How to fix a leaky faucet
Quick answer
Turn off the water under the sink, remove the faucet handle, and replace the worn part inside: usually a rubber washer, an O-ring or the cartridge. Take the old part to a hardware store so you can match it exactly.
Step by step
- Shut off the waterTurn the shut-off valves under the sink clockwise until they stop, then open the faucet to drain the remaining water.
- Cover the drainPut a plug or a rag in the drain so small screws and parts can’t fall in.
- Remove the handlePry off the decorative cap if there is one, unscrew the handle screw (often hidden under the cap) and lift the handle off.
- Take out the worn partUse an adjustable wrench to loosen the nut and pull out the stem or cartridge. Check the rubber washer and O-rings for cracks or flattening.
- Replace and reassembleFit the new washer, O-ring or cartridge, put everything back in reverse order, and slowly turn the water back on.
A faucet dripping once a second can waste more than 3,000 gallons (about 11,000 liters) a year, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. The fix usually costs a few dollars in parts.
First, identify your faucet type
| Type | How it works | What usually wears out |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Two handles you twist until tight | The rubber washer at the bottom of the stem |
| Cartridge | One or two handles, smooth movement | The cartridge or its O-rings |
| Ball | Single lever over a rounded cap | Springs and seals inside |
| Ceramic disc | Single lever, wide cylinder body | The seals under the disc |
Older two-handle faucets are almost always compression types; most modern single-lever faucets use a cartridge or ceramic disc.
Where is the leak coming from?
- Drip from the spout: a worn washer, cartridge or seal inside the valve.
- Water around the handle: a worn O-ring on the stem.
- Water under the sink: a loose connection or worn supply line, not the faucet itself.
Tips that save a second trip to the store
- Photograph each step as you take it apart, so reassembly is easy.
- Bring the old part to the hardware store, or note the faucet brand, which is often printed on the base.
- Wrap the wrench jaws in tape or a cloth so you don’t scratch the finish.
If the faucet body itself is cracked or badly corroded, replacing the whole faucet may be quicker than repairing it.
Handy around the house? A small vegetable garden is a good next weekend project.
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