How do you fix a dripping faucet?

Start by identifying your faucet type: compression (two handles that tighten), cartridge (smooth single or double handle), ball (single handle that moves in a sphere), or ceramic disc (wide single lever). Each type has a different fix — but in all cases, the cause is a worn internal part. Compression faucets need a new seat washer ($1–$2); cartridge faucets need a replacement cartridge ($15–$30); ball faucets need a repair kit ($10–$20). The whole repair takes 20–45 minutes.

What causes a faucet to keep dripping?

A persistently dripping faucet is almost always caused by a worn internal part pressing against the water seat: a rubber seat washer or O-ring (compression faucets), a worn cartridge (cartridge faucets), or worn seats and springs (ball faucets). Tightening the handle doesn't fix it — the worn part needs replacement. If a newly repaired faucet drips again within weeks, the seat itself may be rough and needs resurfacing or replacement.

How much does faucet leak repair cost to DIY?

A DIY faucet leak repair costs $8–$30 in parts, versus $160–$370 for a plumber's service call. A compression faucet washer costs $1–$2. A replacement cartridge runs $15–$30 (must match your brand). A ball faucet repair kit with all parts is $10–$20. Most repairs need only a screwdriver and adjustable wrench — no plumber needed.

Is a leaky faucet an emergency?

A dripping faucet from the spout is not an emergency, but it is worth fixing promptly — a faucet dripping once per second wastes over 3,000 gallons a year. A faucet that leaks at the base, under the sink, or from the shut-off valve is more urgent and can cause water damage if ignored.

Home & FixesPillar guide

Leaky Faucet Repair: How to Fix a Dripping Faucet [2026]

Fix a leaky or dripping faucet yourself in 30 minutes. Step-by-step repair for all faucet types — compression, cartridge, ball, and ceramic disc.

By Askento Editorial Team · 5 min read · Apr 1, 2026

Leaky Faucet Repair: How to Fix a Dripping Faucet [2026]

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General information only. This article may include AI-assisted content. While we aim for accuracy, verify important details before acting on them. Affiliate disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

A faucet that drips once per second wastes around 3,000 gallons of water per year. Most leaky faucets — whether dripping from the spout, leaking at the base, or seeping around the handle — are caused by a worn washer or O-ring. That's a $2 part that takes 30 minutes to replace. This guide covers dripping faucet repair for all four common faucet types.

Before You Start

Turn off the water supply: Under the sink, turn the shut-off valves clockwise until they stop. Turn on the faucet to release any remaining pressure and confirm the water is off.

Plug the drain: Put a rag or stopper in the drain so small parts don't fall in and disappear.

Take photos as you go: Before removing anything, photograph the assembly so you can reassemble it correctly.

Identify Your Faucet Type

The fix varies depending on what kind of faucet you have:

Ball faucet — a single handle that moves in a sphere. Common in kitchens. Has a ball mechanism inside.

Cartridge faucet — single or double handle, smooth operation. Very common. The cartridge is a self-contained cylinder that controls water flow.

Ceramic disc faucet — single lever over a wide cylindrical body. Rarely needs repair.

Compression faucet — two handles that tighten to stop water. Older style. Most commonly cause drips.

Fixing a Compression Faucet (Most Common Drip Cause)

Remove the decorative cap on the handle (pry it off with a flathead screwdriver)
Unscrew the handle screw and pull off the handle
Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the packing nut
Pull out the stem — at the bottom you'll find a rubber washer held by a brass screw
Replace the washer with a new one (take the old one to the hardware store to match)
If the seat (the part the washer presses against) feels rough, smooth it with a seat wrench or replace it
Reassemble in reverse order

Fixing a Cartridge Faucet

Remove the handle (usually one screw under a decorative cap)
You'll see a plastic or metal cartridge held in place by a retaining clip or nut
Pull the cartridge straight up — use pliers if needed, but be careful not to damage it
Take the old cartridge to the hardware store — exact match matters for cartridges
Install the new cartridge in the same orientation
Reassemble and test

Get the fix before you call a plumber.

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Fixing a Ball Faucet

Ball faucets have more parts (a cam, ball, seats, springs, and O-rings), making them more complex. A ball faucet repair kit for your specific brand ($10–$20) includes all the parts and instructions. The kit approach is much easier than buying parts individually.

Drip From the Base vs. From the Spout

Drip from the spout — internal mechanism issue (washers, cartridge, ball)
Leak around the base — worn O-rings on the faucet body. Remove the faucet spout, replace the O-rings, and lubricate with plumber's grease before reassembling.

When to Call a Plumber

The shut-off valve under the sink won't close (it needs replacement itself)
The faucet body is cracked
You can't identify what type of faucet you have and the repair kit approach isn't working

For a genuinely old or badly corroded faucet, replacing the whole unit (starting around $30–$80) is sometimes easier than repairing it.

Faucet Repair Kit Product Table

The right kit gets the job done in one trip. Most faucet repairs need just one of these:

| Product | Best for | Price range | Link | |---------|----------|-------------|------| | Danco 88693 Universal O-Ring Kit | Ball and cartridge faucets — 36-piece assortment of O-rings, washers, springs, and seats | $8–$12 | Shop Danco 88693 kit | | Danco 10678 Complete Faucet Repair Kit | Delta, Moen, Price Pfister ball faucets — seats, springs, O-rings, cam included | $10–$14 | Shop Danco 10678 kit | | Moen 1224 Cartridge Replacement | Moen single-handle cartridge faucets — OEM part, guaranteed fit | $15–$25 | Shop Moen 1224 cartridge | | RIDGID 56838 Basin Wrench | Reaching mounting nuts in tight under-sink spaces | $20–$28 | Shop RIDGID basin wrench | | Harvey's Silicone Plumber's Grease | Lubricating O-rings and rubber parts on reassembly; NSF-certified, safe for potable water | $5–$9 | Shop Harvey's plumber's grease |

Tip

Kitchen faucet replacement is sometimes easier than repairing a badly corroded ball faucet. Moen Adler kitchen faucets start around $60–$80 and include a lifetime warranty that covers parts. Prime members get free same-day or next-day delivery — start a 30-day free Prime trial if you need parts fast.

For a deeper look at kits and brand-specific recommendations, see Best Faucet Repair Kits.