Quick Answer
Most faucet drips are caused by a worn rubber washer or O-ring inside the handle. Fix it by: turning off the water under the sink → removing the handle → replacing the washer or cartridge ($5–$15 in parts) → reassembling. The whole job takes 20–30 minutes with basic tools. A drip at 1 drop/second wastes 3,000 gallons per year.
Why Is My Faucet Dripping?
Step-by-Step: How to Fix It
Turn Off the Water
Find the shut-off valves under the sink — turn both clockwise until they stop. Open the faucet to drain any remaining water. This is critical — skipping this step floods your cabinet.
Remove the Handle
Pry off the decorative cap on top (usually snaps off). Remove the screw underneath — typically Phillips, flathead, or Allen (hex). The handle then lifts or pulls straight off. If stuck, gently wiggle while pulling. Don't force it.
Replace the Worn Part
Reassemble and Test
Reinstall the stem or cartridge in the exact same orientation. Tighten the packing nut firmly (but not over-tight — you can crack plastic parts). Replace the handle and screw. Turn the water supply back on slowly and watch for drips at the spout, handle, and base.
When to Call a Plumber Instead
- The leak is from the supply lines under the sink, not the faucet itself
- You replaced the washer and it still drips
- The handle is stripped and won't tighten
- The faucet is corroded or parts are unavailable
- Water is dripping from inside the wall or cabinet
Plumber cost to fix a leaky faucet: $50–$150 including parts. More for supply line replacement or if the faucet needs replacing entirely.
FAQs
How much does it cost to fix a leaky faucet in Michigan?
Leaky faucet repair in Michigan costs $70–$300 on average. Labor runs $65–$150 for the service visit plus parts ($1–$100 depending on cartridge type). Bathroom faucets are typically cheaper to repair ($60–$200) than kitchen or tub faucets. Always ask if the service call fee is waived when work is performed.
What causes a faucet to drip?
The most common cause is a worn rubber washer or O-ring inside the faucet handle. Every time you use the faucet, the washer presses against a valve seat. Over thousands of uses, it wears down and allows water to drip through. Cartridge faucets drip when the cartridge itself wears out. Ceramic disc faucets drip when sediment damages the disc.
How much water does a dripping faucet waste?
A faucet dripping at 1 drip per second wastes about 3,000 gallons per year — equivalent to 180 showers. At a drip rate of 10 drips per minute, that's roughly $20-$35 per year on your water bill. A faster drip can cost $100+ per year.
How do I know what type of faucet I have?
Compression faucets have two handles that get tighter as you turn them (older style). Cartridge faucets have a smooth single-handle motion. Ball faucets have a ball-shaped handle that moves in all directions (common in kitchens). Ceramic disc faucets have a wide, single lever that moves up/down for volume and side-to-side for temperature.
When should I call a plumber to fix a leaky faucet?
Call a plumber if: the leak is coming from under the sink at the supply lines, you replaced the washer and it still drips, the handle is broken or stripped, you cannot identify the faucet type, or the faucet is older and replacement parts are not available. A plumber typically charges $50–$150 to fix a leaky faucet including parts.
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