How to Fix a Dripping Faucet: Causes, Fixes & When to Call a Pro
Why a Dripping Faucet Shouldn’t Be Ignored
A dripping faucet might seem like a small annoyance, but even a slow leak can point to worn internal parts, hidden fixture damage, or plumbing issues that will only get worse over time. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program, household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually in the United States, and a faucet dripping once per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year.
The challenge is that not all faucet leaks come from the same cause. A drip from the spout usually means something different than water leaking around the handle or pooling at the base, and the right repair depends on the faucet type and the exact source of the leak.
The good news is that many faucet leaks can be repaired without replacing the entire fixture. In the sections below, we’ll walk through the most common causes of a dripping faucet, how to tell where the leak is coming from, which fixes are worth trying yourself, and when it makes more sense to call a plumber before a small drip turns into a bigger repair.
What Usually Causes a Dripping Faucet?
Most dripping faucet causes come down to worn or damaged parts inside the fixture. The visible drip is only the symptom. The actual issue may be a washer, cartridge, O-ring, seal, valve seat, or mineral buildup preventing the faucet from closing properly.
In older compression faucets, the washer is often the problem. Over time, it can harden, crack, or wear unevenly, allowing water to slip past and drip from the spout.
Modern single-handle and many newer two-handle faucets usually rely on a cartridge, ceramic disc, or internal seal system instead. In those faucets, a dripping spout may mean the cartridge is worn, clogged with debris, or no longer seated correctly.
The U.S. Geological Survey notes that even small plumbing leaks can waste significant amounts of water over time, especially when left unresolved for weeks or months.
A faucet leaking from the handle points to a different issue, often a worn O-ring, stem seal, packing nut, or gasket. Water at the base may come from a worn seal, loose mounting, or installation issue. High water pressure can also make weak internal parts leak sooner.
A dripping faucet is not always “just a washer.” Faucet type and leak location both matter.
Where Is the Faucet Dripping From?
Before taking anything apart, look closely at where the water is coming from.
Drip from the spout after the faucet is turned off
A faucet dripping from the spout usually means water is getting past the part meant to seal the flow shut. In a compression faucet, that may be a worn washer or damaged valve seat. In a cartridge faucet, the cartridge may be worn or blocked by sediment.
If the faucet only drips from the spout when turned off, focus on the parts controlling water flow inside the handle assembly.
Leak around the handle
A faucet leaking from the handle often points to a loose packing nut, worn O-ring, damaged stem seal, or gasket. Tightening may help, but overtightening can strip threads or crack older parts.
Water around the base of the faucet
Dry the area completely, turn the faucet on, and watch closely. If water appears around the faucet body while running, the issue may be a worn O-ring, loose mounting hardware, or failed seal.
This matters because water can travel under the sink deck and into the cabinet before it becomes obvious.
Drip only on the hot or cold side
For a two-handle faucet, check whether the leaking water is hot or cold. You may only need to repair one side.
New faucet still dripping
A new faucet that drips may have a defective cartridge, shifted seal, or debris caught inside the fixture. Check the installation instructions and warranty before forcing parts apart.
Drip that keeps getting worse
A drip that becomes more frequent often points to wear, mineral buildup, or a failing internal part. A leak that returns repeatedly usually needs a professional diagnosis.
Basic Fixes You Can Try First
If the faucet is accessible and the shutoff valves work, there are a few basic fixes worth trying before calling a plumber.
1. Turn off the water
Shut off the hot and cold supply valves under the sink, then open the faucet to release pressure. If the shutoff valves feel stuck or do not fully stop the water, do not force them.
Place a towel in the sink and cover the drain so small parts do not disappear.
2. Identify the faucet type
Determine whether you have a compression, cartridge, ball, or ceramic disc faucet. This affects the repair and replacement parts needed.
The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation recommends identifying fixture type before attempting plumbing repairs because replacement components vary significantly between faucet designs and manufacturers.
Guessing at the part is one of the most common reasons leaky faucet repair does not hold.
3. Remove the handle carefully
Remove the decorative cap if there is one, loosen the handle screw, and lift the handle off. If it is stuck from rust or mineral buildup, work slowly.
4. Inspect the likely failure points
Look for cracked washers, brittle O-rings, worn cartridges, corrosion, or mineral buildup. If the faucet uses a cartridge, bring the old one when buying a replacement so the match is exact.
5. Clean light mineral buildup
If there is accessible mineral buildup around the stem or cartridge opening, clean it gently. Avoid scraping sealing surfaces.
Mineral buildup is especially common in areas with hard water. According to Health Canada, mineral-rich water can contribute to scale accumulation inside plumbing fixtures over time.
