How to Fix a Leaky Faucet (Or Know When to Call a Pro)

A dripping faucet isn’t just annoying—it wastes gallons of water and drives up your utility bill. The good news? Many faucet leaks are relatively simple to fix if you know what you’re doing.

Q: Why is my faucet leaking?

A: Most faucet leaks come down to worn-out internal parts. Here are the most common culprits:

1. Worn washers or O-rings: These rubber seals deteriorate over time from friction and water exposure
2. Corroded valve seat: Where the faucet and spout connect can corrode and cause leaks
3. Loose parts: Sometimes the packing nut or other internal components simply loosen
4. Mineral deposits: Hard water buildup can prevent proper sealing
5. Worn cartridge or ceramic discs: In modern faucets, these components can fail

Q: Can I fix it myself?

A: It depends on your comfort level and the type of faucet. Here’s what you need to consider:

DIY-Friendly Signs:

• You’re comfortable with basic tools
• You can identify your faucet type
• The leak is from the spout, not the base or supply lines
• You have access to replacement parts (hardware stores carry most common washers and O-rings)

Call a Professional If:

• The leak is at the base (may indicate a more serious problem)
• Supply line connections are leaking (risk of water damage)
• You’re not comfortable shutting off water supply
• The faucet is old and may need full replacement
• You’ve tried a repair and it didn’t work

The Basic DIY Process

If you decide to tackle it yourself, here’s the general approach (specific steps vary by faucet type):

1. Gather Your Tools

• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
• Replacement parts (washer, O-ring, or cartridge)
• Plumber’s grease
• Flashlight
• Bucket or towels

2. Shut Off the Water

• Turn off water supply valves under the sink
• Turn on the faucet to release remaining pressure
• Plug the drain to avoid losing small parts

3. Disassemble the Faucet

• Remove the handle (often a screw under a decorative cap)
• Take photos as you go—this helps with reassembly
• Remove the packing nut with an adjustable wrench
• Pull out the stem or cartridge

4. Identify and Replace Worn Parts

• Inspect the washer, O-ring, and other seals
• Check for mineral buildup and clean if needed
• Replace any worn components
• Apply plumber’s grease to new O-rings

5. Reassemble and Test

• Put everything back in reverse order
• Turn water supply back on slowly
• Test for leaks
• Make minor adjustments if needed

Different Faucet Types

Repair approaches vary by design:

• Compression faucets: Two handles, old-school design, usually just need washer replacement
• Ball faucets: Single handle, uses a ball bearing, more complex
• Cartridge faucets: Single or double handle, replace the cartridge
• Ceramic disc faucets: Modern, reliable, rarely leak but may need disc replacement

When DIY Becomes a Mistake

We’ve seen homeowners make these common errors:

• Overtightening: Strips threads or cracks porcelain
• Wrong parts: Not all washers fit all faucets
• Ignoring corrosion: Sometimes the whole faucet needs replacement
• Creating new leaks: Improper reassembly causes additional problems

The Professional Advantage

Here’s what we bring to a faucet repair:

• Proper diagnosis: We identify the exact cause quickly
• Right parts: We stock or know where to get exact replacements
• Efficiency: What might take you two hours takes us 20 minutes
• Warranty: Our work is guaranteed
• Upgrade advice: We can tell you if repair or replacement makes more sense

Repair vs. Replace

Sometimes replacement is smarter than repair:

Repair makes sense when:

• The faucet is relatively new (less than 10 years)
• The leak is due to a simple worn part
• The faucet is high quality
• You like the current fixture

Replace when:

• The faucet is old (15+ years)
• Multiple parts are failing
• Finish is corroded or damaged
• You want to upgrade style or efficiency

Cost Considerations

DIY repair: $5-30 for parts, 1-2 hours of your time

Professional repair: $100-200 typically, includes labor and parts

Replacement: $150-500+ depending on fixture quality and installation complexity

Our Recommendation

If you’re handy and the leak is straightforward, give it a try. But if you’re unsure, it’s worth calling for help. A small leak can become a big problem if repairs go wrong, and water damage is expensive.

Got a stubborn leak? Contact us for a free assessment. We’ll let you know whether it’s a simple fix or if replacement makes more sense for your situation.