $5-30, which is far cheaper than a plumber’s visit.
Step 4: Fix a Ball Faucet
Older single-handle type — identifiable by a rounded, rotating ball mechanism.
- Remove the handle and the three screws on the ring around the ball.
- Pull the cap, ball, and seals out of the body.
- Inspect the O-rings, springs, and seals — replace any that look worn.
- Replace the ball if it’s scratched or pitted.
- Reassemble — there’s a specific way the ball aligns, so note the position before removal.
Step 5: Fix a Ceramic Disk Faucet
The most modern type — very reliable, rarely leaks.
- Remove the handle.
- Remove the cartridge (the ceramic disk assembly).
- Check the ceramic disks for cracks or damage.
- Replace the cartridge if damaged.
- Often, simply cleaning the disks with a soft cloth fixes the problem — mineral buildup can prevent a proper seal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗ Forgetting to turn off the water — always do this first.
- ✗ Overtightening washers and nuts — hand-tight plus a quarter turn is usually enough.
- ✗ Using the wrong replacement part — take the old part to the hardware store with you.
- ✗ Not wrapping new threads with plumber’s tape — prevents leaks at the connections.
When to Call a Plumber
While most faucet leaks are DIY-friendly, call a professional if:
- You have a newer, high-tech faucet (touchless, sensor, or multi-function) — these often need specialized service.
- The faucet body is cracked or corroded.
- There’s water damage under the sink.
- You don’t have the correct tools or confidence.
- The leak persists after replacing the washer/cartridge — the valve seat may need resurfacing.
Costs Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| DIY fix (washer/cartridge) | $5-20+ | 30-60 min |
| Plumber visit | $100-300+ | 1-2 hours |
| Replace faucet (DIY) | $50-150+ | 1-2 hours |
| Replace faucet (professional) | $200-500+ | 1-3 hours |
Costs and times vary widely depending on your location, faucet type, and whether additional parts or repairs are needed.
The Bottom Line
Many faucet leaks can be repaired at home by identifying the faucet type, turning off the water, and replacing the worn washer, O-ring, or cartridge. Parts are typically inexpensive, and the process is often straightforward for basic faucet types.
Even if you’ve never fixed a faucet before, this is generally one of the more beginner-friendly DIY repairs. The satisfaction of stopping that drip is well worth it.