Why You Shouldn't Ignore a Leaky Faucet

A slow drip might seem harmless, but a faucet leaking just once per second can waste thousands of gallons of water per year. Beyond the environmental impact, it adds up on your water bill. The good news? Most faucet leaks are beginner-friendly DIY fixes that take under an hour.

Step 1: Identify Your Faucet Type

Before grabbing any tools, you need to know what kind of faucet you're dealing with. The repair method differs depending on the type:

  • Ball faucet – Single handle that rotates over a rounded ball-shaped cap. Common in kitchens.
  • Cartridge faucet – Single or double handle. Uses a cartridge to control water flow.
  • Ceramic disc faucet – Single lever over a wide cylindrical body. Very durable, less common.
  • Compression faucet – Older style with two separate handles. Still found in many older homes.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools and Materials

  • Adjustable wrench or basin wrench
  • Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
  • Replacement O-rings, washers, or cartridge (match to your faucet model)
  • Plumber's grease
  • Penetrating oil (for stubborn parts)
  • A towel or bucket

Step 3: Shut Off the Water Supply

Locate the shut-off valves beneath the sink and turn them clockwise until fully closed. Then open the faucet to release any remaining pressure and drain standing water in the lines. Place a towel in the sink to catch dropped screws.

Step 4: Disassemble the Faucet Handle

Remove the decorative cap on top of the handle (usually pried off with a flathead screwdriver) to reveal the screw underneath. Unscrew it and gently pull the handle off. Use penetrating oil if it's stuck. With the handle off, you'll see the internal mechanism — cartridge, ball, or stem depending on faucet type.

Step 5: Replace the Worn Part

This is where faucet type matters most:

  1. Compression faucet: Unscrew the packing nut, pull out the stem, and replace the rubber washer at the bottom. This is the most common cause of dripping.
  2. Cartridge faucet: Pull out the cartridge (note its orientation) and replace it with an identical one from a hardware store.
  3. Ball faucet: Replace the springs, seats, and O-rings using a ball faucet repair kit.
  4. Ceramic disc: Remove the cylinder and inspect the ceramic discs. Clean with white vinegar or replace if cracked.

Step 6: Reassemble and Test

Apply plumber's grease to new O-rings and rubber parts before reassembling. Put everything back in reverse order of disassembly. Turn the water supply back on slowly and test the faucet. Check under the sink for any leaks at the supply lines too.

When to Call a Plumber

If the faucet body itself is cracked, if you find corrosion on the valve seat, or if the leak persists after replacing parts, it's time for a professional assessment. Continuing to force a repair on a damaged fixture can lead to bigger (and more expensive) problems.

Quick Tip

Take photos at each disassembly step. This makes reassembly far easier, especially when dealing with multi-part assemblies like ball faucets. You'll thank yourself later.