A dripping faucet wastes thousands of gallons of water per year and adds real money to your water bill. The fix is easier than you think and requires almost no plumbing experience.

What You’ll Need

Adjustable wrench, Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, Replacement washers or cartridge (depends on faucet type), Plumber’s grease, Towels

Before You Start

Turn off the water supply. Look under the sink for the shutoff valves and turn them clockwise until they stop. Then turn on the faucet to release any remaining pressure.

How to Fix a Ball Faucet (Single Handle)

Step 1 — Remove the handle by unscrewing the set screw under the decorative cap on top.

Step 2 — Use pliers to unscrew the packing nut and pull out the ball assembly.

Step 3 — Replace the springs, seats, and O-rings. Most hardware stores sell complete repair kits for specific faucet brands.

Step 4 — Reassemble in reverse order. Hand-tighten first, then snug with pliers. Don’t overtighten.

Step 5 — Turn the water back on slowly and test.

How to Fix a Cartridge Faucet (Two Handle)

Step 1 — Remove the handle by prying off the decorative cap and unscrewing the handle screw.

Step 2 — Pull out the cartridge. Note which direction it’s facing before removing.

Step 3 — Take the old cartridge to the hardware store to match it exactly.

Step 4 — Install the new cartridge in the same orientation as the old one.

Step 5 — Reassemble, turn the water back on, and test.

Tips

Take photos before disassembling anything. You’ll want to reference them during reassembly.

Bring the old parts to the hardware store. Matching by sight is faster than guessing by model number.

Final Thoughts

A faucet repair that would cost $150 from a plumber takes about 30 minutes and $15 in parts when you do it yourself. This is exactly the kind of skill that pays for itself immediately.

Just moved into a new home? Check out our guide on what to do when you move into a new house.

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