The Top Causes of a Leaking Faucet and What to Do About It

Most dripping faucets come down to a worn part inside the faucet: a washer, O-ring, or valve seat in an older two-handle faucet, or a cartridge and its seals in a newer single-handle one. High water pressure and hard-water scale make those parts wear out faster. Many of these are simple repairs, and fixing a drip quickly saves water and keeps a small problem from becoming a bigger one.

A dripping faucet is more than just an annoyance. It can also waste a lot of water and drive up your utility bill. Here are the most common culprits and what you can do about each one.

Worn O-ring

One of the most common causes of a leaky faucet is a worn-out O-ring. This small rubber ring creates a seal around the valve stem. Over time, it can loosen or wear out, letting water seep through, often around the handle.

If you suspect a worn O-ring is the problem, you'll need to disassemble the faucet to replace it. This is a relatively simple DIY fix, but if you're not comfortable doing it yourself, you can always call a plumber.

Corroded valve seat

The valve seat is the part inside the faucet body that the washer presses against to shut off the water. Over time, sediment and mineral scale can build up there and cause corrosion. That keeps the valve from closing tightly, which results in a drip from the spout.

To fix this, you'll need to clean the valve seat or replace it altogether. This is another job you might be able to tackle yourself, but a professional plumber will have the tools and expertise to do it right.

Worn washers

Another common culprit is a worn washer. Every time you turn the faucet handle, the washer is pressed against the valve seat. Over time, this constant friction wears the washer out, leading to drips.

Replacing a washer is a fairly easy task, but it requires taking the faucet apart. Make sure you get the right size and type of washer for your specific faucet model.

Loose parts

Sometimes a leak is caused by something as simple as a loose part. The adjusting ring or packing nut on the stem can work loose over time, causing water to leak from the handle.

Tightening these parts is often all it takes to stop the leak. Just be careful not to overtighten them, as that can cause damage.

Worn cartridge or seals

Most newer faucets use a cartridge or ceramic disc instead of a washer, with rubber seals where water enters and leaves the valve. Like any other part, these can wear out or break over time, and sediment and hard-water scale speed that up.

Replacing the cartridge or seals usually fixes it, but you'll need the exact part for your faucet's brand and model. If you're not sure what you have, a plumber can help.

High water pressure

Finally, high water pressure can also make your faucet leak. Pressure above 80 psi pushes harder on washers and seals, so they wear out faster and start to drip.

If you suspect water pressure is the issue, you may need a pressure-reducing valve installed or replaced. That's definitely a job for a professional plumber. Learn more about the problems high water pressure causes.

When should you call a plumber?

A leaking faucet is a common household problem, but it's one that shouldn't be ignored. By identifying the cause of the leak, you can take the right steps to fix it and save water and money in the process.

Whether it's a simple washer replacement or a more complex pressure issue, we're here to help with bathroom and kitchen faucet repairs and replacements.