How to Fix a Leaking Bathroom Faucet

Drips represent more than just wasted water; they are a persistent reminder of a mechanical failure ticking away in your bathroom. That steady rhythm can drive anyone to distraction, but the good news is that the internal anatomy of a standard faucet is remarkably simple. At its core, you are looking at a system of seals and gaskets designed to hold back water pressure. When those seals harden or tear, water finds its way through, resulting in the dreaded drip. Successfully silencing a faucet comes down to methodical disassembly. You do not need to replace the entire fixture to fix a leak. By carefully documenting the order of parts as you remove them and matching your existing hardware to new components, you can restore a perfectly functional seal in under an hour. Work slowly, keep your drain plugged, and treat every rubber ring like a critical component.

  1. Cut Water Before You Start. Locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise until they are fully closed. Open the faucet handles to bleed out any remaining pressure in the lines.
  2. Pop the Cap, Free the Screw. Use a small flathead screwdriver to pop off the decorative cap on the handle to reveal the screw underneath. Unscrew it and lift the handle assembly straight up off the stem.
  3. Extract the Heart of the Leak. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut holding the stem or cartridge in place. Pull the unit straight out of the faucet body.
  4. Swap the Worn Seals Out. Inspect the rubber O-rings and washers on the cartridge or inside the faucet body. Use a pick or screwdriver to remove the old ones and roll the new, identical replacements into the grooves.
  5. Put It Back Together Gently. Insert the cartridge back into the valve body and tighten the packing nut firmly with your wrench. Slide the handle back onto the stem and secure it with the screw.
  6. Verify the Drip Is Dead. Slowly open the shut-off valves under the sink while keeping the faucet handles in the 'on' position to clear trapped air. Once water flows smoothly, close the faucet and check for any remaining drips.