To fix a dripping faucet, start by turning off the water supply, then disassemble the handle so you can replace worn parts like the washer, O‑ring, or cartridge, and reassemble carefully while checking for leaks at each step.

Safety and prep

  • Shut off the water using the valves under the sink, then open the faucet to relieve pressure and drain remaining water.
  • Plug the sink drain with a stopper or cloth so you do not lose small screws, springs, or cartridges.
  • Take a clear photo of the faucet before disassembly to help with reassembly and to match replacement parts at the store.

Identify your faucet type

  • Common types are compression (two handles with separate hot/cold), cartridge, ball, and ceramic disc faucets, and the repair steps depend on which type you have.
  • A steady drip from the spout usually means worn internal seals or cartridges, while water leaking around the handle often points to bad O‑rings.

Basic repair steps

  • Remove decorative caps on the handle, then the screws, and pull off the handle; some models use a hidden set screw that loosens with a small Allen wrench.
  • Use an adjustable wrench to remove the retaining nut, then pull out the stem or cartridge and inspect washers, O‑rings, and seals for cracks, flattening, or mineral buildup.
  • Replace the worn washer and O‑ring or install a new cartridge, applying a thin layer of plumber’s grease to new rubber parts before reassembling in the reverse order.

Type‑specific tips

  • Compression faucets usually stop dripping after replacing the rubber seat washer on the stem and sometimes the valve seat in the body.
  • Cartridge and ball faucets more often need a full cartridge or seat‑and‑spring kit rather than just a single washer swap.
  • Ceramic disc faucets are often easiest to fix by replacing the entire disc cylinder instead of individual seals.

When to call a pro

  • If the shutoff valves will not close, the cartridge is seized, or you see active leaking under the sink, it is safer to bring in a plumber or handyman.
  • Stubborn, corroded parts that require special pullers or if you feel unsure after opening the faucet are also good signs to stop and get professional help rather than forcing anything.

Note

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.