Fix a Dripping Bathroom Faucet Handle

Dripping faucets are small problems that become expensive ones. That steady drip wastes thousands of gallons a year and drives your water bill higher month after month. The good news: most bathroom faucet handle leaks aren't complicated. The cartridge wears out, the valve seat gets debris stuck in it, or the packing nut just needs tightening. You don't need a plumber. You need the right replacement part and maybe an afternoon. Start by identifying your faucet type—single handle, double handle, or cartridge style—because the fix changes slightly. Then gather your tools, shut off the water, and methodically work through the repair. A properly fixed faucet handle will seal tight for years and save you real money.

1. Shut Off Water First. Locate the shutoff valves under your sink. You'll find one on the hot line and one on the cold line. Turn both clockwise until they stop. If you can't locate the shutoff valves under the sink, turn off the water to the entire house at the main shutoff. Open the faucet to release any remaining pressure in the lines.
2. Pop Off The Cap. Look for a small cap or plug on top of the handle. It's usually plastic or metal and covers the screw underneath. Use a flat-head screwdriver or a plastic pry tool to gently pop it off. If it's glued on with silicone, use a utility knife to cut around the edge first.
3. Extract The Handle. You'll see a Phillips or flat-head screw under the cap. Remove it with the appropriate screwdriver. Keep the screw somewhere safe. Once the screw is out, pull the handle straight toward you. It should come free with minimal resistance. If it's stuck, don't force it—spray penetrating oil around the base and wait a few minutes.
4. Check The Packing Nut. Behind or below where the handle was, you'll see a hexagonal nut. This is the packing nut. It seals the stem and prevents water from leaking out around the handle. Grab it with an adjustable wrench and look for water damage or mineral buildup. If the nut is loose, tighten it clockwise by one-quarter turn. This solves many drips without needing a cartridge replacement.
5. Pull The Cartridge Out. If tightening the packing nut didn't stop the drip, you need to remove the cartridge. Use a cartridge puller tool (specific to your faucet brand—Moen, Kohler, and Delta each have their own). Insert the tool into the cartridge stem, set the tabs, and pull straight out with steady pressure. If you don't have a cartridge puller, use an adjustable wrench to turn the cartridge body counterclockwise. Keep track of the order you remove parts—take a photo before you start.
6. Clean The Valve Seat. Look inside the faucet body where the cartridge was. You're looking for the valve seat—a small circular surface where the cartridge seals. If you see mineral buildup, sediment, or visible pitting, this is your problem. Use a wet cloth or small brush to gently clean away any debris. For stubborn mineral deposits, use a plastic scraper or old credit card to avoid scratching the seat. If the seat is visibly pitted or damaged, it needs to be replaced.
7. Install New Cartridge. If cleaning didn't solve it, the cartridge is worn out. Take your old cartridge to the hardware store and buy an exact replacement. Back at the sink, insert the new cartridge into the faucet body. Make sure it's oriented correctly—the notch should align with the pin inside the body. Push it in until it seats fully and the stem is flush with the faucet body. You may need to turn it slightly to find the right position.
8. Reassemble The Handle. Slide the handle back onto the stem and align it with the faucet body. Insert the screw through the handle and tighten it snugly with a screwdriver. Don't crank it down hard—hand-tight is correct. Once the screw is secure, pop the decorative cap back over it. Check that the handle moves smoothly and isn't stiff.
9. Restore Water And Test. Turn both shutoff valves back on, starting with the cold water. Turn them counterclockwise. Let the water flow for 30 seconds to clear any air in the lines. Then test your faucet. Turn the handle on and off several times. Let it run at different temperatures and check for drips at the spout and around the handle base.
10. Verify No Leaks. Open the cabinet and look under the sink. Place a dry paper towel on the bottom of the cabinet near the shutoff valves and the supply lines. Let it sit for five minutes. Any moisture means you have a leak. If you see wet spots, check that both shutoff valves are fully closed. If they still drip, they may need replacement.