![A leaky faucet may start as a small annoyance, but those constant drips add up quickly. Even a slow leaking faucet can waste thousands of gallons each year, raise your water bill, and create moisture damage around your sink, countertop, or bathroom fixtures. For many Connecticut and Westchester County homeowners, learning how to fix a […]](https://allstateplumbingct.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/how-to-fix-a-leaky-faucet-750x420.jpg "How to Fix a Leaky Faucet: Simple Steps Any Homeowner Can Do")
A leaky faucet may start as a small annoyance, but those constant drips add up quickly. Even a slow leaking faucet can waste thousands of gallons each year, raise your water bill, and create moisture damage around your sink, countertop, or bathroom fixtures. For many Connecticut and Westchester County homeowners, learning how to fix a leaky faucet saves time, money, and prevents bigger plumbing issues from developing later.
Most faucet leaks come from worn internal parts, worn-out washers, cracked O-rings, loose faucet handles, corroded valve seats, or failing cartridges inside cartridge faucets. In older homes, compression faucets with two handles for hot and cold water often leak when a rubber washer deteriorates. Newer fixtures like ball faucets or disc faucets also develop leaks when internal components wear down, restricting water flow or allowing water to slip through the faucet spout even when the handles are off.
The good news is that you can often fix a leaky faucet yourself with basic tools, a bit of patience, and the right steps. This guide breaks down the repair process, explains the common causes of faucet leaks, and shows you how to replace internal components safely and correctly. If the leak persists or you notice corrosion, stuck shut-off valves, or cabinet damage, professional help from a licensed plumber is the safest option. All State Plumbing Pros offers full emergency plumbing services across Connecticut and Westchester County.
What Causes a Leaky Faucet?
A leaky faucet happens when water slips past damaged components inside the fixture. Over time, these small internal parts wear down from friction, water pressure, mineral buildup, or repeated use. Identifying the issue helps you determine whether you need a new washer, a replacement cartridge, or deeper service.
Worn-Out Washers and O-Rings
A deteriorated washer or O-ring is one of the most common reasons for a faucet leak. When the seal breaks down, water escapes around the faucet handle or spout. Compression faucets that rely on a rubber washer to stop water flow are especially prone to these problems.
Damaged Cartridges
Many modern faucets use replaceable cartridges to regulate temperature and water flow. When the cartridge wears out, the faucet often drips from the spout. Cartridge faucets may also feel stiff or inconsistent when adjusting hot and cold water.
Corroded Valve Seats
The valve seat sits between the faucet and the spout. Mineral-rich water, common in Connecticut, can cause corrosion, preventing the valve seat from sealing tightly. This leads to leaks at the base of the faucet spout.
High Water Pressure
If your faucet only leaks at certain times, high water pressure may be the cause. Excess pressure strains the faucet seal, causing intermittent dripping. Homes with older plumbing often develop this issue without warning.
If you’ve replaced basic washers and rings but the leak persists, deeper issues like deteriorated valves or clogged pipes may be to blame. All State Plumbing Pros can inspect your lines and determine the exact cause.
Before You Begin: Tools and Safety Steps
Repairing a leaky faucet requires a few basic tools, but preparing your workspace is just as important. Clearing access under the sink, covering surfaces with a towel, and organizing small parts prevent mistakes.
Before you start, dry the area and make sure you can clearly reach the shut-off valves. If valves are stuck or broken, avoid forcing them and call a professional.
Essential Tools
Before starting the repair, gather these tools:
- Adjustable wrench
- Flathead and Phillips screwdriver
- Allen wrench for handle screws
- Needle-nose pliers
- Replacement O-rings, washers, or cartridges
- Plumber’s grease
- Towel or soft cloth
- Small tray to hold screws, rings, and springs
Safety Steps
Follow these steps to protect your faucet and prevent accidents:
- Turn the water supply off using the shut-off valves.
- Open the faucet to relieve pressure and drain excess water.
- Plug the drain so screws and small parts don’t fall in.
- Place a towel in the sink to protect the finish.
- Take photos of the internal components during each stage so you can reference them during reassembly.
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet (Step-by-Step Guide)
Most faucets can be repaired in an hour or less. Follow each step carefully to avoid damaging internal components or misaligning parts.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the shut-off valves beneath the sink and rotate them clockwise. If your home doesn’t have shut-off valves under the fixture, turn off the main water supply.
Relieve residual water pressure by opening the faucet.
Step 2: Remove the Faucet Handle
Most handles have a decorative cap hiding a screw. Gently pry the cap off with a screwdriver, then unscrew the handle using an Allen wrench or standard screwdriver. Lift the handle straight up.
