How to Repair a Dripping Bathroom Faucet

Dripping faucets are the silent budget-killers of the home, wasting gallons of water while creating that maddening rhythmic tap against the porcelain. Repairing a leak is usually a straightforward exercise in disassembling the fixture to find the culprit—the internal seal that has finally succumbed to mineral buildup or simple old age. Done well, this repair restores the satisfying, crisp shut-off of a brand-new valve. You aren't just stopping a nuisance; you're extending the life of your plumbing fixtures and preventing the water stains that inevitably bloom beneath a constant drip.

1. Stop the Water Supply. Locate the shut-off valves under your sink and turn them clockwise until they stop. Open the faucet handle to drain any residual water from the lines.
2. Lift Off the Handle. Pry off the decorative cap on the handle using a flathead screwdriver. Unscrew the hidden retaining screw and lift the handle off the stem.
3. Unscrew the Stem. Use a wrench to unscrew the packing nut or decorative trim collar holding the stem or cartridge in place. Pull the stem assembly straight out of the faucet body.
4. Find the Faulty Seal. Inspect the rubber O-rings or the bottom washer on the cartridge for cracks or flattening. If you have a cartridge faucet, inspect the plastic housing for hairline fractures.
5. Install New Washers. Swap out the old washers or the entire cartridge with new, identical replacements. Clean any grit or mineral crust from the inside of the faucet body using a stiff nylon brush.
6. Turn Water Back On. Slide the stem back into the body, tighten the packing nut, and reattach the handle. Open the shut-off valves slowly and check for leaks.