Fix Leaky Faucet

Stop the leak by shutting off the water, identifying the faucet type and leak location, then tightening loose parts or replacing worn washers, O-rings, or the cartridge.

Medium · 30-90 minutes

Tools

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Screwdriver set
  • Allen key set
  • Slip-joint pliers
  • Clean rag
  • Flashlight

Materials

  • Replacement cartridge, washer kit, or O-rings matching the faucet model
  • Plumber's grease
  • White vinegar

Safety

  • Turn off the hot and cold shutoff valves under the sink before disassembly.
  • Open the faucet after shutoff to relieve pressure and confirm water is off.
  • Plug the drain so screws and small parts do not fall in.
  • Take a photo before removing parts so reassembly is easier.
  • Do not overtighten screws, nuts, or supply connections.
  • Turn water back on slowly and watch carefully for leaks.
  • Stop and call a plumber if shutoff valves fail, parts are heavily corroded, or the leak source is unclear.

Steps

  1. Step 1: Shut off water and prepare the area

    • Turn off the hot and cold shutoff valves under the sink by turning them clockwise.
    • Open the faucet to relieve pressure and verify the water is off.
    • Plug the sink drain and place a rag in the work area to protect finishes and catch small parts.
    • Take a clear photo of the faucet before disassembly.

    Check: No water flows or only a brief dribble comes out when the faucet is opened. · The drain is plugged and the work area is protected. · You have a reference photo for reassembly.

  2. Step 2: Identify where the faucet is leaking

    • Dry the faucet and surrounding area with a rag.
    • Check whether water drips from the spout, around the handle, from the base, or from supply line connections under the sink.
    • Note the faucet style if possible: single-handle, double-handle, ball, cartridge, ceramic disc, or compression.

    Check: You know the main leak location. · You have a reasonable idea which internal part may be worn or loose.

  3. Step 3: Remove the handle and trim

    • Look for a decorative cap or set screw on the handle and remove it with the correct screwdriver or Allen key.
    • Lift off the handle carefully and set parts aside in order.
    • Remove any retaining nut, bonnet, or trim piece needed to access the stem or cartridge.

    Check: The handle and trim are removed without forcing parts. · Parts are arranged in removal order for easier reassembly.

  4. Step 4: Inspect and service the internal parts

    • If the faucet uses a cartridge, pull it straight out and inspect it for wear, cracks, or mineral buildup.
    • If it uses washers or O-rings, inspect them for flattening, tearing, brittleness, or looseness.
    • Clean mineral deposits from reusable parts and the valve body with white vinegar and a rag.
    • Replace damaged washers, O-rings, or the cartridge with matching parts.
    • Apply a small amount of plumber's grease to O-rings if appropriate for the faucet design.

    Check: Worn or damaged parts have been replaced with matching parts. · Mineral buildup has been removed from sealing surfaces. · Greased parts move smoothly without excess lubricant.

  5. Step 5: Check and tighten other leak points

    • Inspect the faucet base and mounting area for looseness and tighten gently if needed.
    • Check supply line connections under the sink for drips or looseness and snug them carefully with a wrench.
    • Do not overtighten fittings, especially on older or corroded connections.

    Check: Visible loose connections have been snugged. · No damaged threads or stressed fittings are visible.

  6. Step 6: Reassemble the faucet

    • Reinstall the cartridge, stem, retaining nut, trim, and handle in the reverse order of removal.
    • Align parts correctly using your reference photo.
    • Tighten components firmly but gently to avoid cracking or stripping parts.

    Check: All parts are back in place and aligned correctly. · The handle moves normally and does not bind.

  7. Step 7: Restore water and test

    • Turn the shutoff valves back on slowly.
    • Run the faucet for a minute on both hot and cold if applicable.
    • Check the spout, handle area, base, and supply connections for leaks.
    • If a minor drip remains, turn water off again and recheck part alignment and seating.

    Check: Water flow is normal after reassembly. · No drips appear from the original leak point or under the sink. · The faucet turns on and off smoothly.

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home repair

Fix Leaky Faucet

Medium30-90 minutes

Stop the leak by shutting off the water, identifying the faucet type and leak location, then tightening loose parts or replacing worn washers, O-rings, or the cartridge.

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⚡Safety Warning
  • Turn off the hot and cold shutoff valves under the sink before disassembly.
  • Open the faucet after shutoff to relieve pressure and confirm water is off.
  • Plug the drain so screws and small parts do not fall in.
  • Take a photo before removing parts so reassembly is easier.
  • Do not overtighten screws, nuts, or supply connections.
  • Turn water back on slowly and watch carefully for leaks.
  • Stop and call a plumber if shutoff valves fail, parts are heavily corroded, or the leak source is unclear.