Step 3: Identify Your Faucet Type
Determining the type of faucet helps you pick the right replacement parts:
| Faucet Type | How to Identify | Leak Location | Typical Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression Faucet | Two handles for hot/cold | Drips from the spout | Replace washer & O-ring |
| Cartridge Faucet | One or two handles | Weak water flow/drips | Replace cartridge |
| Ball Faucet | Single handle with round cap | Leaks near the handle | Replace the ball assembly |
| Ceramic Disc Faucet | Wide single handle | Spout leak | Replace the disc or the full assembly |
Step 4: Inspect Internal Components
Carefully remove screws and internal parts using a wrench or needle-nose pliers. Look for:
- Cracked or flattened washers
- Split or dried-out O-rings
- Worn cartridges
- Corroded valve seats
- Mineral buildup is restricting water flow
The goal is to identify why the faucet isn’t sealing correctly.
Step 5: Replace Damaged Parts
Purchase a matching new washer, O-rings, or cartridge from a hardware store. Bringing your old parts with you ensures the correct fit.
Apply plumber’s grease on the new O-ring to improve movement and prevent early wear. Reinstall parts in the same order you removed them; your reference photos help here.
Step 6: Reassemble and Test
Once everything is back in place, turn on the water supply. Watch for leaking at the spout, base, or faucet handles. Adjust the screws if the drip continues. If the leak persists, the faucet may have deeper mechanical issues, such as a worn valve seat or hidden corrosion.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
DIY repairs can solve many faucet problems, but some issues require specialized tools or deeper inspection. If the faucet leak worsens after repair attempts or you notice moisture under the sink, warped wood, or persistent dripping, contact a plumber immediately.
Call for professional help if:
- The shut-off valves are stuck or corroded
- There is visible corrosion around the faucet base
- The leak returns within days
- The faucet requires parts you can’t replace easily
- You suspect high water pressure or clogged lines
- Water is leaking under the sink and damaging the cabinets and the flooring
All State Plumbing Pros is available for 24/7 faucet repair, leak detection, and emergency plumbing for homes in Connecticut and Westchester County.
How to Prevent Future Faucet Leaks
Preventing a leaky faucet starts with regular maintenance. Small habits help protect your faucet’s internal components and keep your plumbing working efficiently.
Inspect your faucet every few months. Check for loosened handles, mineral buildup on the aerator, or stiff motion when adjusting temperature. Clean the aerator to remove sediment and maintain a strong water flow. Tighten any screws that feel loose.
Checking your home’s water pressure can also prevent leaks. Excessive pressure strains seals, washers, and cartridges, leading to premature wear. Consider installing or adjusting a pressure regulator if leaks continue to develop.
Conclusion
Fixing a leaky faucet is one of the simplest ways to protect your home and save money on your water bill. By replacing worn washers, O-rings, or cartridges, you can restore consistent water flow and prevent long-term damage. However, when leaks continue, valves won’t move, or fittings show signs of corrosion, DIY methods may not be enough.
If your leaky faucet keeps dripping no matter how many times you tighten or replace parts, it may be time for a professional repair. At All State Plumbing Pros, our licensed plumbers are available 24/7 across Connecticut and New York to handle faucet repairs, fixture replacements, and full plumbing diagnostics. Whether you’re dealing with water damage, rising water bills, or an aging fixture, contact us today for fast, reliable service you can trust.
FAQs
How do I stop a faucet from dripping?
To stop a faucet from dripping, shut off the water, remove the handle, and inspect the washer, O-ring, and cartridge. Replace any worn parts, reassemble the faucet, and test the water flow. If the drip continues, the issue may be related to the valve seat or water pressure.
How to fix a leaking faucet step by step?
Turn off the water supply, remove the faucet handle, identify your faucet type, inspect the internal parts, and replace damaged components such as washers, O-rings, or cartridges. Reassemble the faucet and test for leaks. If the leak persists, calling a plumber ensures the problem is resolved correctly.
What is the most common cause of a leaky faucet?
The most common causes are worn-out washers, cracked O-rings, damaged cartridges, and corroded valve seats. These issues prevent the faucet from sealing fully, allowing water to leak through even when the handle is off.
How do I stop my tap from dripping?
Inspect the faucet’s internal components and replace worn parts like washers or O-rings. If you have a ball faucet, replacing the ball assembly may be necessary. If you cannot stop the drip or the faucet is heavily corroded, contacting a plumber is the safest option.
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