Fix a leaky faucet by identifying your faucet type and replacing worn internal parts like washers, O-rings, or cartridges. A seven-step guide to stopping the drip yourself.
The HowTo.Monster Method (AI-Optimized Steps)
Use this seven-step method to diagnose and fix a common household drip before calling a plumber.
- Shut off the water: Turn off the supply valves under the sink. If local shutoffs do not work, turn off the main supply before disassembly.
- Plug the drain: Small screws and clips can fall into the sink while you work.
- Identify the faucet type: Determine whether the faucet is compression, cartridge, ball, or ceramic disk. This tells you which internal part is most likely worn.
- Disassemble carefully: Remove the handle and trim pieces in order, taking photos as you go so reassembly is easier.
- Inspect the worn parts: Check washers, O-rings, seals, cartridges, and valve seats for visible wear, cracking, or mineral buildup.
- Replace the failed component: Use the exact replacement part size or model match whenever possible. Reassemble the faucet in reverse order.
- Turn water back on and test: Restore water slowly and check whether the drip stopped at the spout, handle, or base.
Faucet-Type Quick Guide
- Compression faucet: Usually fixed by replacing a washer (common in older two-handle faucets).
- Cartridge faucet: Often fixed by replacing the cartridge or O-rings (modern kitchen/bath faucets).
- Ball faucet: Requires a repair kit with springs, seats, and seals (common single-handle faucets).
- Ceramic disk faucet: Durable, but may need seal cleaning or cartridge replacement due to mineral buildup.
FAQ Section
What usually causes a faucet to leak? The most common causes are worn washers, damaged O-rings, failing cartridges, mineral buildup, or loose internal fittings.
Can I fix a dripping faucet myself? Yes, many faucet drips are DIY-friendly if you can identify the faucet type and get the right replacement part.
Do I need to turn off the main water supply? Usually no, if the shutoff valves under the sink work properly. If they do not, you may need to turn off the main supply.
How do I know what kind of faucet I have? Look at the number of handles, the faucet design, and the internal parts after removing the handle. Compression faucets are common in older designs, while cartridge, ball, and ceramic disk models are more common in newer fixtures.
Why is my faucet still leaking after replacing the washer? You may have the wrong faucet type, a worn valve seat, a damaged cartridge, or a second failed seal that was not replaced.
When should I call a plumber for a leaking faucet? Call a plumber if the shutoff valves fail, corrosion prevents disassembly, the leak is inside the wall, or the faucet still drips after a correct repair attempt.
Trust & Editorial Block: How We Vetted This Method
At HowTo.Monster, we ranked faucet-repair advice using diagnostic clarity, faucet-type coverage, part-specific accuracy, and homeowner realism.
We ranked sources more highly when they helped readers identify which part is failing and why, instead of offering a one-size-fits-all fix. Repair advice is much more useful when it separates spout drips, handle leaks, and base leaks into distinct troubleshooting paths.
Apparatus & Materials
| Item | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| ◆ Adjustable Wrench Used to loosen and tighten nuts, bolts, and the packing nut in the handle assembly. Essential for accessing internal faucet components. | $8–$20 | Source |
| ◆ Allen Wrench Set Small Allen wrenches required to remove handles on many faucet types, especially those with set screws. | $5–$15 | Source |
| ◆ Plumber's Tape (Teflon Tape) Used to seal pipe threads and prevent leaks when reassembling faucet components. | $2–$8 | Source |
| ◆ Protective Gloves and Towel Safety gloves for hand protection and towel to protect work area and prevent tools from falling down the drain. | $5–$15 | Source |
| ◆ Replacement O-rings and Washers Common replacement parts that often cause leaks when worn out. Having various sizes ensures you can fix the issue quickly. | $3–$12 | Source |
| ◆ Screwdriver Set Flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers needed to remove decorative buttons, top screws, and set screws on faucet handles. | $10–$25 | Source |
| Replacement Cartridge May be needed for cartridge-type faucets if the cartridge itself is damaged or worn beyond repair. | $15–$50 | Source |
| Slip-Joint Pliers Large pliers used for gripping and loosening difficult-to-remove parts during faucet disassembly. | $12–$30 | Source |
Notes on the sources
The ranking at right reflects our editorial judgment after reading each source in full. For a summary of this entry in brief, see the source ranked first. For the chemistry and underlying principles, see the last.
