Dripping Faucet

Common Symptoms

• Drip from the spout when faucet handles are off
• Drip rate increases when handles are tightened further
• Water dripping from the base of the spout (O-ring leak)
• Handles difficult to turn or feel gritty
• Squeaking sound when turning handles

Most Likely Causes

1. 1

   Worn Cartridge (Cartridge Faucets — Most Common Single-Handle)

   Single-handle kitchen and bathroom faucets use a cartridge — a sealed plastic or ceramic cylinder that controls hot/cold mixing and flow. When the cartridge wears out, water seeps past the seals and drips from the spout. Pull the cartridge and replace with an exact-match replacement (model-specific).

2. 2

   Worn Seat Washer (Compression Faucets — Older Two-Handle)

   Two-handle faucets with separate hot and cold knobs (common in homes built before 1980) use a compression mechanism. A rubber washer compresses against a brass seat to stop flow. When the washer wears out, water bypasses it. The fix is removing the handle, unscrewing the packing nut, and replacing the washer at the bottom of the stem.

3. 3

   Worn Ball and Springs (Ball Faucets — Single-Handle Kitchen)

   Ball faucets (most common in kitchens — the single handle moves in an arc) use a rotating ball with springs and rubber seats. Over time the springs weaken and the seats wear, allowing water to drip. Replace the seat and spring kit ($10–$20) rather than individual pieces.

4. 4

   Damaged O-Ring (Base Drip)

   If water is dripping from the base of the spout (not the tip), the O-rings on the valve body are the cause. O-rings are cheap rubber rings that seal the spout to the faucet body. Replace them with the correct diameter O-ring from the hardware store.

5. 5

   Ceramic Disc Crack or Contamination

   Premium faucets use two ceramic discs that rotate to control flow. The discs are very durable but can crack from thermal shock or chip from mineral deposits. Clean the discs with white vinegar — if still leaking, replace the disc cylinder.

Quick DIY Checks

1. 1Step 1 — identify your faucet type before buying parts: a two-handle faucet that tightens down is usually compression; a single handle that moves over a rounded cap is usually ball; a single handle with a straight up/down and side-to-side motion is usually cartridge; a premium single-handle faucet with a short, smooth handle throw is often ceramic disc.
2. 2Step 2 — shut off the water supply: turn both under-sink shutoff valves clockwise until they stop. Open the faucet to relieve pressure and confirm water is off. If either shutoff valve will not close completely, shut off the main house valve before disassembly.
3. 3Step 3 — protect the sink and remove the handle: close or cover the drain so screws cannot fall in. Pry off the decorative cap if present, remove the handle screw with a Phillips screwdriver or Allen key, and pull the handle straight up without twisting the valve stem.

Repair vs Replace

Recommended Tools & Parts

• Faucet Cartridge (Brand-Specific)

  Replacement cartridge for single-handle faucets. Moen, Delta, Kohler — bring the old cartridge or your faucet model number for an exact match.

  $10–$30

  Buy on Amazon →

• Faucet Seat and Spring Kit

  Rubber seats and springs for ball-type faucets. Brand-specific — buy the kit for your faucet brand.

  $8–$20

  Buy on Amazon →

• Faucet O-Ring Assortment

  Assorted rubber O-rings for faucet base drips and packing nut seals. Bring the old O-ring to match diameter.

  $5–$12

  Buy on Amazon →

• Compression Faucet Seat Washer Assortment

  Assorted flat and beveled rubber washers for older two-handle compression faucets. Match the old washer size and shape before reinstalling the stem.

  $5–$10

  Buy on Amazon →

Links are Amazon affiliate links (tag: fixitfastai-20). Prices are estimates.

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