Fixing a Dripping Bathroom Faucet

Drips are the silent thief of your water bill and your peace of mind. That rhythmic ticking sound in the dead of night isn't just an annoyance; it is a clear signal that the internal seals of your faucet have succumbed to mineral buildup or simple fatigue. When done well, the repair is invisible, silent, and restores the smooth, tactile tension of a new handle. Most bathroom faucets operate on a cartridge system. The project is straightforward, but it demands patience with small, delicate parts. By tackling this yourself, you avoid the premium cost of a plumber for what is essentially a twenty-minute maintenance task. Keep your parts organized as you remove them, and you will have this finished before the next time you need to wash your hands.

1. Kill the Water Flow First. Locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise until tight. Open the faucet handles to drain any remaining water pressure from the lines.
2. Expose the Inner Mechanism. Pry off the decorative cap on the handle with a flat-head screwdriver to reveal the set screw. Loosen the screw using an Allen wrench and lift the handle off the assembly.
3. Extract the Culprit. Unscrew the retaining nut holding the cartridge in place using an adjustable wrench. Pull the cartridge straight out of the faucet body, noting its orientation.
4. Diagnose the Real Problem. Examine the rubber O-rings on the cartridge for cracks, flattening, or debris. If the cartridge body looks clean, replacing just the O-rings may stop the leak.
5. Reassemble With Precision. Apply a thin layer of plumber's silicone grease to the new O-rings or the new cartridge. Insert the cartridge into the faucet housing until it seats firmly.
6. Verify the Victory. Reattach the handle, then slowly turn the water valves back on. Open the faucet to flush out air and check for any remaining drips at the base or the spout.