How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
Most leaky faucets are caused by worn washers, O-rings, or cartridges. DIY repair costs $5–$30 in parts and takes 30–60 minutes. A plumber charges $150–$300 for the same fix. Identify your faucet type (cartridge, ball, disc, or compression) to get the right parts.
Cost Breakdown
| Service | Low | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| O-rings and washers (DIY) | $2 | $10 | Most common fix |
| Replacement cartridge (DIY) | $5 | $25 | Single-handle faucets |
| Cartridge puller tool | $8 | $15 | One-time purchase |
| Professional faucet repair | $125 | $250 | Labor + parts |
| New faucet + installation | $250 | $700 | Fixture + labor |
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet (Complete DIY Guide)
A leaky faucet dripping once per second wastes over 3,000 gallons of water per year — enough to fill a swimming pool. Beyond the environmental waste and the impact on your water bill ($20–$50/year for a single dripping faucet), the constant dripping can stain sinks, erode fixtures, and drive you crazy at night. The good news is that most faucet leaks are straightforward DIY repairs costing under $30 in parts. This guide walks you through identifying and fixing every common type of faucet leak.
Cost: DIY vs. Professional Repair
| Repair Type | DIY Parts Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace washer or O-ring | $3–$10 | $150–$250 | 20–30 minutes |
| Replace cartridge | $15–$40 | $175–$300 | 30–45 minutes |
| Replace valve seat | $10–$25 | $175–$300 | 30–45 minutes |
| Ball faucet repair kit | $15–$25 | $175–$300 | 30–60 minutes |
| Full faucet replacement | $80–$350 (faucet + supply lines) | $200–$500 | 60–90 minutes |
Identify Your Faucet Type
Before you start, you need to identify which type of faucet you have. Each type has a different internal mechanism and requires different repair parts. There are four main types used in residential plumbing.
Compression Faucet
Identified by having two separate handles for hot and cold. When you turn the handle, it compresses a rubber washer against a valve seat to stop water flow. This is the oldest and simplest design, most common in homes built before the 1980s. Compression faucets are the most likely to drip because the rubber washer wears out with regular use.
Ball Faucet
Features a single handle that moves over a rounded ball-shaped cap. The handle controls a slotted metal or plastic ball inside the faucet body, which regulates water flow and temperature. Ball faucets are common in kitchen sinks. When they leak, you'll typically need a ball faucet repair kit ($15–$25) that replaces the springs, seats, and O-rings.
Cartridge Faucet
Can have one or two handles. Inside is a cylindrical cartridge that moves up and down (or side to side) to control water flow. Major brands like Moen and Delta primarily use cartridge designs. Cartridge faucets are reliable, but when the cartridge wears out, replacing it is the standard fix.
Ceramic Disc Faucet
Features a single handle and a wide cylindrical body. Inside, two ceramic discs rotate against each other to control water flow. Found in higher-end Kohler and Moen faucets, ceramic disc faucets are the most durable and least likely to leak. When they do develop a drip, it's usually because sediment has scratched the disc surface.
Step-by-Step: Fix a Leaky Cartridge Faucet
Cartridge faucets are the most common type in modern homes, so we'll start here. This repair applies to most Moen and Delta single-handle faucets.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Parts
You'll need: adjustable wrench, Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, needle-nose pliers, the correct replacement cartridge (Moen 1225 and Delta RP19804 are the two most commonly needed cartridges — check your faucet model number), and plumber's grease. Have towels ready to catch residual water.
Step 2: Shut Off the Water Supply
Turn off the hot and cold shut-off valves under the sink by turning them clockwise. Open the faucet to release remaining water pressure and drain any water in the lines.
Step 3: Remove the Handle
Look for a decorative cap on the handle (usually marked H/C or with the brand logo). Pry it off gently with a flat screwdriver. Remove the screw underneath, then pull the handle straight off. If it's stuck, wiggle it side to side while pulling, or use a faucet handle puller tool ($10–$15).
Step 4: Remove the Old Cartridge
Remove the retaining clip (a small horseshoe-shaped clip) using needle-nose pliers, or unscrew the retaining nut with your wrench. Grip the cartridge stem with pliers and pull it straight out. Note the cartridge's orientation — there's usually a notch or flat side that aligns with a slot in the faucet body. This orientation matters for the new cartridge.
Step 5: Install the New Cartridge
Apply a thin coat of plumber's grease to the O-rings on the new cartridge for smooth operation and better sealing. Insert the new cartridge in the same orientation as the old one. Replace the retaining clip or nut. Reassemble the handle in reverse order.
