A faucet dripping once per second wastes 1,800 gallons a year. Most leaky faucets fix in 30 minutes with $5-15 in parts.
Identify your faucet type
Compression: Two handles, older. Ball-type: Single handle moves any direction, common in kitchens. Cartridge: Smooth up-down motion, most modern faucets. Ceramic disc: Premium, very smooth.
Tools needed
Adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, Allen wrench set, plumber's grease, replacement cartridge or washer matching your brand.
Steps (most cartridge faucets)
- Shut off water at under-sink valves
- Open faucet to drain, cover the drain with a rag
- Pop off decorative cap, unscrew, pull off handle
- Unscrew the cartridge retaining nut, pull cartridge straight up
- Inspect O-rings and cartridge for cracks or buildup
- Bring old cartridge to hardware store, match exactly, grease new O-rings
- Reassemble in reverse — don't overtighten
- Turn water on slowly, test both hot and cold
When to call us
No matching part available, faucet body cracked, leaking from base (different problem), not comfortable with the work. Faucet repairs in Abingdon: $125-$200. Faucet over 15 years old? Sometimes worth replacing entirely.