How to Fix a Dripping Faucet: Washers, Cartridges and Cost Saved

A drip a second sounds small until you notice the water bill. A dripping tap is also one of the friendliest first repairs, because the part that fails is cheap and the job is mostly patience.

Step 1: identify what kind of tap you have

Fixes depend on the mechanism inside the handle. Show your tap to LiveFix AI and it will help you tell them apart.

• Compression taps have separate hot and cold handles that you turn several times. They usually leak because of a worn rubber washer or O-ring.
• Cartridge taps have a single lever or a handle that turns a quarter or half turn. A worn cartridge or O-ring is the usual cause.
• Ceramic disc taps quarter-turn and feel smooth. The ceramic discs or seals wear out.
• Ball-type taps have a single lever on a dome. Seals and springs wear.

Step 2: shut off the water

Close the isolation valve under the sink, or turn off the main supply if there is no valve. Open the tap to drain what is left. Plug the sink so small parts do not disappear down the drain.

Step 3: take it apart carefully

1. Pop off the cap or cover on the handle and unscrew the handle screw.
2. Lift off the handle and use an adjustable spanner to remove the retaining nut.
3. Pull out the cartridge or the stem. Photograph each step with your phone so you can reverse it.

Step 4: replace the worn part

Take the old washer, O-ring or cartridge to a hardware shop and match it exactly, or read the model on the tap body and order the right cartridge. Light silicone grease on rubber parts helps them last.

Step 5: reassemble and test

Put everything back in reverse order, turn the water on slowly and check for drips from the spout and from around the base. If the tap still drips, the seat inside the body may be worn and need resurfacing or replacement.

What it saves

Parts for a dripping tap typically cost a few dollars. A plumber visit usually costs much more, mostly for the call-out. You do not need to guess the saving: ask for a quote, then compare it with the part cost.

Ready to look at yours? Point LiveFix AI at the tap.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my tap dripping?

Usually a worn rubber washer, O-ring or cartridge inside the tap. The part is cheap to replace.

Do I need to turn off the water?

Yes. Close the isolation valve under the sink or the main supply, then open the tap to release pressure.

What if it still drips after replacing the part?

The valve seat inside the body may be worn and need resurfacing or replacement, or the tap may need replacing.