How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

A dripping faucet is one of those problems that nags at you every time you walk past the sink. That steady drip doesn't just annoy—it wastes water and money. The good news is that the fix is almost always straightforward. Nearly every leaky faucet fails because a rubber washer or cartridge inside has worn out from years of opening and closing. You don't need a plumber for this. You need 30 minutes, basic tools, and the right replacement part. Once you've done it once, you'll recognize the fix instantly the next time. The key is knowing which type of faucet you have. Most bathroom faucets fall into one of three categories: compression (the kind with two separate handles), cartridge (single handle that moves up and down), or ball (single handle that swivels side to side). Each type fails differently and requires a slightly different repair. This guide covers all three.

1. Stop the Water First. Look under the sink for the shut-off valves on the hot and cold supply lines. Turn both valves clockwise until they stop—hand-tight is enough, don't force them. If you can't find valves under the sink or they don't work, shut off the main water supply at your home's meter or main valve.
2. Expose the Hidden Screw. Look for a small set screw or cap on the handle. For compression faucets (two knobs), you'll have a screw under each handle. For cartridge or ball faucets (single handle), there's usually one screw hidden under a decorative cap. Pry off any caps with a flathead screwdriver, then unscrew and remove the handle completely.
3. Unwrap the Faucet Guts. Once the handle is off, you'll see a large hexagonal nut below it. Use an adjustable wrench to turn this nut counterclockwise and remove it. Underneath is the stem—a spindle with threads. Unscrew the stem by turning it counterclockwise by hand or with pliers if it's tight.
4. Swap the Worn Washer. At the bottom of the stem is a screw holding a rubber washer in place. Use a screwdriver to remove this screw, then pull off the old washer. Install an identical new washer, reinstall the screw, and hand-tighten. If the stem itself is damaged or worn, replace the entire stem with a new one matching your faucet brand and model.
5. Slot in the New Cartridge. For cartridge and ball-type faucets, the entire internal mechanism usually comes out as one cartridge. After removing the handle and packing nut, the cartridge slides or twists out. Note its orientation, then install the new cartridge in the same position. These cartridges are model-specific, so bring your faucet brand and model number to the store.
6. Put It Back Together. Work backward through your disassembly. Reinstall the stem or cartridge, then the packing nut (snug but not cranked). Reinstall the handle, insert and tighten the set screw, and snap the decorative cap back on. Make sure everything is hand-tight—over-tightening can damage components.
7. Run the Victory Lap. Turn both shut-off valves under the sink counterclockwise to full open. Run water at the sink for 30 seconds to flush out any debris from inside the lines. Check under the sink for any leaks around the shut-off valves and around the faucet base. Listen carefully—the faucet should not drip when fully closed.