How to Fix a Dripping Faucet: A Licensed Plumber’s Complete Guide

Dripping Shower Head or Shower Faucet?

The same logic applies in the shower. A dripping shower head or weak spray is usually mineral scale — unscrew the head, soak it in vinegar to dissolve the buildup, and reinstall; if it’s worn out, a new head is a cheap upgrade. A head that sits too low or sprays the wall is fixed with a longer or adjustable shower arm, not a new faucet. And if the drip comes from the shower valve itself (water trickling from the head with the handle fully off), that’s a worn cartridge inside the valve — the same fix as a sink: shut off the water, pull the old cartridge, and drop in the matching replacement.

Wondering what a pro would charge before you DIY? See how much it costs to fix a leaky faucet.

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Quick answer: A dripping faucet is almost always a worn cartridge, O-ring, or (on older faucets) a washer/seat. It’s a $5–$15 fix you can do in 15–30 minutes with basic tools. A single dripping faucet can waste thousands of gallons a year, so it’s worth fixing fast. Here’s how a licensed plumber does it.

Complete guide to fixing a leaky faucet, written by a licensed plumber, with the exact parts for each fix.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water and Plug the Drain

Turn off the two shut-off valves under the sink and open the faucet to release pressure. Put a rag in the drain so small parts can’t fall in.

Step 2: Identify Your Faucet Type

Cartridge, ball, ceramic-disc, or compression — the type decides the fix. Most modern faucets are cartridge-style, which is the easiest to repair.

Step 3: Replace the Cartridge (most common fix)

Pop off the handle cap, unscrew the handle, pull the old cartridge, and drop in a matching new one. Take the old part to the store to match it exactly. See the best faucet cartridge replacements.

Step 4: Check O-Rings and the Aerator

If the leak is at the base or spout, worn O-rings are usually the cause — replace them and add plumber’s grease. If the faucet sputters or has weak flow, the fix is often just a clogged aerator you can unscrew and clean or replace.

Step 5: Sprayer and Supply Line

A weak or leaking sprayer is a cheap swap — see kitchen faucet sprayer replacements. And while you’re under the sink, a fresh braided supply line is cheap insurance against a future leak.

When to Call a Plumber

Call a pro if the valve body itself is cracked, the shut-offs won’t close, or water is leaking inside the cabinet/wall rather than from the faucet.

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FAQ

Why is my faucet dripping even after I turned it off tight?

Forcing the handle won’t help — the internal cartridge, washer, or O-ring is worn. Replace it rather than over-tightening, which causes more damage.

How much does it cost to fix a dripping faucet?

DIY, usually $5–$15 in parts. A plumber typically charges $75–$200, so this is one of the best money-savers to do yourself.

Can a dripping faucet raise my water bill?

Yes — a steady drip can waste thousands of gallons a year, which adds up on a metered bill.

Related: How to fix a shower diverter

If the drip is from a single-handle shower valve, the fix is usually a new shower cartridge.

On a single-handle kitchen or bathroom faucet, the drip is usually the cartridge, see how to replace a faucet cartridge.

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