How to Fix a Dripping Faucet: A Plumber's Full 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 simple 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.

The rest of the common fixes are collected in the free plumbing handbook.

Faucet rocking on the deck? That is a separate fix — tightening a loose faucet base.

Shower valve instead of a sink? See shower cartridge 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 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. On a Moen, our Moen faucet cartridge guide covers how to tell a 1225 from a 1255 or a 1224. 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 lubricate the stem with Danco waterproof silicone faucet grease. It is NSF 61 approved for potable water and safe on rubber O-rings. 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 quick swap — see kitchen faucet sprayer replacements. And while you’re under the sink, a fresh braided supply line is good 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.

Recommended Tools & Parts

Everything you need, on Amazon: faucet cartridge · faucet repair kit for your brand · Danco waterproof silicone faucet grease.

Related Faucet Guides

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.

How much does it cost to fix a dripping faucet?

DIY, the cost is just the replacement part. A plumber’s bill adds labor, so it 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.

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