How to Fix a Leaky Faucet in Under an Hour

A dripping faucet wastes more water than most people realize — a single drip per second adds up to roughly 3,000 gallons a year. The good news is that the fix is almost always simple and doesn't require calling a plumber.

1. Identify your faucet type

Before you buy parts, figure out what you're working with:

• Compression faucets (two separate hot/cold handles) almost always leak because of a worn rubber washer.
• Cartridge, ball, and ceramic-disc faucets (single handle) usually leak because of a worn O-ring or cartridge.

2. Shut off the water and relieve pressure

Turn off the shutoff valves under the sink, then open the faucet to release any remaining pressure and confirm the water is off.

3. Disassemble the handle

Pry off the decorative cap, remove the retaining screw, and lift off the handle. Keep the screws in a small dish — they're easy to lose.

4. Replace the worn part

• Compression faucet: unscrew the stem, pop out the old rubber washer, and replace it with an exact match from the hardware store.
• Cartridge faucet: pull the cartridge straight up and swap it for the same model number — bring the old one with you when shopping.

5. Reassemble and test

Put everything back in reverse order, turn the water back on slowly, and check for drips at the handle and spout. If it still drips, the valve seat itself may be worn and need resurfacing or replacement — at that point it's worth calling a plumber.

When to call a professional

If you've replaced the washer or cartridge and the leak persists, or if you notice water damage under the sink, it's time to bring in a licensed plumber before the leak causes further damage.