How to Fix a Leaky Faucet Yourself
A dripping faucet is one of the most common household repairs, and in many cases it's fixable in under an hour with basic tools. The exact cause depends on the type of faucet you have, but the general process below covers the most common scenarios.
Step 1: Turn off the water supply
Locate the shutoff valves under the sink and turn them clockwise until they stop. Turn on the faucet afterward to release any remaining pressure in the line before you start disassembling anything.
Step 2: Identify your faucet type
Most household faucets fall into one of four categories: compression, ball, cartridge, or ceramic disc. Compression faucets (the classic two-handle style with separate hot and cold knobs) are usually the easiest for a beginner to repair, since the parts are simple and inexpensive to replace.
Step 3: Disassemble carefully
Remove the decorative cap on the handle, then unscrew the handle itself to expose the stem. Take a photo with your phone before removing anything — it makes reassembly much easier if you lose track of the order.
Step 4: Inspect the washer or O-ring
In compression faucets, a worn rubber washer at the base of the stem is the most common cause of dripping. Cartridge and ball faucets rely on O-rings and internal seals instead. Bring the old part to a hardware store to match the exact size — even a slightly wrong size can cause leaks or damage the seat.
Step 5: Replace the worn part
Swap in the new washer or O-ring, making sure it sits flat and fully seated. A small amount of plumber's grease on the new part can help it seal properly and last longer.
Step 6: Reassemble and test
Put everything back together in the reverse order you removed it, turn the water supply back on slowly, and check for drips at both the spout and the handle base. If it still leaks, the valve seat itself may be corroded and could need resurfacing or replacement, which is a good point to call a plumber if you're not comfortable going further.