By Caleb MorganUpdated November 2026
If you’re asking how do I repair a leaky faucet, the answer is simpler than most people expect. In most cases you can find the source of the drip, shut off the water, replace one worn part, and reassemble the faucet in under an hour. This guide walks through identifying the leak type, the repair steps, and the mistakes that cause a fix to fail.
Identify What Kind of Faucet You Have
Before you buy any part, figure out which faucet mechanism you’re dealing with. Most household faucets fall into one of four types: compression (separate hot and cold handles with rubber washers), ball (a single handle over a slotted ball), cartridge (a single handle over a plastic or brass cylinder), and ceramic disc (a single handle with a disc cartridge that often looks like a small tin can). Look at the handle and spout, or check the manufacturer’s name on the faucet body. Brands such as Delta, Moen, Kohler and Pfister each use specific cartridge designs, so the brand and model number matter when ordering parts.
Shopping for one? See our guide: 5 Best Leaky Faucet Repair Bathtub Kits for Common Leaks and Drips (2026).
Shut Off the Water and Remove the Handle
Close the under-sink shutoff valves, then open the faucet to drain remaining water. Plug the drain so small screws don’t disappear down it.
- Pry off the decorative cap on top of the handle with a flat-blade screwdriver.
- Remove the handle screw and lift the handle off.
- Unscrew the packing nut or bonnet nut with an adjustable wrench, wrapping the jaws in tape to protect the finish.
- Pull out the stem, cartridge or valve assembly.
Replace the Worn Part
Most leaks come from a worn washer, O-ring or cartridge. Bring the old part to a hardware store or note the brand and model so you match it exactly. Replacement kits are sold for most major brands, and they usually include the seats, springs and O-rings you’ll need.
Common Parts and Their Signs
| Faucet Type | Typical Leak Source | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Worn rubber washer or seat | Replace washer and seat |
| Cartridge | Worn cartridge or O-rings | Replace cartridge |
| Ball | Worn seats, springs or cam | Replace internal kit |
| Ceramic disc | Scratched or misaligned disc | Replace disc cartridge |
If the valve seat itself is pitted, a seat-dressing tool can smooth it, but replacing the seat is usually quicker and more reliable.
Reassemble and Test the Faucet
Reinstall parts in the reverse order you removed them. Apply a light coat of plumber’s grease to O-rings and cartridge seals, which helps them seat properly and last longer. Tighten the packing nut snugly rather than forcing it, since overtightening can crack the cartridge or distort the seal. Reattach the handle, slowly open the shutoff valves, and test the faucet. Run it on hot and cold, then turn it fully off and check for drips under the sink and at the spout.
Recommended gear
- Plumber’s grease keeps O-rings and seals moving smoothly and reduces wear on new parts. View on Amazon
- Adjustable wrench with tape-wrapped jaws lets you loosen stubborn nuts without scratching chrome or brass finishes. View on Amazon
- Faucet cartridge puller removes stuck cartridges that won’t come out by hand. View on Amazon
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the shutoff valves, which leads to a wet cabinet and a pressurized spray when you pull parts.
- Buying generic washers without checking the brand’s model, since small dimension differences cause continued leaks.
- Overtightening the packing nut, which can damage the new seals.
- Forgetting to plug the drain, which is how small screws and springs go missing.
- Replacing parts without checking the valve seat, which may be the real source of the drip.
For more detail on specific brands, see How to Repair a Leaky Moen Faucet: Step-by-Step Fix for Drips and Leaks or How to Repair a Leaking Delta Faucet: A Step-by-Step Guide. If you have a single-handle model, How to Repair a Leaky Faucet Single Handle: 6 Steps That Stop the Drip covers the cartridge process in more depth. For a kitchen sink, How to Repair a Kitchen Faucet: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners is a useful companion.
FAQ
How do you repair a leaky faucet if the drip keeps coming back?
A recurring drip usually means the seat or cartridge was damaged, or a new part was installed on a worn seat. Inspect the valve seat for pitting and replace it or the entire cartridge.
How long does it take to repair a leaky faucet?
A basic washer or cartridge swap usually takes 30 to 60 minutes once you have the right part. Stuck parts or a corroded valve can extend the job.
When should I call a plumber for a leaky faucet?
Call a licensed plumber if the leak comes from the pipe connections, the shutoff valves leak, or you find corrosion you can’t safely address. Consult a professional before working on gas-connected or high-pressure systems.
Conclusion
Repairing a leaky faucet comes down to identifying the faucet type, shutting off the water, and replacing the worn washer, O-ring or cartridge. Take photos as you disassemble so reassembly goes smoothly. With the right part and a little patience, most drips stop in a single afternoon.
Related reading
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About Caleb Morgan
Caleb Morgan is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our kitchen faucets & sinks guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
