Faucet Dripping
A dripping faucet means a seal inside the valve has failed. On a single-handle faucet, it's the cartridge; on a two-handle faucet, it's the seat washer. Both are replaceable without changing the whole faucet. This can sometimes indicate mineral buildup on the valve seat, a cracked O-ring, or simply a worn part reaching end of life.
- —Worn cartridge (single-handle faucets) — the most common cause
- —Degraded seat washer (two-handle faucets)
- —Cracked or worn O-rings
- —Mineral buildup on the valve seat
Try This First
Safe, simple steps you can try yourself. If any step feels beyond your comfort level, skip it and continue below.
- 1
Identify the faucet type
Single-handle (one lever controls both hot and cold) = cartridge. Two-handle (separate hot and cold handles) = seat washer. This tells you the part.
- 2
Note where it drips
If it drips from the spout when the handle is off, the internal seal has failed. If water appears around the handle base, the O-rings are failing — a different repair.
- 3
Shut off the supply valves
Before any work, turn off the hot and cold shutoff valves under the sink. Turn the faucet on to confirm the water is off before disassembling.
- 4
Identify the brand
Look for a brand name on the faucet or handle (Moen, Delta, Kohler, Price Pfister). Many manufacturers offer free replacement cartridges under lifetime warranty — check the brand's website.
If the problem is resolved
If you replaced the cartridge or seat washer and the drip stopped, you've fixed it. Keep the old part as a reference for the brand and model.
If the problem persists
If the faucet body is cracked, parts are discontinued, or you'd rather not open the valve, a plumber can handle it. Continue below.
Stop and Call a Plumber If…
- The faucet body is cracked — replacement is the only option
- Parts are discontinued for an older faucet
- You're not comfortable disassembling the valve
- The faucet is leaking from multiple places (body, base, and spout)
- The supply valves under the sink won't shut off the water
- ✓Identifying the exact cartridge or washer needed for the brand
- ✓Replacing the cartridge with the correct part
- ✓Checking the valve seat for pitting (may need resurfacing)
- ✓Replacing O-rings at the handle base if those are leaking
- ✓Evaluating whether the faucet is worth repairing or should be replaced
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Reviewed by Paul Hall, Owner & Licensed Plumber
The Classic Plumber · Knoxville, TN · License #4268. This guidance is general — an onsite inspection may be required for a confirmed diagnosis.