How to Fix a Dripping Faucet
Published March 15, 2025 · Updated February 28, 2026
A dripping faucet wastes thousands of gallons of water per year and the constant sound is maddening. In most cases the fix is a $5 cartridge and takes under 30 minutes with basic tools.
What You'll Need
🛠 Tools
📦 Materials
Step-by-Step Instructions
Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the shut-off valves under the sink — one for hot, one for cold — and turn them fully clockwise until they stop. If no under-sink valves exist, turn off the main house supply. Turn the faucet on to release pressure and drain remaining water from the line.
Mark hot and cold valves with tape so you don't mix them up when restoring water.
Remove the Handle
Look for a decorative cap on top of the handle and pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver. Unscrew the handle screw beneath it, then pull or wiggle the handle straight up. Some handles are stuck by mineral buildup — soak a cloth in white vinegar and wrap it around the base for 15 minutes to loosen deposits.
Take a photo of the handle and internal parts before disassembly. You'll thank yourself during reassembly.
Expose the Cartridge
With the handle removed you'll see either a cartridge (a plastic or brass cylinder) secured by a retaining clip, or a stem assembly held by a packing nut. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the C-clip, or an adjustable wrench to unscrew the packing nut. Note the orientation of the cartridge — a photo helps.
Remove the Old Cartridge or Washer
Grip the cartridge with needle-nose pliers and pull straight up with firm, even pressure. For stem-type faucets, unscrew the stem and look at the rubber washer on the bottom — this is the usual culprit for drips. Replace the washer if it's flattened, cracked, or shows an indent from the seat.
If the cartridge feels stuck, use a cartridge puller tool ($12 at hardware stores) rather than forcing it. Prying with a screwdriver can crack the cartridge body and damage the brass valve seat underneath — a much costlier repair.
Buy the Correct Replacement Part
Take the old cartridge to the hardware store for an exact match. Most faucet manufacturers (Moen, Delta, Kohler) sell branded replacement cartridges. Search the faucet brand plus the model name printed on the faucet body. For ball-type faucets, buy a complete repair kit that includes the ball, springs, seats, and O-rings.
Having a photo of the cartridge on your phone saves enormous time at the hardware store.
Replace the O-Rings
While the cartridge is out, inspect the O-rings on the faucet body itself. Slide the old O-rings off with a flat-head screwdriver and replace them with exact-size replacements from the repair kit. Coat all new O-rings with plumber's grease before installation — this prevents tearing during assembly and extends O-ring life.
Never use petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on plumbing O-rings — it degrades rubber over time. Use silicone-based plumber's grease.
Install the New Cartridge
Apply a thin coat of plumber's grease to the sides of the new cartridge. Align the tabs on the cartridge with the notches in the faucet body and press firmly downward until fully seated. Reinstall the retaining clip or tighten the packing nut snugly — firm but not overtightened.
Reassemble and Test
Replace the handle, tighten the handle screw, and snap the decorative cap back on. Slowly open the shut-off valves — open them gradually to prevent water hammer. Turn the faucet fully off and observe for 60 seconds. Zero drips is success.
If there's still a slight drip, the valve seat inside the faucet body may be worn. A seat wrench ($8) can resurface it in minutes, or a plumber can replace the entire faucet for around $150-200 including labor.
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