How to Fix a Leaky Faucet DIY

A single dripping faucet wastes roughly 3,000 gallons of water per year, which adds 20 to 30 dollars to your water bill annually. A plumber charges 150 to 300 dollars for this repair. You can fix it yourself in 15 to 30 minutes with 3 to 10 dollars in parts. The repair depends on which type of faucet you have, but the process is straightforward regardless of type.

Step 1: Identify Your Faucet Type

There are four common faucet types. Identifying yours tells you which part has failed and what replacement to buy.

Compression faucets have two separate handles for hot and cold water. They are the oldest and simplest design. When you turn the handle, it presses a rubber washer against a valve seat to stop the water. Leaks happen when the washer wears out. This is the most common and cheapest repair.

Ball faucets have a single handle that moves in all directions (up, down, left, right). Inside is a metal or plastic ball with spring-loaded rubber seats that control water flow and temperature. Multiple moving parts means more potential leak points.

Cartridge faucets have a single handle that moves up and down for flow and left to right for temperature. Inside is a replaceable cartridge with O-rings that can wear out.

Ceramic disc faucets have a single handle and use two ceramic discs that slide against each other. These rarely leak, but when they do, the seals need replacement.

Step 2: Shut Off the Water

Look under the sink for the shut-off valves. There are usually two: one for hot and one for cold. Turn both clockwise until tight. Open the faucet to release any remaining pressure and water in the line.

Critical step: Plug the drain with a rag or sink stopper. Small screws, springs, and washers will fall into the drain if you do not.

Step 3: Fix by Faucet Type

Compression Faucet (Washer Replacement)

Remove the decorative cap on the handle (pry gently 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 assembly. At the bottom of the stem, you will see a rubber washer held in place by a brass screw. Remove the screw, remove the old washer, and replace it with an exact-size replacement from the hardware store.

Take the old washer with you to the store to match the size. A multipack of assorted faucet washers costs about 3 dollars. While you have the stem out, inspect the valve seat (the brass ring inside the faucet body). If it is pitted or rough, smooth it with a seat wrench or seat grinder (5 to 10 dollars) to prevent the new washer from wearing out prematurely.

Cartridge Faucet (Cartridge Replacement)

Remove the handle by prying off the decorative cap and unscrewing the handle screw. Pull off the handle. Locate the retaining clip (a small U-shaped metal clip) holding the cartridge in place. Pull the clip out with needle-nose pliers. Grip the cartridge with pliers and pull it straight out.

Take the cartridge to the hardware store to match the replacement. Cartridges cost 5 to 15 dollars depending on the brand. Some brands like Moen offer lifetime warranties on their cartridges, so check the manufacturer’s website before buying.

Insert the new cartridge in the same orientation as the old one (note the position before removal), replace the retaining clip, and reassemble the handle.

Ball Faucet (Repair Kit)

Ball faucets have the most moving parts, so the easiest approach is to buy a complete ball faucet repair kit (8 to 12 dollars) that includes new springs, seats, O-rings, and the cam assembly. Remove the handle, unscrew the cap, and remove the ball assembly. Replace all the parts with the kit components following the included instructions. Replacing everything at once prevents a second repair when another part wears out weeks later.

Ceramic Disc (Seal Replacement)

Remove the handle and the escutcheon cap. Unscrew the disc cartridge. On the underside, you will find neoprene seals. Clean the seal surfaces with white vinegar and replace the seals. If the disc itself is cracked or scored, replace the entire cartridge (15 to 30 dollars).

Step 4: Reassemble and Test

Reassemble all parts in reverse order. Before turning the water back on, set the faucet to the open position. Turn the shut-off valves back on slowly. If you turn them on with the faucet closed, the sudden pressure can crack a ceramic disc.

Let the water run for a minute to flush any debris. Close the faucet and check for leaks at every connection point: the handle, the base, and under the sink at the supply lines.

When to Call a Plumber

If the leak persists after replacing the appropriate parts, the valve seat may be corroded and need professional replacement. If you see water damage under the sink, mold, or if the supply lines themselves are leaking, a plumber should evaluate the situation. Faucet body cracks or severely corroded pipes are beyond simple DIY repair.

Bottom Line

Identify your faucet type, shut off the water, plug the drain, and replace the worn part: washers for compression faucets, cartridges for cartridge faucets, a full kit for ball faucets, and seals for ceramic disc faucets. Total cost: 3 to 15 dollars. Total time: 15 to 30 minutes. Total savings over a plumber: 140 to 290 dollars.