Because listening to constant dripping is torture.

A leaky faucet might seem minor, but over time, it can waste hundreds of gallons of water and bump up your water bill. The problem is usually worn-out washers, O-rings, or corroded parts—and in most cases, you can fix it yourself in under an hour.

What Causes a Leaky Faucet?

If your faucet won’t stop dripping, here are the most likely culprits:

✔ Worn-out washer – The most common issue! Washers inside the faucet compress every time you turn the tap on and off, and over time, they break down.
✔ Faulty O-ring – A small rubber ring inside the faucet handle that helps seal the connection; when it wears out, you might see dripping near the base.
✔ Corroded valve seat – If water minerals build up, they can wear down the metal connection between the spout and faucet, causing leaks.
✔ Loose or damaged parts – Screws, seals, or nuts inside the faucet can loosen over time, allowing small leaks to occur.

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

🛠 Before you start, gather these tools:

• ✔ Adjustable wrench – To loosen nuts and bolts
• ✔ Phillips and flathead screwdriver – Needed for removing handle parts
• ✔ Replacement washers & O-rings – Pick the right size for your faucet model
• ✔ Plumber’s grease – Helps prevent future leaks
• ✔ Bucket or towel – To catch water while you work

🚨 Important:
Before you start, turn off the water supply under the sink! Otherwise, you might get an unexpected spray to the face. If you can’t see a shut-off valve, you may have to turn off water to the whole house – usually located in the basement.

At this point, if you’re having any doubts, please call a professional. The only thing worse than a leaky faucet is a flooding room.

Step 1: Remove the Faucet Handle

Imagine taking apart a puzzle—you need to remove pieces carefully to get to the leaky part.

• 🔹 Unscrew the faucet handle using a Phillips screwdriver. If there’s a cap covering the screw, use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry it off.
• 🔹 Once removed, set all small parts aside so nothing gets lost.

Step 2: Access & Inspect the Washer or O-ring

Think of checking a car’s tire tread—you want to see if wear and tear is causing the problem.

• 🔹 Look inside the faucet assembly and locate the rubber washer or O-ring attached to a small metal stem.
• 🔹 If it’s cracked, worn out, or stiff, that’s likely the source of the leak!

Step 3: Replace the Worn-Out Washer or O-ring

This is like changing batteries in a remote—new parts make everything run smoothly.

• 🔹 Remove the old washer/O-ring and replace it with a new one of the exact same size.
• 🔹 Apply a bit of plumber’s grease to prevent future leaks.

Step 4: Reassemble the Faucet & Test It

Imagine putting together a LEGO set—you want every piece back in place properly.

• 🔹 Reattach the faucet handle, securing screws tightly.
• 🔹 Turn the water supply back on and test your faucet—no more leaks!

🚨 Troubleshooting Tip:
If the leak persists, check the valve seat for corrosion—it may need replacing.

Final Thoughts

A leaky faucet is one of the easiest plumbing fixes—and tackling it yourself saves money, prevents water waste, and avoids hiring a plumber for a simple repair.

By following this guide, you can quickly diagnose the problem, swap out worn parts, and stop that annoying drip for good.