How to Fix a Leaky Faucet: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide

A leaky faucet is one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. The constant dripping can waste hundreds of gallons of water per year, increase your water bill, and even lead to mold and mildew buildup. Learning how to fix a leaky faucet is a valuable home maintenance skill, but it does come with risks. While many small leaks can be repaired with DIY plumbing techniques, incorrect repairs can lead to bigger leaks, water damage, or expensive plumbing bills. If you're confident in your skills, follow this step-by-step guide carefully. In this guide, we’ll cover: ✅ Why your faucet is leaking ✅ How to identify your faucet type ✅ Step-by-step instructions to stop a leaky faucet ✅ How to prevent future leaks ✅ Potential Risks of DIY Faucet Repair By the end of this tutorial, you’ll know exactly how to repair a dripping faucet and save money on plumbing repair costs.

Common Causes of a Leaky Faucet

A dripping faucet is usually caused by worn-out or faulty components inside the faucet assembly. Here are the most common reasons why your bathroom faucet or kitchen faucet leaks:

Worn-out washers – Compression faucets rely on rubber washers that deteriorate over time, causing leaks.
Damaged O-rings – If your faucet is leaking from the handle, the O-ring inside the valve seat may be loose or cracked.
Faulty cartridge – Single-handle cartridge faucets have a plastic or brass cartridge inside that can wear out, leading to dripping.
Corroded valve seat – A corroded valve seat (which connects the faucet to the spout) can lead to low water pressure and leaks.
Loose parts – Over time, nuts, screws, and seals inside the faucet assembly can become loose, leading to water leaking under the sink.

Tools and Materials Needed to Fix a Leaky Faucet

Before you start your DIY faucet repair, gather these tools and supplies:

🔧 Adjustable wrench – To loosen and tighten faucet parts 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers – To remove screws on the faucet handle🔧 Replacement washers, O-rings, or cartridges – Depending on your faucet type🔧 Plumber’s grease – To lubricate new parts and prevent premature wear 🔧 White vinegar and a cloth – To clean mineral buildup inside the faucet 🔧 Bucket or towel – To catch any dripping water while you work.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fix a Leaking Faucet

Follow these easy DIY plumbing steps to stop a dripping faucet in less than an hour.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Before working on your faucet, locate the shutoff valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to stop the water flow. If you can’t find them, turn off the main water supply to your home.

👉 Pro Tip: Turn on the faucet after shutting off the water to drain any remaining water from the pipes.

Step 2: Identify Your Faucet Type

Different faucets require different repair methods. The most common types are:

Compression faucet – Has separate hot and cold handles; uses rubber washers to control water flow.
Cartridge faucet – Uses a single lever or two handles; contains a replaceable plastic or brass cartridge.
Ball faucet – Typically found in kitchen sinks; has a ball inside the assembly to control water flow.
Ceramic disc faucet – Uses ceramic plates instead of washers; more durable but can still develop leaks.

👉 Pro Tip: Knowing your kitchen or bathroom faucet type helps you buy the right replacement parts.

Step 3: Remove the Faucet Handle

Use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the decorative cap covering the screw.
Unscrew the handle using a Phillips screwdriver.
Carefully pull off the handle to expose the faucet cartridge or valve stem.

👉 Pro Tip: If the handle is stuck, use a little penetrating oil (like WD-40) to loosen it.

Step 4: Replace the Worn-Out Parts

🔹 For compression faucets: Remove the old rubber washer and O-ring and replace them with new ones. 🔹 For cartridge faucets: Remove the retaining clip, pull out the cartridge, and insert a new one. 🔹 For ball faucets: Replace worn-out springs, rubber seals, and the ball mechanism. 🔹 For ceramic disc faucets: Replace the ceramic disk cartridge if it's cracked or worn.

👉 Pro Tip: Clean the valve seat with white vinegar to remove mineral buildup before installing new parts.

Step 5: Reassemble the Faucet

Put the new replacement parts in place.
Reattach the faucet handle and tighten it with a screwdriver.
Turn the water supply back on and test the faucet.

👉 Pro Tip: If the faucet still drips, double-check the tightness of all screws and fittings.

How to Prevent Future Faucet Leaks

✅ Don't over tighten the faucet handles – This wears out washers and seals faster. ✅ Regularly clean faucet aerators – Unscrew the aerator and soak it in vinegar to remove clogs. ✅ Check for mineral buildup – Hard water can cause faucet corrosion over time. ✅ Use plumber’s grease – Apply a small amount to new washers and O-rings to extend their lifespan. ✅ Inspect your faucet yearly – Replacing worn parts early can prevent costly plumbing repairs. Potential Risks of DIY Faucet Repair

Fixing a leaky faucet yourself can be a great way to save money, but it also comes with certain risks that you need to be aware of before attempting the repair. If you're not careful, what seems like a simple fix can turn into a bigger plumbing issue, leading to costly damage. Here are some potential risks to keep in mind:

❌ Water leaking under the sink – If parts are not installed correctly, leaks can worsen, causing water damage to your cabinets and floors.

❌ Low water pressure after replacing parts – If you accidentally damage the faucet’s internal components, you may experience restricted water flow or uneven pressure.

❌ Faucet still leaking after DIY repair – If the wrong parts are used or not installed properly, the leak may persist, leading to frustration and wasted time.

❌ Corroded internal faucet parts – If the internal components of the faucet are too worn or corroded, attempting to repair them could make the problem worse, requiring a full faucet replacement.

❌ Over-tightening or stripping screws and fittings – Applying too much force when reassembling the faucet can strip screws or crack the valve seat, making it difficult to repair in the future.

❌ Damaging surrounding plumbing – Incorrect handling of pipes or connections can lead to unexpected water leaks beyond just the faucet, increasing the complexity of the repair.

Final Thoughts: Fixing a Leaky Faucet with Confidence

Knowing how to fix a leaky faucet is a valuable home maintenance skill that can help conserve water and reduce repair costs. While many leaks can be fixed with the right tools and careful execution, mistakes can lead to persistent leaks, water pressure issues, or further plumbing damage. If you're unsure at any step, it's best to seek professional assistance to ensure the issue is resolved correctly and prevent costly complications. Prompt action will keep your home running efficiently and free from water waste.