The Sneaky Leak: How to Fix a Dripping Faucet (And Save on Your Water Bill!)

A tiny, relentless drip...drip...drip from your faucet might not seem like a crisis, but over time, that little leak can waste thousands of gallons of water—and add unnecessary dollars to your water bill. The good news? Most faucet leaks have easy DIY fixes that don’t require specialized plumbing skills. With a few basic tools and a little patience, you can silence that annoying drip and keep your plumbing (and budget) in check.

Step 1: Identify the Type of Faucet

Before you grab a wrench, it’s important to know what kind of faucet you’re dealing with. The four most common types are these:

1. Compression Faucets – Older style, with separate hot and cold handles that tighten down. These rely on rubber washers to create a seal.

2. Ball Faucets – Common in kitchens, featuring a single handle that moves over a rounded ball mechanism.

3. Cartridge Faucets – Can have one or two handles, using a simple cartridge mechanism to control water flow.

4. Ceramic Disk Faucets – Durable and long-lasting, with a cylinder containing ceramic disks that regulate water flow.

Each faucet type has a slightly different repair method, but most leaks come from worn-out washers, O-rings, or cartridges.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools

To fix a leaking faucet, you’ll need the following:

✔ Adjustable wrench
✔ Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
✔ Replacement washers, O-rings, or cartridges (depending on the faucet type)
✔ Plumber’s grease
✔ Towel or bucket (to catch any water drips)

Step 3: Turn Off the Water Supply

Before doing anything, shut off the water supply to your sink. Look for the shutoff valves under the sink and turn them clockwise. If you don’t have individual shutoffs, turn off the main water supply to your home. Then, open the faucet to drain any remaining water.

Step 4: Dismantle the Faucet

Now, it’s time to take things apart:

• For compression faucets

  1. Pry off the decorative cap on the handle.

  2. Remove the handle screw and pull the handle off.

  3. Use a wrench to unscrew the packing nut and remove the stem.

  4. Check the rubber washer at the bottom—this is often the culprit behind leaks. If it’s worn, replace it.

  5. Coat the new washer with plumber’s grease and reassemble.

• For ball faucets

  1. Unscrew the handle and lift it off.

  2. Remove the cap and collar using pliers.

  3. Pull out the ball assembly and check for worn-out seals or springs.

  4. Replace any damaged parts and reassemble.

• For cartridge faucets

  1. Remove the handle screw and take off the handle.

  2. Unscrew the retaining clip and pull out the cartridge.

  3. If the cartridge looks worn or cracked, replace it with a matching one.

  4. Reinsert the new cartridge, securing it with the retaining clip before reassembling.

• For ceramic disk faucets

  1. Take off the handle and remove the escutcheon (decorative cover).

  2. Lift out the ceramic disk cylinder and check the seals at the bottom.

  3. If the seals are damaged, replace them.

  4. Reassemble and test for leaks.

Step 5: Turn the Water Back On & Test

Once you’ve replaced the faulty part, slowly turn the water supply back on and test your faucet. If the leak is gone—great! If it persists, double-check that all components are seated properly and tightened.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If you’ve tried the steps above and your faucet still leaks, the issue might be deeper—like a corroded valve seat or a plumbing system problem. In that case, calling a professional plumber is your best bet.

Preventing Future Faucet Leaks

• Don’t overtighten handles – Excess force can wear out washers and seals faster.

• Clean faucet aerators – Mineral buildup can restrict water flow and put extra pressure on faucet components.

• Check for early signs of wear – If your faucet starts to drip occasionally, replacing a washer or O-ring early can prevent a bigger problem.

Fixing a leaky faucet isn’t just about stopping an annoying sound—it’s about saving money and preventing water waste. With these simple DIY steps, you can take control of household plumbing issues before they spiral into bigger, costlier problems.