How to Fix a Leaky Faucet in 30 Minutes (No Plumber Needed)
A leaky faucet wastes 3,000+ gallons per year. Fix it yourself in under 30 minutes with this step-by-step guide covering ball, cartridge, and ceramic disc types.
A faucet dripping once per second wastes 3,153 gallons of water per year according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. At an average US water rate of $0.004 per gallon, that is $12.60 in water costs annually. Plumbers charge $150 to $350 for a standard faucet repair, while the parts cost $5 to $35 depending on faucet type.
Identify Your Faucet Type Before You Buy Parts
There are four common residential faucet types and each requires different replacement parts. Ball faucets have a single rotating handle and are common on kitchen sinks. Cartridge faucets have one or two handles and use a removable cartridge. Ceramic disc faucets have a wide single lever over a cylindrical body. Compression faucets are the oldest design, with separate hot and cold handles that require turning force to stop water flow.
- Ball faucet: replace the ball, seats, springs, and O-rings as a kit ($12 to $20)
- Cartridge faucet: replace the cartridge matching brand and model ($8 to $30)
- Ceramic disc faucet: clean or replace the ceramic disc cylinder ($15 to $40)
- Compression faucet: replace the rubber washer and O-ring ($3 to $8)
Shut Off the Water Supply Before Opening the Faucet
The shut-off valves are located under the sink, one for hot and one for cold. Turn them clockwise until they stop. If the valves are stiff or do not fully shut off water flow, turn off the main house shut-off valve instead. Open the faucet handles to release pressure and drain remaining water from the lines before disassembling.
Place a towel in the sink basin to catch small parts that may fall during disassembly. Photograph each step with your phone before removing any components so you have a reference for reassembly. Most faucet repairs require only a Phillips screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, and an adjustable wrench.
Step-by-Step Cartridge Faucet Repair
Cartridge faucets are the most common type installed in homes built after 1990 and are the easiest to repair. The entire process takes 15 to 25 minutes once you have the replacement cartridge in hand.
- Remove the decorative cap on the handle with a flathead screwdriver
- Unscrew the handle screw underneath and lift off the handle
- Remove the cartridge retaining clip with needle-nose pliers
- Pull the cartridge straight up using cartridge puller tool or pliers
- Insert the new cartridge in the same orientation as the old one
- Replace the retaining clip, reinstall the handle, and turn the water back on
Take the old cartridge to the hardware store for an exact match. Major brands like Moen, Delta, and Kohler sell brand-specific replacement cartridges that are not interchangeable. Using the wrong cartridge causes the faucet to drip immediately.
Testing the Repair and Preventing Future Leaks
Turn the water supply valves back on slowly and check for leaks at the supply connections, the base of the faucet, and the spout. Run both hot and cold water for 30 seconds. Applying plumber grease to new O-rings before installation extends the life of the repair by reducing friction on the rubber seal. Most cartridge replacements last 5 to 10 years under normal use.
When to Call a Plumber Instead
DIY faucet repair is appropriate for standard drips from the spout or around the handle base. Call a licensed plumber when you find corrosion or mineral buildup on the supply lines, when the shut-off valve itself fails to close, when water pressure drops noticeably throughout the house, or when the faucet body itself is cracked. These issues indicate problems beyond a simple parts replacement.