Dripping faucet
moderate 30–60 min
Tools: adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, hex keys, cloth to plug the drain · Materials: cartridge, ceramic disc seals, or washer matching the faucet brand, plumber's grease
Steps
- Close the shut-off valves under the sink and open the tap to release pressure; plug the drain so small parts cannot fall in.
- Remove the handle: pry off the decorative cap, undo the screw beneath it, and lift the handle straight up.
- Photograph the stack of parts as you remove them, then pull the cartridge or unscrew the valve stem.
- Take the old part to the store or search the model number — a matching cartridge or washer set is the fix in most cases.
- Grease the new O-rings lightly, reassemble in reverse order, and open the valves slowly.
- Run hot and cold for a minute; a drip that continues means the valve seat is pitted.
Stop and call a pro if
- the shut-off valves under the sink will not close or start leaking themselves
- the faucet body is corroded and parts will not come apart without force
- the drip continues after a new cartridge — the seat needs machining or the faucet replacing
What a pro does that you can't
A plumber sources the exact cartridge, resurfaces or replaces a damaged valve seat, and swaps the faucet and supply lines in under an hour when a repair is not worth it.
DIY cost: $10–45 for a cartridge or washer kit