Tools & Materials

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Screwdriver set
  • Allen key set
  • Slip-joint pliers
  • Clean rag
  • Flashlight
  • Replacement cartridge, washer kit, or O-rings matching the faucet model
  • Plumber's grease
  • White vinegar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Shut off water and prepare the area

Diagram for step 1: Shut off water and prepare the area
  • Turn off the hot and cold shutoff valves under the sink by turning them clockwise.
  • Open the faucet to relieve pressure and verify the water is off.
  • Plug the sink drain and place a rag in the work area to protect finishes and catch small parts.
  • Take a clear photo of the faucet before disassembly.
Check

No water flows or only a brief dribble comes out when the faucet is opened. • The drain is plugged and the work area is protected. • You have a reference photo for reassembly.

Was this step clear?
Step 2

Identify where the faucet is leaking

Diagram for step 2: Identify where the faucet is leaking
  • Dry the faucet and surrounding area with a rag.
  • Check whether water drips from the spout, around the handle, from the base, or from supply line connections under the sink.
  • Note the faucet style if possible: single-handle, double-handle, ball, cartridge, ceramic disc, or compression.
Check

You know the main leak location. • You have a reasonable idea which internal part may be worn or loose.

Was this step clear?
Step 3

Remove the handle and trim

Diagram for step 3: Remove the handle and trim
  • Look for a decorative cap or set screw on the handle and remove it with the correct screwdriver or Allen key.
  • Lift off the handle carefully and set parts aside in order.
  • Remove any retaining nut, bonnet, or trim piece needed to access the stem or cartridge.
Check

The handle and trim are removed without forcing parts. • Parts are arranged in removal order for easier reassembly.

Was this step clear?
Step 4

Inspect and service the internal parts

Diagram for step 4: Inspect and service the internal parts
  • If the faucet uses a cartridge, pull it straight out and inspect it for wear, cracks, or mineral buildup.
  • If it uses washers or O-rings, inspect them for flattening, tearing, brittleness, or looseness.
  • Clean mineral deposits from reusable parts and the valve body with white vinegar and a rag.
  • Replace damaged washers, O-rings, or the cartridge with matching parts.
  • Apply a small amount of plumber's grease to O-rings if appropriate for the faucet design.
Check

Worn or damaged parts have been replaced with matching parts. • Mineral buildup has been removed from sealing surfaces. • Greased parts move smoothly without excess lubricant.

Was this step clear?
Step 5

Check and tighten other leak points

Diagram for step 5: Check and tighten other leak points
  • Inspect the faucet base and mounting area for looseness and tighten gently if needed.
  • Check supply line connections under the sink for drips or looseness and snug them carefully with a wrench.
  • Do not overtighten fittings, especially on older or corroded connections.
Check

Visible loose connections have been snugged. • No damaged threads or stressed fittings are visible.

Was this step clear?
Step 6

Reassemble the faucet

Diagram for step 6: Reassemble the faucet
  • Reinstall the cartridge, stem, retaining nut, trim, and handle in the reverse order of removal.
  • Align parts correctly using your reference photo.
  • Tighten components firmly but gently to avoid cracking or stripping parts.
Check

All parts are back in place and aligned correctly. • The handle moves normally and does not bind.

Was this step clear?
Step 7

Restore water and test

Diagram for step 7: Restore water and test
  • Turn the shutoff valves back on slowly.
  • Run the faucet for a minute on both hot and cold if applicable.
  • Check the spout, handle area, base, and supply connections for leaks.
  • If a minor drip remains, turn water off again and recheck part alignment and seating.
Check

Water flow is normal after reassembly. • No drips appear from the original leak point or under the sink. • The faucet turns on and off smoothly.

Was this step clear?

Common Mistakes

  • ×Forgetting to shut off the water before disassembly.
  • ×Not plugging the drain and losing small screws or clips.
  • ×Buying replacement parts that do not match the faucet brand or model.
  • ×Forcing stuck trim or cartridges and damaging the faucet body.
  • ×Overtightening nuts or supply line connections.
  • ×Reassembling parts in the wrong order or orientation.
  • ×Ignoring leaks under the sink and focusing only on the spout.

When to Call a Professional

  • The shutoff valves do not fully stop the water.
  • The faucet is heavily corroded or parts are seized in place.
  • You cannot identify the faucet model or find matching replacement parts.
  • The leak continues after replacing the cartridge, washers, or O-rings.
  • There is leaking inside the wall, cabinet damage, or signs of mold.
  • Supply lines, shutoff valves, or the sink plumbing begin leaking during the repair.

Notes

  • A drip from the spout usually points to a worn cartridge, seat, or washer.
  • A leak around the handle often means a worn O-ring, packing, or cartridge seal.
  • Taking the old part to a hardware store can help match replacements.
  • If the faucet is very old, replacing the entire faucet may be more efficient than repeated repairs.

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