Leaky Faucet: Find the Real Cause
Why does my faucet keep dripping?
A faucet usually drips because of a worn washer, damaged cartridge, bad O-ring, mineral buildup, or a ceramic disc that no longer seals fully.
Can a beginner fix a leaky faucet?
Yes, if the water shutoff valves work and you can identify the faucet type. Take photos during disassembly so each part goes back correctly.
When should you replace the faucet instead?
Replace it if the body is corroded, parts are unavailable, the finish is failing, or the same leak returns after replacing internal parts.
Quick Answer
A leaky faucet is often caused by a worn washer (compression faucets), worn O-ring (cartridge), or worn seals and springs (ball faucets). Identify your faucet type, turn off the water at the shut-off valves below the sink, and replace the worn part. The repair typically has a completion time that varies with access, condition and experience and has parts costs that vary by model, condition and local pricing.
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Save to PinterestA leaky faucet is the kind of household problem that feels small but actually wastes a remarkable amount of water and money over time. A faucet dripping just once per second wastes thousands of gallons a year, enough to noticeably affect your water bill. The good news is that fixing a leaky faucet is one of the most accessible plumbing repairs, often taking less than an hour with basic tools and inexpensive parts.
This guide walks you through diagnosing exactly which type of faucet you have, finding the cause of the leak, and replacing the worn part with a compatible component; durability depends on condition and installation, whether you have a compression, cartridge, ball-type, or ceramic disc faucet.
Why Faucets Leak
Almost every faucet leak comes from a worn part inside. The four most common faucet types each fail in slightly different ways:
- Compression faucet (two handles, older style): Uses rubber washers that wear out and harden. A worn washer is the most common cause of drips.
- Cartridge faucet (single handle or two handle): Uses an interchangeable cartridge containing seals. The whole cartridge is replaced when worn.
- Ball-type faucet (single handle, often kitchen): Uses a metal or plastic ball with springs and rubber seats. Leaks usually come from worn springs and seats.
- Ceramic disc faucet (modern, premium): Uses two ceramic discs that almost never wear, but the rubber seals (O-rings) and seals around them can fail.
Tools and Materials You Will Need
- Adjustable wrench or pliers
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Allen key set
- Replacement washer, cartridge, or seal kit (match your faucet)
- White vinegar
- Plumber’s grease
- PTFE (plumber’s) tape
- Cleaning cloth
- A small basin or rag to plug the drain
Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Close the isolation valves under the sink, or the main supply if there are none. Open the faucet to drain any remaining water and release the pressure. Plug the drain so small parts do not fall in.
Step 2: Identify Your Faucet Type
Remove the handle (usually one screw under a small cap or an Allen grub screw). Look inside, the parts you see, washers, a cartridge, a ball, or two ceramic discs, tell you the type and which replacement to buy.
Step 3: Replace the Worn Parts
For a compression faucet, replace the worn rubber washer at the end of the stem. For a cartridge faucet, pull out the worn cartridge and fit an exact-match replacement. For a ball-type, replace the springs and rubber seats. For a ceramic disc, replace the worn O-rings or seal kit.
Step 4: Clean Any Limescale and Apply Plumber’s Grease
While the faucet is apart, soak any limescale-encrusted parts in white vinegar and wipe down the valve seat. Apply a thin layer of plumber’s grease to any new rubber parts so they seal smoothly.
Step 5: Reassemble, Re-tape, and Test
Wrap fresh PTFE tape around any threaded connections, reassemble the faucet in reverse order, turn the water on slowly, and check that the drip is gone. Test both hot and cold sides.
Pro Tips to Prevent This Problem
- Take the old washer, cartridge, or seal to the store to match the exact part, faucet internals vary widely by brand.
- Wrap PTFE tape clockwise around threads so it tightens rather than unravels.
- A repair kit specific to your faucet brand often includes every part you might need, saving multiple trips to the store.
When to Call a Professional
Call a plumber if the faucet body itself is cracked or corroded, if you cannot isolate the water supply, or if the leak is at the supply lines beneath rather than in the faucet itself. Replacing a whole faucet can also be a sensible alternative to repairing an old one that has multiple failing parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my faucet keep dripping?
A drip from the spout often means a worn washer (in compression faucets) or a worn cartridge, springs, or seals (in cartridge, ball, and ceramic disc faucets). Replacing the worn part stops the drip completely.
How do I know what type of faucet I have?
Remove the handle and look inside. You will see either rubber washers (compression), a single cartridge (cartridge), a metal ball with springs (ball-type), or two ceramic discs (ceramic disc). Match the type to the right repair kit.
How much water does a leaky faucet waste?
A faucet dripping once per second wastes about 5 gallons (19 litres) a day, or over 1800 gallons (6800 litres) a year. Fixing a single leaky faucet is one of the most cost-effective water-saving repairs a homeowner can make.
Final Thoughts
A leaky faucet is often a quick, cheap fix once you know what type you have. Turn off the water, identify the faucet, replace the worn washer, cartridge, springs, or seals, and reassemble with fresh PTFE tape. Within an hour you can stop a drip that was costing you money every day, with only badly corroded or damaged faucets needing a full replacement or a plumber.