6. Replace the worn part and reassemble
Replace the washer, O-ring, cartridge, or seal with an exact match. Turn the shutoff valves back on slowly, then test the faucet at the handle, spout, base, and under the sink.
Why a Drip Comes Back After a Repair
A faucet that keeps dripping after repair does not always mean the repair was done badly. Sometimes the first visible worn part was not the only problem.
The most common reason is the wrong replacement part. A washer with the wrong thickness or a cartridge that is close but not exact can still let water pass.
Another common issue is a damaged valve seat. In a compression faucet, the washer seals against the valve seat. If that surface is pitted or uneven, a new washer may only help temporarily.
Mineral buildup can also keep a new cartridge or seal from sitting correctly. Overtightening is another problem because it can crush washers, damage seals, or strip fittings.
If the same faucet has been repaired several times, replacement may make more sense than continuing to replace individual parts.
What a Plumber Checks That DIY Repairs Miss
A plumber will usually look beyond the visible drip to understand why the faucet started leaking and whether the repair is likely to hold.
That starts with identifying the faucet type and matching the correct part. Cartridges, stems, seats, and seals can vary by brand and model.
A plumber will also check the valve seat, fixture body, mounting, supply lines, and shutoff valves. If several fixtures are leaking or wearing out early, they may also check water pressure.
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, recurring leaks can sometimes indicate excessive water pressure or aging plumbing components elsewhere in the system.
The practical difference is diagnosis. A DIY repair often starts with “what part can I replace?” A proper faucet repair starts with “where is the leak actually coming from?”
Dripping Faucets in Langley Homes
Langley has a mix of older homes and newer builds, and faucet problems often depend on which type of home you have.
Many older Langley homes still use compression faucets with washers that wear out over time. If your home was built decades ago and the faucet has never been replaced, a worn washer or a damaged valve seat is a likely cause.
Newer homes across Langley tend to use cartridge or ceramic disc faucets. These fail differently, usually from a worn cartridge or debris caught inside the fixture rather than a simple washer.
Water hardness also plays a role. Mineral buildup inside a faucet can prevent it from sealing fully, and this shows up more in fixtures that have not been serviced in years. If you notice buildup around the handle or spout, this may be contributing to the drip.
If your faucet is original to the home or has never been serviced, that history matters as much as the symptom itself when deciding whether to repair or replace it.
When to Call for Professional Faucet Repair
You do not need to call a plumber for every small drip. If the faucet is newer and the likely part is easy to identify, a careful DIY repair may be reasonable.
It is smarter to call for professional faucet repair when:
- The drip returns after a washer, O-ring, or cartridge replacement.
- The faucet is leaking from the handle, base, or under the sink.
- The shutoff valves are stuck, leaking, or will not fully stop the water.
- The parts are corroded, brittle, or difficult to remove.
- The faucet is older, has already been repaired before, or the leak is getting worse or appearing in more than one fixture.
Real Deal Plumbing can help with faucet repair and fixture installation when a leak is persistent or difficult to isolate. A proper repair includes finding the source of the leak, matching the right parts, and checking surrounding connections.
Stop the Drip Before It Gets Worse
A leaking faucet rarely fixes itself, and small drips can turn into bigger plumbing problems fast. The EPA estimates that fixing common household leaks can save homeowners roughly 10% on water bills.
If the leak keeps coming back, the handle is leaking, or the faucet is old and unreliable, Real Deal Plumbing can help.
We’ll find the real cause, repair it properly, and let you know honestly whether repair or replacement makes the most sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my faucet drip after I turn it off?
A faucet usually drips after it is turned off because an internal part is no longer sealing properly. In an older compression faucet, that may be a worn washer or damaged valve seat. In a cartridge or ceramic disc faucet, the cartridge or seal may be worn or blocked by debris.
Can I fix a dripping faucet myself?
Sometimes, yes. If the shutoff valves work and you can identify the correct replacement part, a basic faucet washer replacement or cartridge faucet repair may be manageable. If parts are stuck or the leak returns, it is safer to call a plumber.
What part usually causes a dripping faucet?
The most common parts are washers, O-rings, cartridges, seals, and valve seats. The likely part depends on the faucet type.
How much water does a dripping faucet waste?
EPA WaterSense notes that one faucet dripping once per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year, or roughly 11,000 litres.
Why does my faucet drip from the handle?
A faucet leaking from the handle is often caused by a worn O-ring, loose packing nut, damaged stem seal, or gasket.
Should I repair or replace a dripping faucet?
Repair usually makes sense when the faucet is in good condition and the failed part is easy to match. Replacement may be better when the fixture is old, corroded, or has already been repaired multiple times.
Is a dripping faucet a sign of high water pressure?
It can be, but not always. Most faucet drips are caused by worn internal parts. However, high water pressure can put extra stress on seals, cartridges, and valves.
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