How to Fix a Leaky Faucet Yourself:
Step-by-Step Guide

A dripping faucet isn't just annoying — the EPA estimates a faucet dripping once per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water a year. At typical water rates, that's $20–$40 annually just trickling down the drain. The good news: most faucet leaks are DIY-fixable in under an hour with basic tools and parts that cost $5–$25.

The key is identifying your faucet type first. Each type has a different internal mechanism and requires different parts to repair.

Step 1: Identify Your Faucet Type

Step 2: Gather Tools and Shut Off Water

Tools You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench and crescent wrench
• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
• Allen hex key set (most faucet handles use 1/8" or 3/16")
• Needle-nose pliers
• Replacement parts (specific to faucet type — see below)
• Plumber's grease (silicone-based)
• Old towels and a bucket

Fixing a Compression Faucet (Two-Handle)

This is the simplest repair. Almost always caused by a worn rubber washer at the bottom of the stem.

1. Remove the decorative cap on top of the leaking handle (pry gently with a flathead)
2. Remove the screw underneath and pull off the handle
3. Use a wrench to unscrew the packing nut, then pull out the stem
4. At the bottom of the stem, you'll find the rubber washer held by a brass screw — replace it
5. Also replace the O-ring on the stem if the faucet leaks around the base
6. Reassemble in reverse; coat threads lightly with plumber's grease

Parts cost: $2–$8 for washers and O-rings. Bring the old washer to the hardware store to match the size exactly.

Fixing a Ball Faucet (Single Handle)

Ball faucets have more components — seats, springs, O-rings, and the ball itself. Buy a ball faucet repair kit for your brand ($10–$20); it includes everything.

1. Remove the handle (usually a set screw under the decorative cap)
2. Use pliers to remove the cap and collar
3. Remove the cam, washer, and ball — note how they're oriented
4. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the springs and seat washers from inside the faucet body
5. Replace all O-rings, springs, seat washers, and the ball (even if it looks fine)
6. Coat all new O-rings with plumber's grease before installing
7. Reassemble in reverse

Fixing a Cartridge Faucet

The simplest modern faucet to repair — usually just a cartridge replacement.

1. Remove the handle (set screw under a decorative cap, or Phillips screw on top)
2. Some cartridges have a retaining clip — remove it with needle-nose pliers
3. Pull the cartridge straight up and out
4. Take the old cartridge to the hardware store and match it by brand and model, or bring the faucet model number
5. Insert the new cartridge in the same orientation as the old one (orientation matters — wrong way and hot/cold will be reversed)
6. Replace handle and test

Parts cost: $10–$40 depending on brand. Moen, Delta, and Kohler all sell replacement cartridges directly.

Fixing a Ceramic Disc Faucet

Ceramic disc faucets are very durable but do leak over time, usually from sediment damage to the ceramic discs or worn seals.

1. Remove the handle (set screw underneath the lever)
2. Lift off the decorative sleeve to expose the cylinder
3. Remove the cylinder screws and lift the cylinder out
4. Remove the ceramic discs and clean them thoroughly with white vinegar — sediment is often the culprit
5. If discs are cracked or pitted, replace them
6. Replace the neoprene seals (included in most ceramic disc repair kits)
7. Reassemble and test slowly — open the water supply gradually to avoid pressure shock

Common Leaky Faucet Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to shut off the water. Sounds obvious, but it happens. Water pressure will ruin your repair and your day.
• Buying the wrong washer size. Bring the old one to the store. A washer that's slightly too large or small won't seal properly.
• Overtightening. Especially on plastic components — thread damage creates a bigger leak than you started with.
• Not replacing the O-rings when you're already in there. They'll fail soon anyway — replace them while you have it apart.
• Wrong cartridge orientation on cartridge faucets. If hot and cold are reversed after reassembly, pull the cartridge and rotate 180°.

When to Call a Handyman Instead

DIY faucet repair is appropriate for most homeowners. But call a handyman or plumber if:

• The leak is at the supply line connections under the sink (not the faucet itself)
• You've replaced all the internal parts and it still leaks (faucet seat may need resurfacing — a tool most homeowners don't own)
• The faucet body itself is cracked or corroded
• You're not confident working with plumbing shutoffs

A handyman typically charges $75–$150 for a faucet repair, or $150–$300 to replace the faucet entirely. If your faucet is old and constantly leaking, replacement is often more economical than repeated repairs.

For related home repair guides, see our article on when to replace vs. repair home appliances. And if you'd rather hand this off, our guide to finding a reliable handyman will help you find the right person.