How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
Difficulty: Easy • Time: 30 min active, 45 min total • Estimated cost: $5-20 • Safety: DIY-friendly
Overview
A dripping faucet wastes up to 3,000 gallons of water per year — that's enough to fill a swimming pool. Beyond the waste, that constant drip-drip-drip is maddening. The fix is almost always a worn O-ring, cartridge, or washer that costs a few dollars to replace.
The trickiest part is figuring out what type of faucet you have: cartridge, ball, ceramic disc, or compression. Don't worry — we'll help you identify it. Once you know the type, the repair is straightforward.
This is one of those repairs that feels intimidating but is actually very beginner-friendly. The whole job takes 30-45 minutes and the parts cost under $20.
Tools Needed
- Adjustable wrench
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Allen wrench set
- Towel
- Plumber's grease
Materials Needed
- Faucet cartridge (match your brand) — $8-15
- O-ring assortment kit — $5-8
- Plumber's grease — $5
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Turn off the water supply: Look under the sink for the hot and cold shut-off valves. Turn both clockwise until they stop. Turn on the faucet to release any remaining pressure and water in the lines. Plug the drain with a rag or stopper so you don't lose small parts down the sink.
- Identify your faucet type: Single handle that moves up/down and left/right is usually a cartridge or ball type. Two separate handles (hot and cold) are usually compression or cartridge. Look for a brand name — Moen, Delta, Kohler, and Price Pfister all use different cartridge systems. Take a photo of your faucet and any model numbers you find before disassembly.
- Remove the faucet handle: Pry off the decorative cap on top of the handle (use a flathead screwdriver gently). Remove the screw underneath — usually Phillips or Allen. Pull the handle straight up and off. If it's stuck, wiggle gently while pulling. Avoid using excessive force which can crack the handle or damage the valve body.
- Replace the cartridge or worn parts: For cartridge faucets: use pliers to pull the cartridge straight out. Note the orientation — it must go back the same way. Take the old cartridge to the hardware store to match it exactly. Apply plumber's grease to the new cartridge O-rings and push it firmly into place. For compression faucets: remove the stem and replace the rubber washer at the bottom.
- Reassemble and test: Put everything back in reverse order: cartridge, retaining nut/clip, handle, screw, decorative cap. Hand-tighten the retaining nut, then 1/4 turn with a wrench — don't over-tighten. Slowly turn the water supply back on. Check for leaks at every connection point. Run both hot and cold for a minute. The drip should be completely gone.
When to Call a Professional
Call a plumber if the faucet body itself is corroded or cracked, if the shut-off valves under the sink don't fully stop the water, if you see water damage in the cabinet below, or if the faucet is very old and replacement parts aren't available.