A dripping faucet is one of those sounds you can’t unhear at night. Let’s shut it up for good.
Quick answer Shut off the valves under the sink, take the handle off, and replace whatever is worn. On a two-handle faucet that’s usually the rubber washer. On a single-handle faucet it’s usually the cartridge or its O-rings. Bring the old part to the store so you get an exact match.
Tools & materials
- Screwdriver and/or Allen key
- Adjustable wrench (wrap the jaws in tape to protect the finish)
- Replacement washer, O-rings or cartridge for your faucet model
- Plumber’s grease
- Towel and a sink stopper
Steps
- Turn both shut-off valves under the sink clockwise until they stop. Open the faucet to drain the pressure.
- Plug the drain and lay a towel in the sink so small parts can’t escape.
- Pry off the decorative cap if there is one, remove the handle screw, and lift off the handle.
- Two-handle (compression) faucet: unscrew the packing nut and remove the stem. Remove the screw at the bottom of the stem and replace the rubber seat washer, plus the O-ring or packing if it’s worn. Feel the valve seat inside the faucet. If it’s pitted, it needs a seat wrench and a new seat.
- Single-handle (cartridge) faucet: remove the retaining nut or clip and pull the cartridge straight out. Note which way it faces. Replace the O-rings, or the whole cartridge if it’s cracked or worn.
- Lay parts out in the order they came off. Use a dab of plumber’s grease on new O-rings and reassemble.
- Turn the water on slowly, run hot and cold, and check for drips at the spout and around the handle.
Safety: Can’t tell which side drips on a two-handle faucet? Close just the hot valve. If the drip stops, it’s the hot side.
Why bother
A drip of one drop per second wastes roughly 192 gallons a month, according to the City of Rio Rancho water guide.
From https://www.djgaston.com/fix-a-leaky-faucet/ · Updated October 22, 2026