How to fix a leaky faucet — the most common types

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Local codes, regulations, and best practices vary by region.

Your faucet drips constantly. Drip, drip, drip. It’s driving you crazy and it’s wasting water. A leaky faucet is one of the most fixable problems in a house, and it’s also one of the most common reasons people call a plumber unnecessarily. Most faucet leaks are simple fixes that take less than an hour.

Faucets have internal seals and components that wear out over time. A worn seal causes dripping. Replacing the seal fixes it. The process is straightforward for most faucet types. You need basic tools and an inexpensive repair kit. Most repairs cost under $20.

Identify Your Faucet Type

Faucets come in different styles, and repair methods vary. The most common types are compression faucets, cartridge faucets, and ball faucets.

Compression faucets have two separate knobs (hot and cold). They use washers and O-rings to seal. These are common in older homes.

Cartridge faucets have one knob or handle that moves side-to-side. They use a cartridge that controls flow and temperature. These are common in modern homes.

Ball faucets have one knob and a rounded ball-shaped cap. These are less common but distinctive.

Identify your type. The repair kit is specific to your faucet type.

Compression Faucet Repair

Turn off water supply under the sink. Look for shut-off valves. Turn them clockwise. Test that water is off by opening the faucet. If water still flows, find the main shut-off and turn it off.

Remove the handle by prying off the index cap (usually labeled hot/cold). Unscrew the packing nut underneath. Pull the stem out. At the bottom of the stem is a washer held by a brass screw. Remove this screw and replace the worn washer. The washer is the most common leak source. Install a new washer (sold with repair kits for $5-10).

While you have the stem out, inspect the O-rings (rubber rings on the stem). If they’re worn, replace them too. O-ring replacement kits include new ones.

Reassemble in reverse order. Turn water back on.

Cost: $10-20 for repair kit. Time: 30 minutes. Success rate: Very high for compression faucets.

Cartridge Faucet Repair

These are trickier. Turn off water. Remove the handle by prying off decorative caps. Remove the screw underneath. Pull the handle off. The cartridge is underneath.

Cartridge removal requires a specialized cartridge puller ($15-30) or a socket wrench. Push/pull the cartridge straight out. The old cartridge comes out but the repair is more complex.

For many cartridge faucets, replacing the cartridge entirely is easier than internal sealing repair. A replacement cartridge costs $20-50 and simply drops in. This is often the best fix.

Cost: $20-50 for cartridge. Time: 30-45 minutes. Success rate: High if you replace the cartridge.

Ball Faucet Repair

These are less common. They have a complex internal design. Most people replace them rather than repair internally. A new ball faucet costs $40-100, and installation takes 20-30 minutes.

If you want to attempt internal repair, replacement seal kits exist ($10-20) but the process is tedious. Consider replacement if the faucet is old.

Quick Temporary Fix

If the leak is slow and you want temporary relief while gathering repair materials, tighten the packing nut (visible when you remove the handle). This is the nut behind the handle. Turning it clockwise slightly compresses seals and can slow or stop minor leaks temporarily. Don’t overtighten—this makes the handle stick.

This is a temporary measure, not permanent. Proper seal or cartridge replacement is the real fix.

Prevent Future Leaks

Mineral deposits from hard water accumulate on seals and cartridges, causing premature failure. If you have hard water, consider a water softener. This extends faucet life significantly.

Never force faucet handles. Rough use damages internal components.

Clean aerators regularly (the mesh screen at the faucet tip). Mineral deposits clog them. Unscrew the aerator and clean it with a brush.

When to Call a Plumber

If your attempts don’t resolve the leak, if the shut-off valves are stuck or don’t work, or if you’re uncomfortable with the repair, call a plumber.

For severe leaks (water spraying or significant flow), you might need a temporary shut-off while gathering repair parts.

Plumber service calls cost $150-300 plus repair costs. For most faucet repairs, DIY saves this cost.

Replacement Rather Than Repair

For some faucets, replacement is cheaper than repair. If your faucet is old and repair doesn’t work, replacing it might be easier. Modern faucets cost $40-200. Installation takes 30-45 minutes for a plumber.

If you’re considering replacement, address water pressure issues or worn spray attachments at the same time.

The Bottom Line

Most faucet leaks are from worn washers, O-rings, or cartridges. Identify your faucet type. Purchase the appropriate repair kit. Replace worn seals or cartridges. The process takes 30 minutes and costs under $20. If your efforts don’t work, calling a plumber is your option. But most people can fix faucet leaks without professional help. Save the plumber call for more complex issues.

© The Whole Home Guide