Why Does My Faucet Keep Dripping?
Dry the fixture and identify the first wet point. A spout drip while the faucet is off usually means an internal valve component is not sealing, while water at the handle, base, supply line, or drain requires a different repair.
What to know
- Locate the leak before buying parts because spout, handle, base, supply, and drain leaks have different causes.
- Shut off both water supplies before disassembly and stop if a shutoff valve fails or begins leaking.
- Match replacement cartridges, washers, and seals to the exact faucet model instead of relying on appearance.
A faucet can leak from several different places, and the first wet point determines the likely repair.
A drip from the spout while the handle is off usually means an internal valve component is no longer sealing. Water at the handle, base, supply hose, shutoff valve, cabinet, or drain points to a different problem.
Identify where the water appears
Dry the fixture, sink, hoses, and cabinet completely. Then operate hot and cold water separately while watching for the first wet location.
- Spout while turned off: A washer, cartridge, valve seat, seal, or ceramic component may be worn.
- Handle: An O-ring, packing seal, cartridge, or retaining component may leak.
- Base: Water may escape around the faucet body or run down from another location.
- Under the sink: Supply hoses, shutoff valves, faucet shanks, sprayer hoses, drain fittings, or nearby appliance connections may be involved.
- Aerator: The aerator may be loose, damaged, or assembled incorrectly.
Water can travel along a hose or fixture before dripping, so the puddle may not sit directly beneath the failed connection.
Shut off the water before disassembly
Close the hot and cold shutoff valves beneath the sink. Open the faucet to confirm that flow stops and to relieve pressure.
If a shutoff valve will not close, leaks from its stem, spins without stopping water, or is severely corroded, stop. Shut off the unit or building supply only when you know how and are authorized to do so. Otherwise contact maintenance or a plumber.
EPA’s faucet guidance specifically reminds consumers to turn off the water line before starting a repair. [1]
Identify the faucet type
Common valve designs include compression faucets with rubber washers, cartridge faucets, ceramic-disc faucets, and ball-type faucets.
Two fixtures that look nearly identical outside may use different cartridges and seals inside. Find the manufacturer and model from the manual, purchase record, a label on a supply line, markings on the fixture, or the removed component.
Bring the exact old part or clear photographs to a plumbing supplier when identification is uncertain.
Why the spout drips
EPA says worn faucet washers and gaskets frequently cause leaks. A faucet dripping once per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons in a year. [1]
Depending on the design, the failed part may be a washer, O-ring, cartridge, valve seat, ceramic disc, or spring-and-seal kit. Mineral deposits, corrosion, wear, incorrect installation, or excessive handle force can prevent a complete seal.
Basic repair sequence
- Shut off both supplies.
- Close or cover the drain so small parts cannot fall into it.
- Photograph the handle and component orientation.
- Remove decorative caps and fasteners carefully.
- Extract the stem or cartridge according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Inspect seals and mating surfaces.
- Install exact compatible parts.
- Use only an approved plumbing lubricant where instructed.
- Reassemble without overtightening.
- Open the supplies slowly and test hot and cold operation.
- Recheck the cabinet after several minutes.
Do not force a seized cartridge with improvised leverage against a thin sink or countertop.
Check beneath the sink separately
Use a dry paper towel to check supply-hose ends, valve stems, faucet shanks, pull-down hoses, sprayer connections, drain baskets, P-traps, filters, and dishwasher connections.
EPA recommends listening for drips and inspecting pipe connections, puddles, and water marks beneath sinks as part of regular home maintenance. [2]
Clean the aerator when flow is poor
A dirty aerator usually causes a weak or uneven stream rather than a drip while the faucet is off.
Unscrew it carefully, record the order of screens and washers, clean deposits according to the manufacturer, and reinstall it. EPA recommends periodically checking for scaling or calcium buildup that restricts faucet flow. [2]
When replacement makes more sense
Consider replacing the faucet when compatible cartridges are unavailable, the body is cracked, internal corrosion is severe, several components leak, threads are damaged, the fixture remains loose after correct mounting, or repair cost approaches a suitable replacement.
WaterSense labeling currently applies to covered private-lavatory and bar-sink faucets and accessories, not every faucet category. Labeled bathroom faucets meet EPA efficiency and performance criteria. [3]
Renters and stopping points
Report the leak in writing and include photographs or video. Do not dismantle a landlord-owned fixture unless authorized.
Call a plumber or maintenance professional when water cannot be shut off, a supply line leaks actively, the cabinet or floor is damaged, mold or soft material is present, the fixture is cracked, corrosion may cause breakage, or the leak continues after correct part replacement.
Bottom line
Locate the first wet point before buying parts.
A spout drip usually involves an internal valve component. Handle, base, supply, and drain leaks require different repairs. Match the exact model, shut off water first, and stop when corrosion or uncontrolled leakage raises the stakes.
Limits and cautions
- Faucet construction and repair procedures vary by model.
- This guide does not diagnose concealed plumbing damage or authorize repairs in a rental unit.
Source notes
- Fix a Leak WeekU.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Home MaintenanceU.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Bathroom FaucetsU.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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