Miles SinclairBy Miles Sinclair

Updated November 2026

A kitchen faucet is dripping when water escapes from the spout even after the handle is fully closed. In most cases the cause is a worn washer, O-ring, cartridge or valve seat inside the faucet body. This guide shows you how to find the source of the drip and fix it with basic hand tools.

Find Where the Drip Is Coming From

Before you take anything apart, confirm where the water is leaving. A drip from the spout almost always points to the internal valve or cartridge. Water pooling at the base of the faucet, or dripping from under the handle, usually means a loose seal or a damaged O-ring. Dry the faucet completely, wait a few minutes, and watch which part gets wet first.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 7 Best Delta Kitchen Faucet Parts (2026): Repair-Ready Picks.

The Five Most Common Causes

  • Worn cartridge: Single-handle faucets rely on a cartridge that can wear or collect mineral deposits over time.
  • Failed washers or seats: Two-handle faucets use rubber washers and brass seats that compress against the valve opening.
  • Damaged O-rings: Small rings around the cartridge or stem can dry out and let water pass.
  • Sediment buildup: Hard water deposits can keep the valve from closing fully.
  • Loose or worn spout seal: A dripping spout can sometimes be traced to a seal between the spout and the body.

How to Fix a Dripping Kitchen Faucet

Most repairs take 30 to 60 minutes. Work over a towel or a basin so small parts don’t roll into the drain.

  1. Turn off the water supply under the sink. If there is no shutoff, close the main valve for the house.
  2. Open the faucet to drain any remaining water.
  3. Remove the handle cap or decorative cover, then the handle screw. Lift the handle off.
  4. Take out the cartridge, stem or valve assembly, depending on your faucet type. Note how it is oriented before removing it.
  5. Inspect the rubber seals and O-rings. Replace any that look flattened, cracked or swollen.
  6. Check the valve seat for mineral scale. Clean it with white vinegar and a soft brush. Replace the seat if it is pitted.
  7. Reassemble in reverse order, lubricate the O-rings with plumber’s grease, and tighten the parts without overtightening.
  8. Turn the water back on slowly and test the faucet. Watch for drips for several minutes.

Know When to Replace the Whole Faucet

If the faucet body is corroded, the spout wobbles, or you can’t find a replacement cartridge for the brand, replacing the faucet may be the simpler route. Manufacturers usually list the cartridge or valve model on their parts pages, so check before you buy.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting to shut off the water before disassembling.
  • Installing a cartridge in the wrong orientation, which keeps the drip going.
  • Using heavy force on plastic handles or decorative caps.
  • Replacing washers without checking the valve seat underneath.
  • Mixing up hot and cold parts on two-handle faucets.
  • Plumber’s silicone grease: Keeps O-rings flexible and helps them seal on reassembly. View on Amazon
  • Replacement faucet cartridge kit: Useful when the original cartridge is worn and you need an exact match for your brand. View on Amazon
  • Faucet repair tool set: Includes the sockets and Allen keys needed to remove handle screws and valve parts. View on Amazon

For a brand-specific walkthrough, see Moen Kitchen Faucet Dripping: 6 Causes and How to Fix Each One. If your faucet is a single-handle model, Replacing Kitchen Faucet Cartridge: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners covers the cartridge swap in more detail.

FAQ

Why does my kitchen faucet keep dripping after I replace the washer?

The valve seat underneath may be pitted or scaled, so the new washer can’t seal properly. Clean or replace the seat before reassembling.

Can a dripping faucet waste a lot of water?

A steady drip can add up to a meaningful amount of water over a month. Fixing it early also prevents damage to cabinets and the sink base.

Is it safe to fix a dripping faucet myself?

Most homeowners can handle a cartridge or washer swap with basic tools. If you are unsure about the shutoff valves or the faucet has a complex design, consult a licensed plumber.

Conclusion

A kitchen faucet is dripping because a seal, washer, cartridge or valve seat has worn or scaled over time. Identify the source, shut off the water, and replace the worn part with the correct match. Most drips can be fixed in under an hour with basic tools.

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Miles Sinclair

About Miles Sinclair

Miles Sinclair is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our kitchen faucets & sinks guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.