Faucets
How to Fix a Dripping Faucet
September 1, 2026 · 5 min read
A dripping faucet is more than an annoying sound — it wastes gallons of water around the clock and signals a worn part that will only get worse. The good news: most drips come down to a single inexpensive component, and many are a manageable DIY fix.
Why faucets drip
A drip is almost never a loose handle. It's usually a worn part inside the faucet — most often the cartridge, or on older faucets a rubber washer or O-ring. Over time these wear out or get crusted with mineral scale (common with our hard water), so they no longer seal, and water seeps past even when the handle is off.
What you'll need
A replacement cartridge or washer kit to match your faucet, an adjustable wrench or hex key, a screwdriver, and a towel. Taking the old part to the hardware store makes matching it much easier.
Step by step
- 1Shut off the water at the valves under the sink, then open the faucet to release pressure.
- 2Plug the drain so you don't lose small parts, and lay down a towel.
- 3Remove the handle (there's usually a small screw under a decorative cap).
- 4Remove the retaining nut or clip and pull out the cartridge (or the stem and washer).
- 5Replace the worn part with the matching new one, keeping track of the orientation.
- 6Reassemble in reverse, turn the water back on slowly, and test for drips.
When to call a plumber
If the faucet still drips after you replace the cartridge, the parts are corroded or seized, or you'd rather upgrade to a new fixture, it's worth calling a pro. We repair drips and handle clean, leak-free faucet and fixture installation across the West Valley, including Glendale and Litchfield Park. And because scale is often the culprit here, our guide to Arizona hard water is worth a read.
