Why Your Faucet Won’t Stop Dripping (And How to Fix It)

Fun fact: A single dripping faucets can waste over 3,000 gallons of water a year—enough to fill a small swimming pool!  Dripping faucets aren’t just annoying—There a sign your plumbing needs attention. And if left alone, it could lead to higher water bills, potential water waste, and even damage to your water line or other plumbing. But here’s the good news: fixing a leaking faucet doesn’t always require professional help. In fact, you might be able to stop that slow drip yourself with just a few tools and about 30 minutes of time. In this simple, no-nonsense guide, we’ll break down the most common culprits behind a faucet spout leak—and show you how to fix it like a pro.

Why Is My Faucet Dripping? ( 7 Common Causes)

1. Before you grab your wrench, let’s talk about why your kitchen faucet or bathroom faucet won’t stop dripping in the first place. Knowing the cause helps you fix it right the first time.
2. Worn-Out Washer – Over time, the washer inside compression faucets wears out and can’t seal the water properly. This is a common problem, especially if you have hard water that accelerates wear.
3. Loose or Damaged O-Ring – A small rubber ring around the stem screw might be cracked or loose, causing dripping water near the faucet’s base.
4. Corroded Valve Seat – Mineral deposits or water sediment can build up here, corroding the valve seat and leading to leaks near the faucet spout.
5. Loose or Damaged O-Ring – A small rubber ring around the stem screw might be cracked or loose, causing dripping water near the faucet’s base.
6. Faulty Cartridge – For cartridge faucets (commonly found in single-handle designs), the cartridge inside may be worn or broken, leading to a slow drip even when off.
7. High Water Pressure – If your main water supply pressure is too high, it can cause leaking at certain times of day.

Pro tip: Knowing the faucet components (compression faucets, cartridge faucets, ball, or ceramic disc) helps you figure out which part needs replacing

What You’ll Need to Fix a Dripping Faucet

Before you start your leaky faucet repair, gather these basic tools and supplies:

• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on your faucet’s handle)
• Replacement washers or O-rings (or a new cartridge for single-handle faucets)
• Plumber’s grease
• Towel or rag (to catch dripping water and protect the sink)
• Small bowl or container (to keep screws and parts safe)
• Needle nose pliers (optional, for hard-to-reach parts)

 Pro tip: Take the old washer, O-ring, or cartridge to your local hardware store to make sure you get the right part!

Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Dripping Faucet

Turn Off the Water Supply
Find the shut-off valves under your kitchen sink. Turn them clockwise to stop the water flow. (No water surprise = happy DIYer.)

Plug the Drain
Cover the drain with a sink stopper or towel so you don’t lose tiny screws or parts down the drain.

Disassemble the Faucet
Use your screwdriver to remove the faucet handle. Then, use the wrench to loosen the packing nut and stem. Keep track of how everything comes apart—you’ll be putting it back the same way!

Inspect and Replace the Faulty Part
Check for worn washers, cracked O-rings, or damaged cartridges. Swap out the broken part with a new one. (Pro tip: Use plumber’s grease on the new washer or O-ring for a better seal.)

Reassemble the Faucet
Put everything back together in reverse order. Tighten screws and nuts, but don’t overtighten!

Turn the Water Back On & Test
Slowly turn the shut-off valves back on. Then, test your faucet—no drip? Congrats, you just saved water and avoided a pricey repair bill!

When to Call a Plumber Instead

Most dripping faucets are easy DIY fixes. But sometimes, the leak is a sign of a bigger plumbing problem.

Consider calling a professional plumber if:

• The faucet keeps dripping even after you’ve replaced the washer or cartridge
• The leak is coming from the pipes under the sink or behind the wall
• You see corrosion, water stains, or mold near the faucet base
• You’re uncomfortable disassembling more complex faucet types

Pro tip: Fixing a faucet is great, but don’t ignore hidden leaks—they can cause water damage or mold that’s costly to repair later. Read more on our blog of 5 common cause of plumbing leaks

Final Thoughts

A dripping faucet may seem small, but ignoring it wastes water, higher water bills, and stresses your plumbing system. Want more ways to save water? a good idea is to Check out EPA’s Fix a Leak Week for expert water-saving tips.

At United Plumbing, we’re here to help. Whether it’s your kitchen sink, bathroom faucet, or a stubborn compression faucet, our licensed plumbers are ready to help.

🔗 Check out our reviews on Yelp or schedule service online!

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