How to Fix a Dripping Faucet and When to Call a Plumber

That steady drip from a faucet is more than an annoyance. Over a year it can waste a surprising amount of water, and the constant moisture can stain a sink or feed mildew. Most drips come from a worn internal part that is inexpensive to replace, and the repair is well within reach for a patient homeowner. The trick is identifying your faucet type, because that determines which part is failing.

Common Causes by Faucet Type

Faucets drip for different reasons depending on how they are built.

• Compression faucets (separate hot and cold handles that tighten down) almost always drip because of a worn rubber washer or seat. This is the most common drip of all.
• Cartridge faucets drip when the cartridge wears out or its O-rings harden.
• Ball faucets (single lever over a rounded cap, common in kitchens) drip from worn springs, seats, or a damaged ball.
• Ceramic disc faucets are durable but can drip when the seals or the disc cartridge fail.
• High water pressure or worn O-rings can also cause drips and leaks around the base.

Safe DIY Fixes

A faucet repair is very safe as long as you take one crucial first step.

1. Shut off the water. Turn the supply valves under the sink fully clockwise, then open the faucet to release pressure. Plug the drain so small parts cannot fall in.
2. Identify your faucet type so you buy the correct repair kit. Bring the old parts to the store, or note the brand.
3. Disassemble carefully. Remove the handle and interior parts, laying them out in order so reassembly is easy. Take a photo before you start.
4. Replace the worn parts. Swap the washer and seat, the cartridge, or the springs and seals as appropriate. Coat O-rings with plumber-safe grease.
5. Reassemble and test. Turn the water back on slowly and check for drips and base leaks.

When to Call a Licensed Plumber

Most drips are DIY, but some situations call for a professional. Reach out to a licensed plumber when:

• The faucet still drips after you replace the obvious worn parts, which may mean a corroded valve seat or a cracked body.
• A shutoff valve under the sink is seized, leaking, or will not close. A stuck valve can turn a small job into a flooded cabinet.
• You find corroded pipes, a leak inside the wall, or water damage under the sink. Hidden water can rot cabinets and framing.
• The faucet is old and pitted enough that replacement makes more sense than repair.

It is tempting to let a slow drip go, but doing so wastes water every day and can worsen as the worn part deteriorates, sometimes leading to a leak that damages the cabinet or floor below. A small fix now prevents a soggy vanity later.

How a Home Warranty Helps

Replacing a washer is a homeowner task, but faucets and their internal components can fail in ways that a home warranty is designed to cover when the breakdown comes from normal wear and tear. Instead of an unpredictable repair bill, you file a claim, pay a predictable flat service fee, and a licensed plumber handles the covered repair or replacement. That keeps a routine plumbing problem from turning into an unwelcome surprise.