Problem Overview
A dripping faucet is easy to tune out, but harder to justify ignoring once you know what it costs. A single faucet dripping once per second wastes over 3,000 gallons of water per year. Multiply that across two or three fixtures, and the number becomes genuinely difficult to overlook.
The fix usually comes down to a worn washer, a degraded O-ring, or a failing cartridge, none of which require a plumbing background to replace. The key is identifying which faucet type you have before pulling anything apart.
Tools Needed
- Adjustable wrench
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Replacement washers, O-rings, or cartridge (faucet-specific)
- Thread seal tape
- Utility knife
- Towels or a small bucket
- Flashlight
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Identify your faucet type.
Faucets fall into four main categories: compression, ball, cartridge, and ceramic disc. Compression faucets use rubber washers and have two separate handles. Ball faucets have a single rotating handle over a dome-shaped cap. Cartridge faucets use a sliding cartridge and are available in both single- and double-handle versions. Ceramic disc faucets have a single lever over a wide cylindrical body. Knowing the type determines which parts to buy before starting.
- Shut off the water supply.
Turn off the shut-off valves under the sink by rotating them clockwise until they stop. Turn the faucet handle on to release any remaining water pressure in the line. Place a towel in the sink basin to catch small parts that might fall during disassembly.
- Remove the handle.
Look for a decorative cap on top of the handle and pry it off with a flathead screwdriver. A screw sits underneath. Remove it and pull the handle straight up or wiggle it gently free. Some handles require a slight rocking motion to release.
- Replace the worn component. The repair process varies by faucet type:
- Compression: Unscrew the packing nut and pull out the stem. The rubber washer at the bottom screws off and goes straight into the trash. Install the new washer and reassemble.
- Ball: Remove the cap and collar to access the ball, springs, and seats. Replace the entire kit rather than individual pieces since multiple components wear together.
- Cartridge: Pull the cartridge straight out with needle-nose pliers or a cartridge puller tool. Match the old cartridge at the hardware store and press the new one in the same orientation.
- Ceramic disc: Remove the cylinder from the body and inspect the seals on the underside. Replace the neoprene seals rather than the disc itself unless the disc shows visible cracks.
- Reassemble and test.
Reassemble the faucet in reverse order. Hand-tighten connections first, then snug with the wrench. Avoid overtightening since it can crack valve seats and housings. Turn the supply valves back on slowly and watch the spout. Run the handle through its full range and check the base of the faucet for any moisture.
Safety Warnings
- Always verify that both the hot and cold shutoff valves are closed before disassembling anything. Skipping this step under pressure creates a significant mess.
- Keep a bucket under the work area. Even after shutting off the supply, residual water in the lines will drain out when connections open.
- Take photos of the disassembly sequence on your phone. Faucet internals can look confusing on reassembly without a visual reference.
- Replace O-rings with the exact same size. An oversized O-ring compresses incorrectly, causing leakage even after a fresh installation.
When to Call a Professional
Most dripping faucets respond well to a DIY fix. Occasionally, the problem runs deeper. A corroded valve seat, a cracked faucet body, or repeated leaking after multiple washer replacements all point to an underlying issue that a new washer won’t solve. Older homes with original fixtures sometimes have internal corrosion that makes standard repairs impractical.
Our licensed plumbers at Sweetwater Plumbing handle faucet repairs and replacements throughout Ontario and the Inland Empire. We come prepared, work efficiently, and won’t recommend a replacement unless the repair genuinely doesn’t make sense.
Still dripping after the DIY fix? Reach out to Sweetwater Plumbing and let us take a proper look before the problem compounds.