Have you been listening to that annoying drip-drip-drip all night? That leaky faucet isn't just driving you crazy—it's wasting up to 3,000 gallons of water per year and costing you hundreds of dollars. The good news? You can fix it yourself in under an hour for less than $20.
Why Fixing a Leaky Faucet Is the Perfect First DIY Plumbing Project
Let's start with some eye-opening numbers:
- ✓The average cost for a plumber to fix a leaky faucet: $150-$250
- ✓The average DIY cost for the same repair: $10-$25
- ✓Water wasted by a single drippy faucet: 1 gallon every 4 hours
- ✓Percentage of faucet leaks that homeowners can fix themselves: 85%
"Most faucet repairs are surprisingly simple once you understand the basic mechanics," says Mike Peterson, a master plumber with 30 years of experience. "The plumbing industry makes more money from faucet repairs than almost any other common service, simply because people don't realize how easy they are to fix."
This guide will walk you through every step, with clear explanations and multiple visuals. Whether you're dealing with a kitchen faucet that won't stop dripping or a bathroom faucet that's developed a steady stream, you'll find the solution here.
Understanding Your Faucet: The 4 Common Types
Before you grab your tools, you need to identify what type of faucet you have. Each has a slightly different repair process.
Compression Faucets (The Oldest Style)
How to identify: Separate hot and cold handles that you turn multiple times to open or close. You'll feel resistance as you turn them.
Common problem: Worn-out rubber washer (the #1 cause of leaks in these faucets)
Typical repair cost: $3-$10 for washer set
Cartridge Faucets (Most Common in Modern Homes)
How to identify: Single handle that moves up/down for temperature and left/right for volume, OR two handles that only turn 90 degrees.
Common problem: Worn cartridge O-rings or the cartridge itself
Typical repair cost: $15-$25 for replacement cartridge
Ball Faucets (Common in Kitchen Sinks)
How to identify: Single handle that controls both temperature and flow with a rounded cap under the handle.
Common problem: Worn springs, rubber seats, or the ball itself
Typical repair cost: $10-$20 for repair kit
Ceramic Disk Faucets (High-End & Modern)
How to identify: Single lever handle, very smooth operation, often found in newer homes
Common problem: Cracked ceramic disk or debris between disks
Typical repair cost: $20-$40 for disk assembly
Quick Identification Tip: Look for a brand name on the faucet (Moen, Delta, Kohler, Pfister, etc.). Take a picture and show it to the associate at your local hardware store—they can usually identify the type and tell you exactly which repair kit you need.
Your $50 DIY Faucet Repair Toolkit
You don't need expensive tools! Here's what you actually need:
Essential Tools (Under $50 Total)
For removing nuts
For set screws
Flathead and Phillips
For small parts
Optional but helpful
For catching water
For cleaning up
To see into dark spaces
For cleaning mineral deposits
For reassembly
Pro Tip: Many faucet repair kits come with the specialized tools you need for that particular brand. Always check what's included before buying additional tools.
Step-by-Step: Diagnosing Your Leak
Where is the water coming from? The repair approach depends on the leak location.
Scenario 1: Water Dripping from the Spout
Problem: Internal components are worn
Likely culprits:
- Compression faucet: Worn washer or damaged seat
- Cartridge faucet: Worn cartridge or O-rings
- Ball faucet: Worn springs, seats, or ball
- Ceramic disk: Cracked disk or debris
Scenario 2: Water Leaking from Handle Base
Problem: Handle seals or O-rings are failing
Likely culprits:
- Worn O-rings
- Loose packing nut
- Corroded parts
Scenario 3: Water Spraying from Spout
Problem: Aerator needs cleaning or replacement
Solution: Unscrew aerator, clean or replace ($2-5)
The Complete Repair Process: From Shut-Off to Testing
Phase 1: Preparation (10 Minutes)
Step 1: Turn Off the Water
CRITICAL FIRST STEP: Never skip this!
- Locate shut-off valves under your sink (usually two: red = hot, blue = cold)
- Turn both clockwise until they stop
- Turn on faucet to release pressure and confirm water is off
- Place bucket under sink to catch residual water
What if there are no shut-off valves under your sink?
- Turn off your home's main water supply
- OR install shut-off valves first (a separate project, but worthwhile)
Step 2: Prep Your Work Area
- 1Cover drains with towels to prevent losing small parts
- 2Lay out tools within easy reach
- 3Clear space to organize removed parts
- 4Take "before" photos with your phone—these are invaluable for reassembly
Phase 2: Disassembly (15-30 Minutes)
Step 3: Remove the Handle
For handles with visible screws:
- Look for a decorative cap on top of the handle
- Pry it off with a flathead screwdriver (often says "H" or "C" or has a red/blue indicator)
- Remove the screw underneath
- Lift handle straight up
For handles with hidden screws:
- Look for a small set screw on the side of the handle
- Use appropriate Allen wrench to remove it
- The handle should lift off
Stuck handle? Try these tricks:
- Tap gently with rubber mallet
- Use handle puller tool ($10 at hardware stores)
- Apply penetrating oil and wait 15 minutes
Step 4: Remove the Retaining Nut/Cap
- 1Use adjustable wrench to loosen retaining nut
- 2Counterclockwise to loosen
- 3Keep parts in order as you remove them
- 4Take photos at each stage
Phase 3: Identify and Replace Worn Parts (The Actual Fix)
For Compression Faucets:
- Remove stem assembly by turning counterclockwise
- Inspect rubber washer at bottom—if cracked, worn, or misshapen, replace it
- Check valve seat inside faucet body—if pitted or rough, replace it (requires seat wrench tool, $8)
- Apply plumber's grease to threads and new washer
- Reassemble in reverse order
Pro Tip: For less than $10, buy a complete compression faucet repair kit that includes washers, O-rings, and sometimes a new seat.
