🔧 How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

Complete repair guide for all common faucet types

💰 Why Fix That Leak?

A single dripping faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons per year, costing $35+ annually in water bills. Most leaks can be fixed in under an hour with parts costing $5-15.

🔍 Step 1: Identify Your Leak Type

💧 Dripping from Spout

Water drips from the faucet opening

Cause: Worn washers or O-rings

🌊 Steady Stream

Continuous water flow from spout

Cause: Damaged valve seat or cartridge

💦 Leaking at Base

Water pools around faucet base

Cause: Loose packing nut or worn O-rings

🔧 Step 2: Identify Your Faucet Type

🔍 Quick Identification Guide

Faucet Type	How to Identify	Common in
Compression	Two separate handles, turn multiple times to close	Older homes
Ball	Single handle that moves in all directions	Delta, Peerless
Cartridge	Single or double handle, 1/4 turn to close	Most modern faucets
Ceramic Disk	Single handle, wide cylindrical body	High-end modern faucets

🛠️ Essential Tools & Materials

Basic Tool Kit

Required Tools:

Adjustable wrench
Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
Needle-nose pliers
Flashlight
Rag or towel

Common Replacement Parts:

O-rings (various sizes)
Rubber washers
Valve seats
Cartridges (if needed)
Plumber's grease

⚠️ Before You Start

Turn off water supply under the sink or at main valve
Turn on faucet to drain remaining water
Plug the drain to prevent losing small parts
Take photos before disassembly for reference

🔩 Compression Faucet Repair

Two-Handle Compression Faucet EASY

⏱️ Time needed: 20-30 minutes

💰 Parts cost: $3-8

Remove the handle

Remove decorative cap from handle center
Unscrew the handle screw
Pull handle straight up and off

Remove the packing nut

Use adjustable wrench to unscrew large nut below handle
Turn counterclockwise
May be tight—use steady pressure

Remove the stem

Unscrew the stem assembly
Turn counterclockwise with wrench
Lift out entire stem unit

Replace washers and O-rings

Remove screw at bottom of stem
Replace rubber washer with exact same size
Replace O-rings on stem shaft
Apply thin layer of plumber's grease

Reassemble in reverse order

Install stem (hand-tight plus 1/4 turn)
Replace packing nut
Reinstall handle
Turn on water and test

⚾ Ball Faucet Repair

Single-Handle Ball Faucet MEDIUM

⏱️ Time needed: 30-45 minutes

💰 Parts cost: $8-15 (repair kit)

💡 Pro Tip

Buy a complete ball faucet repair kit—it contains all the small parts you'll need and costs about the same as buying parts individually.

Remove the handle

Locate set screw on side of handle
Use Allen wrench to remove set screw
Lift handle straight up

Remove cap and collar

Use adjustable wrench to remove dome-shaped cap
Lift out plastic collar underneath
Note orientation for reassembly

Remove ball and cam

Lift out the metal ball
Remove rubber seats and springs underneath
Use needle-nose pliers for small parts

Replace all rubber parts

Install new springs in valve seats
Place new rubber seats over springs
Replace O-rings on spout
Apply plumber's grease to all rubber parts

Reassemble faucet

Insert ball (align notch with collar)
Replace collar and cap
Reinstall handle with set screw
Test operation and adjust if needed

🔧 Cartridge Faucet Repair

Single/Double Handle Cartridge EASY

⏱️ Time needed: 15-25 minutes

💰 Parts cost: $10-25 (cartridge)

Remove handle and trim

Remove screw under decorative cap
Pull off handle
Unscrew any trim rings or collars

Remove retaining clip

Look for U-shaped metal clip on cartridge top
Use needle-nose pliers to pull straight out
Keep track of clip—you'll need it for reassembly

Remove old cartridge

Grip cartridge stem with pliers
Pull straight up (may require significant force)
Rock gently while pulling if stuck

Install new cartridge

Match exact cartridge model number
Align cartridge orientation with old one
Push down firmly until fully seated
Replace retaining clip

Reassemble and test

Replace trim and handle
Turn on water supply
Test hot and cold operation
If backwards, remove and flip cartridge 180°

⚠️ Cartridge Identification

Bring the old cartridge to the hardware store to ensure exact match. There are dozens of different cartridge styles, and they're not interchangeable.

💎 Ceramic Disk Faucet Repair

Single-Handle Ceramic Disk MEDIUM

⏱️ Time needed: 25-40 minutes

💰 Parts cost: $5-12 (seals and O-rings)

Remove handle

Push handle to "on" position
Remove screw inside handle (may be hidden under cap)
Lift handle straight up

Remove disk cylinder

Unscrew mounting screws on cylinder cap
Lift out entire ceramic disk cylinder
Be careful not to crack ceramic disks

Replace seals and O-rings

Remove rubber seals from bottom of cylinder
Replace with identical new seals
Replace O-rings around cylinder body
Clean cylinder and valve seat thoroughly

Reinstall components

Place cylinder back in valve body
Align properly with mounting holes
Replace screws and handle
Turn water back on SLOWLY to avoid cracking disks

💡 Ceramic Disk Care

Turn water back on slowly! Sudden pressure can crack the ceramic disks. If the cylinder still leaks, the ceramic disks may be cracked and need replacement.

🚰 Handle Leaks (Packing Nut Issues)

Leak Around Handle Base EASY

⏱️ Time needed: 10-15 minutes

💰 Parts cost: $2-5

Try tightening first

Use wrench to gently tighten packing nut
Turn 1/4 turn clockwise
Test—this may solve the problem

If still leaking, replace packing

Remove handle and packing nut
Replace O-ring or packing material
Wrap stem threads with Teflon tape if needed
Reassemble with moderate tightness

❌ Troubleshooting Common Problems

Problem	Likely Cause	Solution
Still dripping after repair	Damaged valve seat	Resurface or replace valve seat
Hot/cold reversed	Cartridge installed backwards	Remove and flip cartridge 180°
Low water pressure	Debris in aerator or cartridge	Clean or replace aerator/cartridge
Handle loose or wobbly	Worn handle or packing nut loose	Tighten connections or replace handle
Water won't turn off completely	Valve seat damaged or debris	Clean valve seat or replace cartridge

💡 Prevention & Maintenance Tips

✅ Keep Your Faucets Healthy

Don't over-tighten handles: This wears out washers and seats faster
Clean aerators monthly: Remove and rinse to prevent clogs
Address leaks quickly: Small drips become big problems
Use quality replacement parts: Cheap washers fail quickly
Annual inspection: Check under sinks for early leak signs
Water softener maintenance: Hard water damages faucet components

⚠️ When to Call a Professional

Multiple fixtures leaking simultaneously
Can't locate shut-off valves
Corroded or damaged supply lines
Valve seat damage requiring specialized tools
Antique or specialty faucets
Water pressure issues throughout house

💰 Cost Comparison

DIY vs Professional Repair

DIY Repair Costs:

Compression faucet: $3-8
Ball faucet kit: $8-15
Cartridge replacement: $10-25
Ceramic disk seals: $5-12
Total time: 15-45 minutes

Professional Repair Costs:

Service call: $75-150
Parts markup: 50-100%
Labor: $50-100/hour
Total cost: $100-250
Savings by DIY: $75-225

🔧 Final Tips for Success

Take photos: Before disassembly for reference
Work slowly: Don't force parts that seem stuck
Bring old parts: To hardware store for exact matches
Test thoroughly: Check hot, cold, and off positions
Keep spare parts: O-rings and washers for future use

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet - Complete Repair Guide