How to Fix a Dripping Faucet: A Beginner’s Guide

A faucet that drips all night is annoying, and it wastes water. The good news: most drips come from one small worn part that costs very little to replace, and you can often do it in under an hour.

Why a faucet drips

Inside the faucet, a soft part presses against a metal seat to stop the water. Over time that part wears out, hardens, or collects mineral buildup, and a little water slips through. Which part wears depends on the type of faucet:

Compression faucets (usually two separate handles that you turn several times) use a rubber washer and often an O-ring.
Cartridge faucets (one or two handles, smooth motion) use a replaceable cartridge.
Ball and ceramic-disc faucets (often a single lever) use seals, springs, or a disc cartridge.

If you are not sure which type you have, look at the brand name on the faucet and search for the model, or take clear photos at each step while you take it apart.

Before you start

Turn off the water. Look under the sink for the two small shut-off valves and turn them clockwise until they stop. Open the faucet to let the remaining water run out and confirm the water is really off.
Block the drain. Put a rag or the stopper in the drain so a small screw or washer cannot fall in.
Gather basic tools. An adjustable wrench, a screwdriver set, a hex key set, a small flat pick or knife for prying off caps, and a towel.
Take photos. Photograph each layer as you remove it, so you can put the parts back in the same order.

Step by step: replace the worn part

Remove the handle. Pry off the small decorative cap, then remove the screw underneath. Some handles use a hidden set screw you loosen with a hex key.
Remove the retaining nut or cap under the handle with the wrench. Wrap the wrench jaws in a cloth to avoid scratching the finish.
Pull out the stem or cartridge. Note its direction before you pull. If it is stuck, wiggle it gently rather than forcing it.
Look at the worn part. On a compression faucet, replace the rubber washer and O-ring. On a cartridge faucet, replace the whole cartridge, or at least its O-rings. Check the metal seat inside for pitting or rough spots.
Match the part exactly. Bring the old part to a hardware store so you can compare it side by side. Faucet parts look similar but are not interchangeable.
Reassemble in reverse order. Hand-tighten first, then snug with the wrench. Do not overtighten.
Turn the water back on slowly. Open the shut-off valves a little at a time, then run the faucet for a minute and watch for leaks around the base and handle.

If it still drips

If the drip continues after new parts, the seat inside the faucet body may be worn or the new part may not be the right match. Check the part number, make sure it is seated fully, and look for mineral deposits. A white vinegar soak can loosen light buildup on removable metal parts, but do not use it on finishes or plastic parts that the manufacturer warns against.

When to call a plumber

This is a good beginner repair, but stop and call a professional if:

The shut-off valves under the sink will not close fully, or they leak when you turn them.
Parts are corroded or stuck, and you would have to use force to remove them.
Water leaks from the base of the faucet or from the pipes and connections under the sink.
You see water damage, soft or swollen cabinet material, or mold.
The faucet still leaks after you replace the right parts.

It is fine to decide the faucet is not worth repairing. Sometimes replacing an old faucet is the better choice, and a plumber can tell you.

A note for renters

If you rent, check your lease before you take anything apart, and tell your landlord or property manager about the drip. In many places the landlord is responsible for plumbing repairs. A written message gives you a record.

This article is general home-maintenance information, not professional advice. Rules, codes, and conditions vary, so follow the instructions that come with your parts and tools, and use your judgment about your own skills. If you are not sure it is safe, stop and call a qualified professional.