How to Fix a Leaky Faucet: Step-by-Step for Every Faucet Type

A faucet that drips even once per second can waste thousands of gallons of water per year. Beyond the environmental impact, it adds up on your water bill. The good news: fixing a leaky faucet is one of the most approachable plumbing DIY projects there is, and it usually takes less than an hour once you know what you're dealing with.

Before You Start: Turn Off the Water Supply

Always shut off the water before beginning. Look for the shutoff valves under the sink — turn them clockwise until they stop. If there are no under-sink valves, you'll need to shut off the main water supply to your home. Turn on the faucet to release any remaining pressure and drain the lines before disassembling anything.

Identify Your Faucet Type

The fix depends entirely on what type of faucet you have:

Faucet Type Identifies By Common Fix
Ball Faucet Single handle that rotates in a ball socket Replace springs, seats, and O-rings
Cartridge Faucet Single or double handle, smooth operation Replace the cartridge
Compression Faucet Two handles that tighten when you turn them Replace rubber washers
Ceramic Disc Faucet Wide single lever, cylindrical body Clean or replace ceramic disc

Fixing a Compression Faucet (Most Common in Older Homes)

This is the classic two-handled faucet. The drip almost always comes from a worn rubber washer.

  1. Remove the decorative cap on top of the handle and unscrew the handle screw beneath it.
  2. Pull off the handle to expose the packing nut.
  3. Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the packing nut and remove the stem.
  4. At the bottom of the stem, you'll find a rubber washer held by a brass screw. Remove the old washer.
  5. Take the washer to a hardware store to match the size, or use a universal washer kit.
  6. Install the new washer, reassemble in reverse order, and test.

Fixing a Cartridge Faucet

  1. Remove the handle (usually held by a screw under a decorative cap).
  2. Use pliers to pull the cartridge straight up and out of the faucet body.
  3. Note the orientation of the cartridge before removing it — it must go back in the same way.
  4. Take the old cartridge to the hardware store to match the exact replacement (brand and model matter here).
  5. Insert the new cartridge, reassemble the handle, and test.

Fixing a Ball Faucet

Ball faucets have more parts, so a repair kit for your specific brand is strongly recommended. These kits include all the springs, seats, O-rings, and sometimes the ball itself.

  1. Remove the handle and use a ball faucet wrench (included in most kits) to unscrew the cap and collar.
  2. Lift out the ball, cam, packing, and springs, noting the order of parts.
  3. Replace all worn parts using the kit components.
  4. Reassemble carefully and test for leaks.

Essential Tips

  • Photograph each step as you disassemble — it makes reassembly much easier.
  • Bring old parts to the hardware store to match replacements exactly.
  • Apply plumber's grease to rubber O-rings before installing to extend their life.
  • Don't overtighten when reassembling — snug is enough; overtightening damages threads and washers.

When to Call a Plumber

Most faucet repairs are DIY-friendly, but call a professional if: the faucet body itself is cracked, if you discover corroded supply lines, if water pressure problems suggest a deeper issue, or if the leak is under the sink rather than from the faucet itself.