Leaking Faucet: Find the Drip, Protect the Sink
A dripping faucet wastes water and patience
Most faucet leaks come from worn cartridges, O-rings, seats, or supply connections—not a slab or main break. Fixing the right part stops the drip; forcing the wrong one can crack finishes or valves.
Need help now? Call (844) 936-0420 to connect with a local plumbing professional when available.
Not a plumbing company—honest referral and homeowner education only.
Where faucets leak
- Drip from spout when off — cartridge, stem washer, or seat
- Leak at handle — O-rings or packing
- Leak under sink at supply — loose or failed supply lines / stop valves
- Spray head drip (kitchen) — diverter or head seals
- Water at base of faucet — failed base O-ring or deck seal
Match repair parts to brand and model when possible. Mixing generic parts into modern cartridge faucets often fails.
Safer homeowner limits
- Close the fixture stops under the sink (or the main shutoff if stops fail).
- Open the faucet to relieve pressure; plug the drain so screws aren’t lost.
- Photograph assembly order before teardown.
- Replace cartridges/O-rings only if you’re comfortable; don’t overtighten trim.
- After reassembly, check under the sink with a dry paper towel while someone operates the handles.
If stops won’t close or the valve body is corroded, stop and call a pro—forced stops break.
When to call a professional
Call (844) 936-0420 if:
- You can’t identify the faucet type or parts
- Leaks continue after a cartridge swap
- Supply lines are braided and bulging, or stops are seized
- Water is damaging cabinets or flooring
- The “leak” appears in walls or ceilings (see leak detection)—not just the spout
Related guides
FAQ
Is a slow drip an emergency?
Rarely—but don’t ignore cabinet swelling or a sudden spray from a supply line.
Do you list DIY part prices?
No fixed retail or labor prices here; hardware and labor vary by region and fixture.
Connect with a local pro
Guides by city
Same topic with local context for homeowners in these metros. Coverage still varies by time and location—these are guides, not local offices.
- Albuquerque
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Boise
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Colorado Springs
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Des Moines
- Fort Collins
- Fort Worth
- Fresno
- Grand Rapids
- Greensboro
- Indianapolis
- Irvine
- Jacksonville
- Kansas City
- Las Vegas
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- Oklahoma City
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Phoenix
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Riverside
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Spokane
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Virginia Beach
Or start from a metro router: All location hubs.