Leaky Faucet — How to Stop the Drip

That drip-drip-drip at 3 AM isn’t just annoying — a leaky faucet can waste 3,000+ gallons per year. The good news: most faucet repairs are straightforward DIY projects.

Before You Start

1. Turn off the water supply — valves under the sink, turn clockwise
2. Plug the drain — so you don’t lose small parts
3. Note your faucet type — the repair depends on it

Identify Your Faucet Type

Compression Faucet (Two Handles, Older Style)

• Separate handles for hot and cold
• Turn handles to open/close
• Uses rubber washers that wear out

Ball Faucet (Single Handle, Kitchen)

• Single lever that moves up/down and side to side
• Ball mechanism inside controls flow
• Common in kitchens

Cartridge Faucet (Single or Double Handle)

• Single lever or two handles
• Cartridge inside that lifts/rotates
• Most common modern type

Ceramic Disc Faucet (Single Lever, High End)

• Single lever
• Wide cylindrical body
• Uses ceramic discs (very durable)

Fixing a Compression Faucet

The rubber washer at the bottom of the stem is usually the problem.

1. Remove the handle (screw under decorative cap)
2. Unscrew the packing nut
3. Pull out the stem
4. Remove the old washer (held by a brass screw)
5. Replace with an identical washer (take old one to store to match)
6. Reassemble and test

Cost: Washers are $1-3.

Fixing a Cartridge Faucet

Replace the whole cartridge — it’s often easier than finding individual parts.

1. Remove the handle (screw under cap or at back)
2. Remove the retaining clip (if present)
3. Pull out the cartridge (may need to twist and pull)
4. Take it to the hardware store to match
5. Install the new cartridge
6. Reassemble and test

Cost: Cartridges are $10-40 depending on brand.

Tip: Note the cartridge orientation before removing — install the new one the same way or you’ll have reversed hot/cold.

Fixing a Ball Faucet

Ball faucets have multiple parts that can wear out. A repair kit includes everything you need.

1. Remove the handle
2. Remove the cap and collar
3. Use the tool from the kit to remove the cam
4. Remove the ball and old seals
5. Install new seals, springs, ball, and cam from the kit
6. Reassemble

Cost: Ball faucet repair kits are $15-35.

Fixing a Ceramic Disc Faucet

These rarely leak, but when they do:

1. Remove handle and escutcheon
2. Unscrew the disc cylinder
3. Check the seals at the bottom
4. Clean or replace seals
5. Reassemble

Tip: When turning water back on, do it slowly. Sudden pressure can crack ceramic discs.

When to Just Replace the Faucet

Sometimes replacement makes more sense than repair:

• Faucet is old and corroded
• Parts are discontinued
• Multiple repairs haven’t helped
• You want to upgrade anyway

Basic faucets start at $50. Mid-range at $150-300.

Call a Plumber If

• You can’t identify the faucet type
• Parts aren’t available
• The shutoff valves won’t close
• You’re not comfortable with the repair
• The faucet body is corroded or damaged

Cost: $125-275 including parts for most faucet repairs.

The Bottom Line

Most faucet leaks are worn washers, cartridges, or seals. Identify your faucet type, get the right replacement parts, and the repair takes under an hour. If the faucet is old and crusty, it might be time for an upgrade instead.