For Cartridge Faucets:
- Remove retaining clip with needle-nose pliers
- Pull cartridge straight out (may need cartridge puller tool)
- Take old cartridge to hardware store for exact replacement
- Note orientation of old cartridge before removing
- Insert new cartridge in same orientation
- Replace all O-rings while you have it apart
Brand Matters! Moen, Delta, Kohler, and Pfister all use different cartridges. Bring the old one with you to the store.
For Ball Faucets:
- Remove cap and collar under handle
- Use special tool (often included in repair kits) to remove cam and packings
- Remove the ball and inspect for wear
- Replace springs and rubber seats (almost always the problem)
- Reassemble with plumber's grease on moving parts
For Ceramic Disk Faucets:
- Remove disk assembly (usually held by screws)
- Check ceramic disks for cracks or chips
- Clean any mineral deposits with vinegar
- Replace entire disk unit if damaged
- Replace O-rings while accessible
Phase 4: Reassembly and Testing (15 Minutes)
Step 5: Put Everything Back
- 1Reverse your disassembly steps
- 2Refer to your photos
- 3Hand-tighten first, then gently tighten with wrench
- 4Don't overtighten! This is the #1 DIY mistake
Step 6: Test Your Repair
- 1Turn water back on SLOWLY at shut-off valves
- 2Check for leaks at connections
- 3Test handle operation – should be smooth
- 4Run water for 30 seconds to clear air from lines
- 5Check again for leaks after 10 minutes
Still leaking? Common issues:
- O-ring not seated properly: Disassemble and reseat
- Wrong part installed: Verify part number
- Valve seat damaged: May need replacement
- Cross-threaded: Disassemble and start threads carefully
Special Cases and Troubleshooting
Double-Handle Faucet Leaking from One Side Only
Only fix the leaking side! But while you have it apart, consider replacing both sides to prevent future issues.
Single-Handle Faucet Temperature Problems
If water temperature is hard to control after repair:
- Check cartridge orientation
- Verify hot/cold connections aren't reversed
- Adjust limit stops on cartridge (if equipped)
Low Water Pressure After Repair
- Check aerator for debris
- Verify valves are fully open
- Check for kinked supply lines
Handle is Loose or Wobbles
- Tighten set screw or handle screw
- Check for worn handle bushing
- Verify retaining nut is tight
When to Call a Professional (Not Every Job Is DIY)
While 85% of faucet leaks are DIY-repairable, call a plumber if:
- Faucet body is cracked – requires full replacement
- Supply lines are corroded and won't disconnect
- You've attempted repair twice and it still leaks
- Water damage is visible in cabinetry
- You're uncomfortable with any step
"Even as a professional, I sometimes encounter faucets that are more economical to replace than repair," says Peterson. "If your faucet is over 15 years old and needs multiple parts, a new faucet might be a better investment."
Prevention: Keep Your Faucet Leak-Free
Monthly Maintenance (5 Minutes)
- Operate handles through full range
- Check for minor drips
- Clean aerator by unscrewing and rinsing
- Wipe down to prevent mineral buildup
Annual Deep Care
- Exercise shut-off valves (turn off/on)
- Check supply lines for wear
- Inspect for corrosion
- Clean valve seats with vinegar if needed
Signs Your Faucet Needs Attention
- Difficulty turning handles
- Squeaking or grinding sounds
- Reduced water pressure
- Visible mineral deposits
- Temperature fluctuations
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional
Let's break down the real savings:
| Expense | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $10-$25 | $10-$25 (marked up) |
| Labor | $0 | $125-$200 |
| Service Fee | $0 | $75-$100 |
| Total | $10-$25 | $210-$325 |
Your potential savings: $185-$300 per faucet!
Plus, you gain:
- Knowledge for future repairs
- Confidence to tackle other projects
- No waiting for plumber availability
- Immediate satisfaction of fixing it yourself
Environmental Impact: More Than Just Savings
That drip you're fixing has bigger implications:
Water Saved:
- Slow drip: 5-10 gallons per day
- Steady drip: 20-30 gallons per day
- Stream: 100+ gallons per day
Annual Impact of Fixing One Faucet:
- 3,000-10,000 gallons of water conserved
- $35-$100 saved on water bills
- Reduced strain on municipal water systems
- Lower energy costs (for heated water leaks)
Advanced Tips for Success
Working with Older Faucets
- Soak stuck parts in vinegar overnight
- Use heat carefully on metal parts (hair dryer, not torch)
- Replace all washers/O-rings while disassembled
- Consider complete rebuild kit for vintage faucets
Working with Modern Touchless Faucets
- Check batteries first!
- Clean sensors with soft cloth
- Reset according to manual
- Most electronic issues require professional repair
Keeping Parts Organized
- Use egg carton or ice cube tray for small parts
- Label parts with masking tape
- Take video during disassembly
- Download manual online using model number
Your Next Steps: From Faucet Fixer to Home Maintenance Pro
Congratulations! By fixing your leaky faucet, you've:
- ✓Saved hundreds of dollars
- ✓Learned basic plumbing mechanics
- ✓Gained confidence with tools
- ✓Protected your home from water damage
What to tackle next:
- 1Replace other worn faucets using your new skills
- 2Fix running toilet (similar complexity)
- 3Replace shower cartridge (builds on faucet knowledge)
- 4Install new fixtures (natural progression)
Remember: Every plumber started with their first faucet repair. You're not just fixing a drip—you're building skills that will save you thousands over your homeownership journey.
Final Checklist Before You Start
You've got this. That annoying drip will be history in about an hour, and you'll have more money in your pocket and new skills in your toolkit.