How to Fix a Leaking Faucet
Most dripping faucets come down to a worn washer, O-ring, or cartridge inside the handle — a repair most homeowners can do in under an hour with basic tools.
Updated July 2026 — written and reviewed by the HomeCostGuide editorial team
Steps
- 1
Shut off the water supply
Turn off the shutoff valves under the sink. If there are none, shut off the main water supply to the house before starting.
- 2
Plug the drain and open the faucet
Plug the drain so small parts don't fall in, then open the faucet to release remaining water pressure.
- 3
Remove the handle
Pry off the decorative cap if present, then remove the screw underneath and lift off the handle.
- 4
Identify and replace the worn part
Depending on faucet type, this is a cartridge, ball assembly, or a washer and O-ring. Take the old part to a hardware store to match it exactly.
- 5
Reassemble and test
Reinstall the new part, reattach the handle, turn the water supply back on slowly, and check for drips or leaks at the handle base.
Safety notes
- Always shut off the water supply before disassembling a faucet.
- Take a photo before disassembly so you remember part order and orientation.
When to call a pro
If the leak continues after replacing the obvious wear parts, or you find corrosion in the supply lines or valve body, it's worth having a plumber take a look before you replace the whole faucet unnecessarily.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my faucet still drip after I replaced the washer?+
The valve seat itself may be worn or corroded, which a washer replacement alone won't fix. This usually needs a valve seat replacement or reseating tool.
Do I need to turn off the whole house's water?+
No — if your sink has shutoff valves underneath (most do), you only need to close those. Only shut off the main if there's no local shutoff.