How to Fix a Dripping Faucet

A faucet that drips once per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water per year — and adds to your water bill every month. The fix is almost always a worn internal part that costs just a few dollars to replace.

Why Faucets Drip

Dripping almost always comes from the spout — meaning water is getting past the internal seal even when the handle is closed. The most common causes:

Worn seat washer — the rubber washer that presses against the seat to stop water flow wears out over time (most common in two-handle faucets)
Worn cartridge — the cartridge controls water flow in single-handle faucets and wears out with use
Worn O-rings — rubber rings that seal the stem can crack and allow water through
Worn valve seat — the seat itself can corrode, preventing a proper seal

What You Need

Faucet stem repair kit — includes cartridge, seats, springs — covers most two-handle faucet drips
PTFE thread seal tape
Rubber strap wrench — removes parts without scratching
Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
Adjustable wrench
Plumber's grease

Step-by-Step Fix

Step 1: Turn off the water.
Close the shut-off valves under the sink. Turn the faucet on to release pressure and drain any remaining water in the line.

Step 2: Identify which handle is dripping.
For two-handle faucets, turn off one supply valve at a time to identify whether it's the hot or cold side dripping. This tells you which side to repair.

Step 3: Remove the handle.
Pry off the decorative cap, unscrew the handle screw, and pull the handle straight off.

Step 4: Remove the stem.
Use a wrench to unscrew the packing nut. Pull out the stem assembly.

Step 5: Inspect and replace worn parts.
Look at the bottom of the stem — the rubber washer is usually the culprit. Replace it along with the seat springs using your faucet stem repair kit. If the O-rings on the stem look cracked or flattened, replace those too.

Step 6: Check the valve seat.
Run your finger around the seat (the part the washer presses against). If it feels rough or corroded, it needs to be resurfaced or replaced.

Step 7: Reassemble.
Put everything back in reverse order. Apply plumber's grease to O-rings before installing. Wrap threaded connections with PTFE tape.

Step 8: Turn water back on and test.
Open the supply valves slowly. Check for dripping at the spout and leaking at the handle.

For Single-Handle Faucets

The process is the same but you're replacing the cartridge instead of the stem washer. Pull out the old cartridge, match it at a hardware store, and install the new one in the same orientation.

How Long Does the Fix Last?

A properly replaced washer or cartridge should last 5–10 years with normal use. If the faucet starts dripping again within a year, the valve seat may be damaged and needs replacement or resurfacing.

Bottom Line

A dripping faucet is almost always a worn washer, O-ring, or cartridge. Turn off the water, remove the handle, swap the worn part, and reassemble. The whole repair takes 30–60 minutes and costs under $15 in parts.

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