How to Improve Water Pressure in Your Home
Find out what causes weak water flow and how to restore strong, consistent pressure in every room.
Read More →That steady drip is wasting water around the clock. Here is how to find the cause and repair the most common faucet types.
A single faucet that drips once per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water in a year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That wasted water shows up on your utility bill and puts extra strain on your pipes, your water heater, and your local water supply. Stopping the drip is one of the simplest water-saving steps a homeowner can take.
The encouraging news is that most faucet leaks are not caused by a cracked body or a failed fixture. They come from inexpensive internal parts that wear out with normal use: rubber washers, O-rings, seals, springs, and cartridges. Those parts cost a few dollars and can usually be replaced in under an hour.
This guide walks through the four main faucet designs, how to tell which one you have, and how to repair each type safely. Along the way, you will also learn how to keep the problem from coming back.
If you would rather hand the job to a professional, our network connects homeowners with licensed plumbers across the country. Call (888)239-9523 to reach a local provider.
Beyond the annoyance of the sound, a dripping faucet has real costs. Water waste is the most obvious one, but a leak also keeps a small area of the fixture constantly wet. That constant moisture can stain porcelain, corrode metal finishes, and soften the cabinet base or countertop below the sink.
Hard water makes the problem worse. As water evaporates around a slow leak, dissolved minerals are left behind and build up on the valve seat and moving parts. That scale acts like sandpaper, accelerating wear on seals and shortening the life of the faucet. You can learn more about how minerals affect fixtures in our guide to understanding hard water.
Fixing a leak early also protects the finish and the surrounding surfaces, and it prevents a small internal problem from turning into a fixture replacement.
The repair method depends on the faucet design. Most homes have one of four types, and each has a different internal mechanism:
Note where the leak appears, because that points to the failed part. Water dripping from the spout usually means the sealing parts are worn. Water leaking around the base of the spout or under the handle often points to O-rings or packing. Water leaking from the handle itself usually means a worn stem or cartridge seal.
Gather your tools before you start so you are not running to the hardware store mid-repair:
The single most helpful step is to identify the exact brand and model of your faucet. Look for a name or number stamped on the body, or remove the handle and check the cartridge. Repair kits are sold by brand and series, and matching the part prevents return trips and leaks caused by the wrong seal.
Always shut off the water before you begin. Most sinks have a pair of shut-off valves under the cabinet. Close them by turning clockwise, then open the faucet to release pressure and drain the line.
Compression faucets are the oldest design and the easiest to understand. Here is the standard repair:
If the valve seat is deeply corroded or cannot be resurfaced with a seat wrench, the faucet body may be at the end of its life. In that case, replacing the faucet is often more reliable than repeated washer changes.
Single-handle cartridge and ceramic-disc faucets are repaired by replacing the cartridge or the disc assembly rather than individual washers.
Ceramic-disc faucets rarely need more than a cleaning. Mineral grit between the discs can cause drips and rough operation. Turn off the water, remove the handle and retaining ring, and lift out the ceramic cartridge. Rinse the discs and soak them in white vinegar to dissolve scale. If the ceramic is chipped or cracked, replace the cartridge. Never force the discs, because ceramic is brittle.
Ball faucets, common in older kitchens, use a slotted ball, two rubber seats and springs, and a cam and packing assembly. Repair kits for these faucets are inexpensive and include all the wear parts.
Work over a towel and keep the small parts in a bowl. Springs and seats are easy to lose down the drain, and losing one mid-repair means another store trip.
Once the faucet is repaired, a few habits will help it last longer:
If your water pressure seems unusually high, it can stress faucet seals. Our guide on improving water pressure explains how to check whether a pressure-reducing valve is needed.
Most faucet repairs are manageable for a careful homeowner. Call a licensed plumber when:
A plumber can also confirm whether a leak you cannot see is the cause of a rising water bill. If you suspect a hidden problem, our article on detecting hidden water leaks is a helpful next step.
Fixing a leaky faucet is one of the most rewarding do-it-yourself plumbing jobs. With the right replacement parts and a little patience, you can stop the drip, lower your water use, and protect the finish of your fixture.
EliteHomePlumbers connects homeowners with licensed plumbing professionals who handle faucet repairs, fixture replacements, and the leaks that are harder to find.
Whether you need a minor repair or a larger project, we can match you with a licensed professional near you. Explore our plumbing services or find a plumber in your area on our locations page.
Find out what causes weak water flow and how to restore strong, consistent pressure in every room.
Read More →Learn how hard water affects your pipes, appliances, and fixtures, and what you can do to protect your home.
Read More →Professional methods for detecting hidden water leaks before they cause significant damage.
Read More →