Stop a dripping faucet
A drip that keeps going after the handle is off means a seal inside the faucet has worn out. On most single-handle faucets that's the cartridge; on older two-handle models it's usually a rubber washer. Turning the handle tighter won't stop it, but replacing that one part will. It's worth the half hour: a faucet dripping once a second adds up to more than 3,000 gallons a year.
What's inside the faucet
Before you buy anything, find out which kind you have. With the handle off, you'll see either a , a plastic or brass cylinder that lifts straight out, or a stem with a rubber washer on the end. The replacement has to match, so take the old part to the store.
The rest is taking things apart in order and laying the pieces out so you know how they go back.
Where the drip comes from
The seals inside wear down, and water gets through even with the handle all the way off.
On older two-handle faucets, the rubber washer hardens and cracks, so it can't seal against the metal seat.
In hard-water areas, scale can keep parts from closing completely.
If water leaks around the handle or the base of the spout instead of out the tip, the O-rings are the likely problem.
| Faucet | What's inside | Usual fix |
|---|---|---|
| Single handle that lifts and turns | Cartridge or ball | Replace the cartridge. Bring the old one to the store. |
| Two handles that turn several times | Compression stem with a rubber washer | Replace the washer and seat. |
| Two handles that turn a quarter turn | Ceramic disc cartridge | Replace the cartridge for that side. |
| Leaks around the handle or spout, not the tip | O-rings | Replace the O-rings and grease them. |
Swap the worn part
- Shut the water off under the sinkTurn both valves clockwise, then open the faucet to let the lines drain. Put a towel in the sink drain so small parts can't fall in.
- Take off the handlePry off the decorative cap, then loosen the set screw underneath. It usually takes a 2.5 mm or 3/32 inch Allen key. Lift the handle straight up.
- Take a photo, then pull the cartridgePhotograph how everything sits, remove the retaining nut or clip, and pull the cartridge straight up. On an older two-handle faucet, unscrew the stem instead and replace the rubber washer on its end. Note which way the tabs face.
- Take it to the storeBring the old cartridge with you. Brand and model matter, and matching it in person is much easier than guessing online.
- Grease it and put it backPut a thin coat of plumber's grease on the new O-rings, slide the cartridge in facing the same way as the old one, and put back the retaining nut or clip, the handle and the cap.
- Turn the water on and checkOpen the valves under the sink slowly and run the faucet on hot and cold. Shut it off and watch the spout for a few minutes, then check under the sink for drips. If hot and cold come out reversed, the cartridge needs turning 180 degrees.
Watch it done
- The spout stays dry for a few minutes after you shut it off
- No drips under the sink with the water running
- Hot comes out on the hot side and cold on the cold side
Still dripping? Check the cartridge is seated all the way down.
If it drips after the repair
If it drips after a new cartridge, make sure the cartridge is pushed all the way down and facing the right way. One sitting slightly high won't seal.
On a kitchen faucet with a pull-down sprayer, a drip can come from the sprayer hose connection. Look under the sink while the water runs.
What a pro typically charges (a rough estimate; prices vary by area): A plumber usually charges $150–$350 to repair a leaky faucet. Replacing the whole faucet with installation runs about $250–$600.
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