Step 6: Test Your Repair
Turn the water supply back on slowly (to avoid water hammer), and test the faucet. The leak should be gone. If hot and cold water are reversed, simply remove the handle again and rotate the cartridge 180 degrees.
Step-by-Step: Fix a Compression Faucet
Step 1: Shut Off Water and Remove the Handle
Same process as above — close supply valves, pry off the decorative cap, remove the screw, and pull off the handle.
Step 2: Remove the Stem Assembly
Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the packing nut (the large hexagonal nut visible after removing the handle). Then unscrew the entire stem assembly by turning it counterclockwise.
Step 3: Replace the Washer and O-Ring
At the bottom of the stem, you'll find a rubber washer held in place by a brass screw. Remove the screw, peel off the old washer, and replace it with an exact-match washer (bring the old one to the hardware store). Also replace the O-ring on the stem body — coat the new O-ring with plumber's grease before installing.
Step 4: Inspect the Valve Seat
While the stem is out, feel the valve seat (the brass ring inside the faucet body where the washer presses). If it feels rough, pitted, or grooved, it needs to be resurfaced with a valve seat grinder ($10–$15) or replaced. A damaged valve seat will chew through new washers quickly.
Step 5: Reassemble and Test
Reverse the removal process: screw in the stem, tighten the packing nut, replace the handle, and turn on the water. The drip should be eliminated.
When to Replace Instead of Repair
Sometimes repair isn't the best option. Consider replacing the entire faucet if it's over 15 years old, has visible corrosion or pitting, continues leaking after proper repair, uses discontinued parts that are hard to find, or you simply want to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom aesthetic. Quality faucets from Moen, Delta, and Kohler start at $80–$200 for residential models and typically include lifetime warranties against drips and finish defects.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While most faucet repairs are DIY-friendly, some situations call for professional help: the shut-off valves under the sink are stuck, corroded, or leaking (forcing them can cause a flood); you can't identify the faucet type or find the right parts; the leak is coming from inside the wall (not just the faucet spout); the faucet body itself is cracked; or the valve seat is severely damaged and needs replacement rather than resurfacing. Find a licensed plumber near you for quick, affordable faucet repair or replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my faucet drip after I turn it off?
The internal seal — whether it's a washer, cartridge, O-ring, or ceramic disc — is worn and no longer creates a watertight closure when the handle is in the off position. The water pressure in your supply lines pushes through the worn seal, causing the drip. Replacing the worn component restores the seal and stops the drip.
How do I know which replacement cartridge to buy?
First, check the faucet brand name (usually stamped on the body, handle, or base plate). Then look up the model number (check under the sink for a tag, or search the brand's website using the faucet's appearance). Moen cartridge 1225 and Delta RP19804 are the two most commonly needed residential cartridges. If you can't identify the model, remove the old cartridge and bring it to a plumbing supply store or hardware store for matching.
Can a leaky faucet cause water damage?
A slow drip into the sink basin is primarily a water waste and annoyance issue. However, a leak from under the faucet base, from the supply connections under the sink, or from a cracked faucet body inside the wall can cause serious water damage including mold growth, wood rot, cabinet damage, and structural deterioration. Address any under-sink or in-wall leaks immediately.
Is it worth fixing an old faucet or should I replace it?
If repair parts cost under $30 and the faucet is in otherwise decent cosmetic and structural condition, repair it. If the faucet is visibly corroded, uses discontinued proprietary parts, or you've already repaired it multiple times, invest in a new Moen, Delta, or Kohler faucet with a lifetime warranty. At $80–$200 for a quality replacement, a new faucet is often the smarter long-term investment.
How do I stop a faucet from dripping temporarily until I can fix it?
Turn off the hot and cold shut-off valves under the sink to stop water flow to the faucet completely. This eliminates the drip immediately and prevents further water waste until you have time for the proper repair. If the shut-off valves also leak, you'll need to shut off the main water supply to the house.
Related Questions
Can a dripping faucet increase my water bill?
Yes. A faucet dripping once per second wastes about 3,000 gallons per year. That can add $20–$50 to your annual water bill. A fast drip wastes even more. Fixing it immediately saves money and water.
Is a leaky faucet an emergency?
No, a dripping faucet is not an emergency. It is wasteful and annoying but not urgent. Schedule a repair at your convenience. However, if water is spraying or flowing uncontrollably, shut off the valve under the sink and call a plumber.
How long does a faucet cartridge last?
Most cartridges last 5–15 years depending on water quality and usage. Hard water areas may see shorter cartridge life due to mineral buildup. If you replace a cartridge and the faucet still drips, the valve seat may need attention.