Fixing Leaky Faucets Without a Plumber
A steady drip is rarely a broken faucet. It is almost always a single worn part inside an otherwise sound fixture. The work is straightforward once you know which of the four common faucet types you are dealing with, because each one fails in its own way.
Step one: shut off the water
Before touching anything, close the shut-off valves under the sink by turning them clockwise. If there are no local valves, close the main supply for the home. Open the faucet afterward to release pressure and to confirm the water is genuinely off. Place a cloth in the drain so small parts cannot fall in.
Identify the faucet type
The repair depends entirely on the mechanism inside. These four cover the large majority of household taps.
| Type | How it behaves | Usual leak source |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Two separate hot/cold handles that tighten firmly | Rubber washer or seat |
| Cartridge | Single or double handle with smooth motion | Cartridge or O-rings |
| Ball | Single handle over a domed cap, common on older kitchen sinks | Springs, seals, or worn ball |
| Ceramic disc | Single lever with a short, firm travel | Inlet seals or sediment on the disc |
Replacing the worn part
- Pry off the decorative cap on the handle and remove the screw beneath it.
- Lift the handle clear, then remove the retaining nut or clip holding the internal mechanism.
- Withdraw the cartridge, stem, or disc assembly, keeping track of the order of parts.
- Bring the old part to the supplier so the replacement matches the brand and model exactly.
- Replace washers and O-rings, lightly coating rubber parts with plumber's grease.
- Reassemble in reverse order, then open the shut-off valves slowly.
- Run the tap and check for drips at the spout and around the base.
Hard water and the disc faucet
In parts of Canada with hard water, mineral buildup on a ceramic disc can mimic a worn seal. Before replacing the cartridge, it is worth removing it and clearing any grit or scale from the seals, since that alone often stops the drip.
When a drip is not the faucet
If water appears at the base of the spout rather than the outlet, the issue is usually the O-rings around the spout body, not the valve. If a puddle forms in the cabinet below, inspect the supply-line connections and the drain assembly separately, as those leaks are unrelated to the handle mechanism.
Knowing your limits
Replacing a washer or cartridge is well within reach for most homeowners. Soldering supply lines, moving valves, or any work behind a wall is a different category and is best left to a licensed plumber, both for safety and to stay within local plumbing codes.
General terminology and mechanism overviews are available through public references such as Wikipedia's article on taps, alongside the installation sheet that came with your specific fixture.