How to Fix a Leaking Faucet Without a Plumber (Step-by-Step)
A dripping faucet is one of the most common — and most annoying — household problems. That steady drip-drip-drip wastes up to 20,000 litres of water per year and can cost you over $100 in water bills. The good news: most leaking faucets are straightforward to fix yourself with basic tools and less than $20 in parts.
This guide covers the four most common types of faucets (compression, ball, cartridge, and ceramic disc) and walks you through diagnosing which type you have, sourcing the right parts, and completing the repair step by step.
If you want instant diagnosis, you can also snap a photo of your leaking faucet with the SnapFix app and get AI-powered repair instructions tailored to your exact faucet type.
Get instant repair help with SnapFix
SnapFix: AI Home Repair Help
Not sure what faucet type you have? Snap a photo with SnapFix and the AI will identify your faucet model, diagnose the likely cause of the leak, and walk you through the repair step by step — including a shopping list of parts you need.
Step 1: Identify your faucet type
Before you can fix a leak, you need to know what type of faucet you have. The repair process is different for each type, and using the wrong approach can make the problem worse.
Compression faucets have two separate handles for hot and cold water. When you turn the handle, it compresses a rubber washer against a valve seat to stop water flow. These are the most common leakers and the easiest to fix — usually you just need to replace a worn washer.
Single-handle faucets use one of three mechanisms: a ball assembly, a cartridge, or a ceramic disc. Ball faucets have a rotating ball inside the handle. Cartridge faucets use a cylindrical cartridge that moves up and down. Ceramic disc faucets use two flat ceramic discs that slide against each other. Each requires different replacement parts.
Step 2: Gather your tools and parts
For most faucet repairs, you need: an adjustable wrench, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, needle-nose pliers, plumber's grease, and replacement parts specific to your faucet type.
For compression faucets, buy a washer assortment pack (under $5). For cartridge faucets, you will need the specific cartridge model — take the old one to the hardware store for matching. Ball faucets often have repair kits available for $10-15 that include all the springs, seals, and O-rings you need.
Before starting any repair, turn off the water supply valves under the sink. Open the faucet to release remaining pressure, and plug the drain to prevent small parts from falling in.
Step 3: Complete the repair
For compression faucets: remove the decorative handle cap, unscrew the handle, use the wrench to remove the packing nut, then pull out the stem. The rubber washer at the bottom of the stem is usually the culprit — pry it off and replace it with a new one of the same size. Apply plumber's grease and reassemble.
For cartridge faucets: remove the handle, pull out the retaining clip with pliers, and slide the old cartridge out. Insert the new cartridge in the same orientation, replace the clip, and reassemble the handle. Make sure the hot and cold orientation is correct before tightening.
For ball faucets: use the repair kit's special tool to remove the handle cap, then unscrew the cap and collar. Lift out the ball and inspect the springs and seals underneath. Replace all worn parts from the kit, reassemble, and test.
Step 4: Test and troubleshoot
Turn the water supply back on slowly and check for leaks at every connection point. Let the faucet run for a minute in both hot and cold positions. If the drip persists, you may need to check the valve seat for damage — a worn or corroded valve seat cannot form a proper seal even with a new washer.
For valve seat issues, you can use a seat wrench to remove and replace the seat, or a seat grinder to resurface it. If the leak is coming from the base of the faucet rather than the spout, the O-rings around the body need replacing.
When to call a professional
DIY faucet repair is appropriate for most dripping issues, but some situations call for a licensed plumber. If you notice corrosion on the water supply lines, if the shut-off valves under the sink will not close properly, or if the leak is inside the wall rather than at the faucet, call a professional.
Also consider calling a plumber if the faucet continues to leak after you have replaced the obvious wear parts. Persistent leaks can indicate deeper issues with the valve body that require specialised tools or a complete faucet replacement.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to fix a leaking faucet yourself?
Most DIY faucet repairs cost $5-$20 in parts. A washer replacement costs under $5, while a cartridge or ball repair kit runs $10-15. Compare that to a plumber call-out of $150-300.
Why is my faucet dripping after I replaced the washer?
If the drip continues after replacing the washer, the valve seat may be damaged or corroded. The seat needs to be resurfaced or replaced so the new washer can form a proper seal.
Can I fix a mixer tap leak myself?
Yes, most mixer tap leaks are caused by worn cartridges or O-rings. Remove the handle, extract the cartridge, and replace it with a matching model. SnapFix can help identify the exact cartridge you need from a photo.
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