How to Fix a Leaky Faucet Without Calling a Plumber

A dripping faucet wastes 2,000-10,000 gallons of water per year and adds $30-$100 to your annual water bill. The fix is almost always a worn internal part - a washer, O-ring, or cartridge - costing $5-$30 at a hardware store. Here's how to do it yourself.

Before You Start

Know what type of faucet you have - this determines what part you need:

Ball faucet: Single handle that rotates over a rounded ball-shaped cap. Common in kitchens. Uses a ball mechanism inside.

Cartridge faucet: Single or double handle that moves up/down and side to side. Common in bathrooms. Most Moen, Delta, and Kohler faucets use cartridges.

Ceramic disc faucet: Wide single handle on a wide cylindrical body. Very durable - these rarely leak.

Compression faucet: Two separate handles you turn clockwise to close. The oldest type. Uses rubber washers that compress to stop flow.

Most modern faucets are cartridge type. The fix is replacing the cartridge.

General Tools Needed

• Adjustable wrench or pliers
• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
• Allen wrench set (for handle set screws)
• Replacement cartridge or washer (model-specific or universal)
• Plumber's grease

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

The shutoff valves are under the sink - one for hot, one for cold. Turn both clockwise until they stop. If the valves are stuck or won't fully close, shut off the main water supply.

Turn on the faucet to release pressure and drain remaining water.

Step 2: Remove the Handle

Look for a decorative cap on top of the handle. Pry it off with a flathead screwdriver. Under it is a screw (Phillips or hex/Allen) - remove this screw. The handle should now pull off. Some handles require wiggling or a handle puller tool.

Cartridge Faucet Repair

1. After removing the handle, you'll see the cartridge (a cylindrical plastic piece). There may be a retaining clip holding it in place - use needle-nose pliers to remove it.
2. Pull the cartridge straight up. Note which way the cartridge is oriented (photograph it before removing).
3. Take the old cartridge to the hardware store, or note the brand and model of the faucet and look up the cartridge part number online.
4. Install the new cartridge in the same orientation as the old one.
5. Replace the retaining clip, reassemble the handle, turn the water back on, and test.

Tip: Moen cartridges are available at hardware stores for most models ($10-$25). Delta uses a ball mechanism - replacement kits are $15-$30.

Compression Faucet Repair (Older Two-Handle Faucets)

1. After removing the handle, use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the packing nut.
2. Pull out the stem. At the bottom is a rubber washer held by a brass screw.
3. Replace the washer (take the old one to match the size - $1-$3).
4. Reassemble and test.

These are the original faucet design. If you have a two-handle faucet and the leak is from one side, only that side needs repair.

Ball Faucet Repair (Kitchen)

Ball faucets have multiple failure points (springs, seats, O-rings, the ball itself). The easiest approach:

1. Note the brand of the faucet
2. Buy a complete repair kit for that brand (available at hardware stores for $15-$30 for Delta, Moen, etc.)
3. Follow the kit instructions - they replace all wear components at once

The kit approach is better than trying to identify the single failed component in a ball faucet.

Leaks at the Base of the Faucet

If water pools around the base of the faucet rather than dripping from the spout, the problem is worn O-rings on the body of the faucet. The faucet needs to be removed, the O-rings replaced with matching ones (bring the old ones to match), and the faucet reinstalled.

When to Just Replace the Faucet

If the faucet is: - More than 15-20 years old - Has multiple issues (base leak + spout drip + handle problem) - The parts are unavailable or expensive - You want to upgrade the style

Replace rather than repair. A quality mid-range faucet costs $80-$200 and comes with a lifetime warranty from major brands (Moen, Delta, Kohler).

A plumber can install a new faucet you supply for $100-$150 in labor.

Bottom Line

A leaky faucet fix costs $10-$30 in parts and takes 30-60 minutes with basic tools. Identify the faucet type, buy the right cartridge or repair kit, and follow the steps. The water savings pay back the materials cost in the first month.

Sources and editorial notes

Prices and permit requirements vary by location, property, equipment, and scope. Treat price ranges as planning estimates and confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and contractor.

• US Consumer Product Safety Commission - home safety

Related guides

• How to Fix a Dripping Outdoor Faucet
• Kitchen Faucet Replacement Cost Guide
• How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Running Toilet?

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