Leaky Faucet? How to Fix a Dripping Faucet
Short answerA dripping faucet usually has a worn cartridge, washer or O-ring. Drips from the spout after shutoff point to the cartridge or washer. Water around the handle while it runs points to the O-rings. Shut off the valves under the sink, take the handle off, and replace the worn part with one matching your model.
Safety first
- Close both valves under the sink by turning them clockwise, then open the faucet to release the water. If there are no valves, use the main water shutoff.
- Put a rag or the stopper in the drain so small parts cannot fall in.
Likely causes
| Cause | How to tell | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Worn cartridge or washer | The spout drips all day with the handle off. | Replace the cartridge, or the washer on older two-handle faucets. |
| Worn seals or O-rings | Water leaks around the handle or base only while the faucet is on. | Replace the seals or O-rings. |
| Dirty aerator | It drips for a minute or two after you shut it off, then stops. | Unscrew the aerator and soak it in a 50/50 mix of warm water and white vinegar, then rinse. |
What you need
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdrivers
- Hex (Allen) wrench set
- Replacement cartridge, washer or O-rings for your model
- Rag
- White vinegar
How to fix it
- Try the aerator first. If the drip stops after a minute or two, soak the aerator in a 50/50 mix of warm water and white vinegar, rinse it and screw it back on.
- Find your faucet model. Look on the paperwork or the brand's site. Parts are not universal, so you need the model number or the old part with you at the store.
- Shut off the water. Close the valves under the sink, open the faucet to drain it, and cover the drain.
- Remove the handle and old part. Pry off the small cap if there is one, loosen the screw, and lift the handle. Unscrew the retaining nut and pull out the cartridge or stem. Take a photo before you take things apart, so you can put it back in the same order.
- Install the new part. Fit the new cartridge, washer or O-rings in the same position as the old ones. Tighten the nut snugly and put the handle back.
- Test. Turn the valves back on slowly and run the faucet for about a minute. Then shut it off and watch for drips.
When to call a professional
- The valves under the sink will not close or they leak.
- The faucet body is cracked or corroded, or parts are no longer available.
- It still drips after you replace the part. A complex valve leak is a job for a plumber.
What it costs to have fixed
Faucet Replacement is estimated at $160 to $580 nationally. See your state
Common questions
Why is my faucet dripping when off?
The cartridge or washer that shuts off the water has worn out. If the drip lasts only a minute or two, dirt in the aerator is the more likely cause.
Why is my faucet handle leaking?
Water around the handle while the faucet runs usually means worn seals or O-rings. Replacing them should stop it.
How much water does a dripping faucet waste?
EPA says a faucet dripping once per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons a year.
Can a leaky faucet cause mold?
It can if the drip keeps a cabinet, wall or floor wet. The EPA says water-damaged areas should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth, so fix the leak and dry the area. Source
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Last verified 2026-11-01
Sources
- EPA WaterSense: Fix a Leak Week — Worn washers and gaskets cause faucet leaks, one drip per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons a year, and turning off the water before repairs
- Kohler: Leaking from End of Spout — A short drip after shutoff points to the aerator, the 50/50 vinegar soak, and continuous drips meaning a worn valve or cartridge
- Kohler: Leaking Under the Handle — Leaks while on point to seals and O-rings; leaks while off point to the valve or cartridge; parts depend on the model number
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.