Fix a Dripping Faucet

A faucet drips because something inside has worn out. The sound drives you crazy at night, and the water waste adds up on your bill — a faucet dripping once per second wastes over 3,000 gallons a year. The fix is mechanical, not mysterious. Nearly every kitchen faucet uses either a cartridge system, a compression valve with washers, or a ceramic disc assembly. You remove the handle, extract the worn component, match it at the hardware store, and reverse the process. The entire repair takes an hour if you know which parts you need, or two trips and an afternoon if you have to disassemble first to identify the cartridge. Either way, you end up with a silent faucet and the satisfaction of not paying someone $150 to turn a few screws. The only real skill required is patience with small parts and the willingness to take a photo before you remove anything.

1. Kill the Flow First. Find the shutoff valves under the sink — one for hot, one for cold. Turn both clockwise until they stop. Open the faucet to release pressure and confirm no water flows. If the valves are seized or leaking, you may need to shut off the main supply instead.
2. Document Before You Dismantle. Pry off the decorative cap on top of the handle with a flathead screwdriver or knife tip. Remove the screw underneath — usually Phillips or hex. Lift the handle straight up. Some handles have a setscrew on the side instead of underneath. Take a photo before removing anything.
3. Remove the Worn Part Gently. For cartridge faucets, remove the retaining nut or clip, then pull the cartridge straight out with pliers. For compression faucets, unscrew the packing nut and lift out the stem assembly. Note the orientation — cartridges only fit one way, and installing them backward reverses your hot and cold.
4. Match the Exact Part. Take the cartridge, stem, or worn washer to a plumbing supply or hardware store. Match the brand and model if possible. For compression faucets, you may only need to replace the rubber washer and O-ring on the stem. For cartridge faucets, replace the entire cartridge.
5. Seat the New Part Firmly. For cartridges, align the flat sides or tabs correctly and press firmly into place until it seats. Reinstall the retaining clip or nut. For compression stems, slide the new washer onto the base, add a thin layer of plumber's grease, and screw the stem back into the valve body.
6. Verify No Leaks Present. Reverse the disassembly steps. Tighten the handle screw firmly but not aggressively — overtightening can crack the handle. Replace the decorative cap. Turn the water supply back on slowly and check for leaks under the sink before closing the cabinet.
7. Confirm the Silence. Let the faucet sit closed for five minutes, then check the spout for drips. Run both hot and cold at full pressure and inspect all connections under the sink. If the drip persists, the seat inside the valve body may be corroded and need resurfacing or replacement.