How to Fix a Leaking Faucet Step by Step

A leaking faucet wastes approximately 3,000 gallons of water per year when dripping once per second. That is roughly $20-30 added to your annual water bill for a problem that takes 20-30 minutes and $5-15 in parts to fix. Meanwhile, a plumber charges $150-300 for the same repair. This is one of the most straightforward DIY repairs any homeowner can learn.

The fix depends on your faucet type. There are four main types: compression, ball, cartridge, and ceramic disc. Each has a different internal mechanism that wears out differently. This guide covers all four types with specific step-by-step instructions for each.

Identify Your Faucet Type

Compression faucets have two separate handles for hot and cold. You turn each handle to open and close the water flow. These are the oldest and simplest design, found in many older homes. They use rubber washers that compress against a valve seat to stop water flow.

Ball faucets have a single handle that moves over a rounded ball-shaped cap just above the faucet base. The handle controls both temperature and flow by adjusting the position of the internal ball. Ball faucets are common in kitchens and were popularized by Delta.

Cartridge faucets can have one or two handles. The distinguishing feature is that the handle moves up and down for flow control and left/right for temperature on single-handle models. They use a replaceable cartridge inside the handle assembly. Moen is the most common cartridge faucet brand.

Ceramic disc faucets have a single handle and a wide cylindrical body. They are the newest and most reliable design, using two ceramic discs that slide against each other to control water flow. They rarely leak, but when they do, the fix involves replacing the disc cylinder or its seals.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Adjustable wrench
• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• Hex key set (Allen wrenches)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Plumber's grease (silicone-based)
• Replacement parts specific to your faucet type (washers, O-rings, cartridge, or seals)
• Clean cloth or towel
• Small container for screws and small parts

Before You Start: Turn Off the Water

Turn off the water supply valves located under the sink. There will be two valves, one for hot and one for cold. Turn them clockwise to close. If there are no shut-off valves under the sink, turn off the main water supply to the house. After closing the valves, open the faucet to release any remaining water pressure and drain residual water from the lines.

Plug the drain with a rag or sink stopper to prevent small parts from falling down the drain during the repair. Place a towel in the sink to protect the finish from dropped tools.

Fixing a Compression Faucet

Compression faucets are the most common leakers because their rubber washers wear out with regular use. The fix takes about 15 minutes per handle.

1. Remove the decorative cap on the handle (pry with a flathead screwdriver). Remove the screw underneath. Pull off the handle.
2. Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the packing nut. Pull out the stem assembly.
3. At the bottom of the stem, you will see a rubber washer held by a brass screw. Remove the screw and the old washer.
4. Take the old washer to a hardware store to find an exact replacement. Washers come in many sizes, so matching is essential.
5. Install the new washer, apply plumber's grease to the washer and stem, and reassemble in reverse order.
6. If the leak persists after replacing the washer, the valve seat may be damaged. Use a valve seat wrench to remove and replace it, or use a seat grinding tool to resurface it.

Fixing a Ball Faucet

Ball faucets have multiple internal parts that can cause leaks: springs, inlet seals, the ball itself, and O-rings. The easiest approach is to buy a ball faucet repair kit for your specific model, which includes all replacement parts for under $15.

1. Remove the handle set screw (usually an Allen screw under the handle).
2. Unscrew the cap and collar using adjustable pliers with a cloth to protect the finish.
3. Remove the faucet cam, cam washer, and the ball. Note the orientation of the ball before removing it.
4. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the inlet seals and springs from inside the faucet body.
5. Install new springs and seals from the repair kit, pressing them into place with a pencil eraser.
6. Reinstall the ball in the correct orientation, followed by the cam washer and cam.
7. Reassemble the cap, collar, and handle.

Fixing a Cartridge Faucet

Cartridge faucets are fixed by replacing the entire cartridge, which is a self-contained unit that controls water flow and temperature.

1. Remove the handle (screw under decorative cap or Allen screw at the base).
2. Remove the retaining clip that holds the cartridge in place. This is a small metal clip visible on the faucet body.
3. Pull the cartridge straight out. Use a cartridge puller tool if it is stuck. Moen sells a specific cartridge puller for their faucets.
4. Take the old cartridge to a hardware store to find an exact replacement. Note the brand and model of your faucet.
5. Apply plumber's grease to the new cartridge and push it into place in the same orientation as the old one.
6. Replace the retaining clip and reassemble the handle.

Moen offers a lifetime warranty on their cartridges. If you have a Moen faucet, contact Moen customer service for a free replacement cartridge before buying one.

Fixing a Ceramic Disc Faucet

Ceramic disc faucets rarely leak, but when they do, the issue is usually the neoprene seals on the disc cylinder rather than the discs themselves.

1. Remove the handle and expose the disc cylinder (a large cylinder in the faucet body).
2. Unscrew and remove the disc cylinder.
3. On the bottom of the cylinder, you will see neoprene seals. Remove the old seals.
4. Clean the cylinder and the openings in the faucet body with white vinegar to remove mineral deposits.
5. Install new seals, apply plumber's grease, and reassemble.
6. When turning the water back on, open the faucet first and turn the water on slowly. The ceramic discs can crack if hit with full water pressure suddenly.

Fixing a Leak at the Base

If water leaks from the base of the faucet rather than the spout, the O-rings around the faucet body are the likely culprit. Remove the faucet handle and spout to access the O-rings on the body. Replace them with exact-size replacements lubricated with plumber's grease.

Preventing Future Leaks

• Do not overtighten handles. Turning handles with excessive force accelerates washer and seat wear. Close the faucet until the water stops, then stop turning.
• Install a water softener if you have hard water. Mineral deposits are the primary cause of premature seal and cartridge failure.
• Clean aerators annually. Remove the aerator from the faucet tip and soak it in vinegar overnight to dissolve mineral buildup.
• Replace washers proactively. If you hear your faucet squeak when turning it off, the washer is beginning to harden and should be replaced before it starts leaking.

When to Replace Instead of Repair

Replace the entire faucet if: the body is corroded or cracked, replacement parts are no longer available for your model, you have repaired the same faucet multiple times in the past year, or the faucet is more than 15-20 years old. A quality replacement faucet costs $50-200, and installation takes 30-60 minutes for most homeowners.

Frequently Asked Questions