Dripping Faucet: Causes and Fixes
A dripping faucet is a small sound with a large water bill behind it. A tap dripping once a second can waste thousands of gallons a year, and the cause is al…
This page explains a common plumbing problem. It is general information, not a diagnosis of any specific home.
A dripping faucet is a small sound with a large water bill behind it. A tap dripping once a second can waste thousands of gallons a year, and the cause is almost always one worn part: a cartridge, a washer, or a valve seat that no longer closes fully.
The drip's location is diagnostic. A drip from the spout points to the cartridge or washer; a drip from the handle points to an O-ring or seal. Knowing which saves time and parts.
Common Causes
- A worn cartridge that no longer seals in single-handle faucets
- A worn washer in older two-handle faucets
- A damaged or pitted valve seat
- A failed O-ring or seal at the handle or spout base
- Mineral buildup preventing a full seal
Safe Checks You Can Do First
- Note whether the drip comes from the spout or the handle
- Check whether the drip stops when the handle is pressed a certain way — that hints at the worn part
- Note the faucet's brand or photograph it; cartridge identification depends on it
- Avoid forcing a stiff handle, which can break the cartridge
- Count the drip rate — it helps convey the urgency and the waste involved
When Professional Help Fits
If the checks do not resolve the problem, if water is spreading, if sewage is involved, or if gas is suspected, professional help fits now rather than later. For a suspected gas leak, leave the area and call emergency services or the gas utility from a safe location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water does a dripping faucet waste?
More than it looks like. A steady drip can waste thousands of gallons over a year, and it also stains the sink and wears the drain. A drip is worth fixing promptly, not eventually.
Can I fix a dripping faucet myself?
If the faucet type and cartridge are identified correctly, many homeowners manage it. The common pitfalls are the wrong cartridge, a seized part, and a supply valve that breaks when turned. Any of those turns a small job into a call.
Why does the drip return after a washer change?
Because the valve seat itself may be pitted or damaged. A new washer on a rough seat will not seal for long; the seat needs attention or the faucet needs a cartridge designed for it.
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