Key Points
- Leaky faucets are most commonly caused by worn washers, corroded valve seats, loose parts, or high water pressure — and most are repairable with basic tools.
- According to the EPA, household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually in the U.S. — a single dripping faucet can waste thousands of gallons per year if left unaddressed.
- Fixing a leaky faucet is a 5-step process: shut off water, remove the handle, disassemble the faucet, inspect and replace worn parts, then reassemble and test.
- Knowing your faucet type (compression, cartridge, ball, or disc) before starting determines exactly which parts to inspect and how the disassembly process works.
- Call a professional if the leak persists after replacing parts, you notice water damage, the faucet is old or corroded, or you’re uncomfortable with the repair.
- The Insurance Information Institute reports water damage and freezing account for nearly 29% of all homeowners insurance claims — small leaks left unaddressed carry real financial risk.
- Contact Beis Plumbing for expert faucet repair throughout the St. Louis area, with 24/7 live answering and same-day service available.
Leaky faucets are one of the most common household plumbing issues, and knowing how to fix a leaky faucet can save you money and prevent water waste. In fact, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, household leaks can waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually in the United States alone (EPA). In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to fix a leaky faucet, when to tackle the repair yourself, and when it’s best to call a professional plumber like Beis Plumbing in St. Louis.
Why Is My Faucet Leaking?
Understanding the cause is the first step in learning how to fix a leaky faucet. Common reasons include:
- Worn-out washers or gaskets
- Corroded valve seats
- Loose or broken parts
- High water pressure
Ignoring a leaky faucet can lead to higher water bills and even water damage over time.
Identifying your faucet type first will save you time: Before diagnosing the specific cause, it helps to know what type of faucet you’re working with, since this determines which parts to inspect.
- Compression faucets (two separate handles for hot and cold) — the most likely cause is a worn rubber washer on the valve seat
- Cartridge faucets (single or double handle with a cartridge mechanism) — leaks typically mean the entire cartridge needs replacement rather than an individual part
- Ball faucets (single handle over a rounded cap) — springs, seats, or O-rings inside the ball mechanism are the usual culprits
- Disc faucets (single lever over a wide cylindrical body) — these use ceramic discs that rarely fail but can be affected by sediment buildup
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these supplies:
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips)
- Replacement washers or O-rings
- Plumber’s grease
- Cloth or towel
One additional tip: if you know your faucet’s brand and model, bring this information (or a photo) to the hardware store. Cartridges and washers vary by manufacturer, and matching the exact part avoids a second trip and ensures a proper seal.
Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the shutoff valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to stop the water flow. Open the faucet to drain any remaining water.
2. Remove the Faucet Handle
Use a screwdriver to remove the handle. Some handles have decorative caps that need to be pried off first.
A helpful tip for stubborn handles: if the handle doesn’t come off easily even after removing the screw, it may be stuck due to mineral buildup or corrosion (especially common with St. Louis’s moderately hard water). Apply a few drops of penetrating oil around the base, wait 10–15 minutes, and try again with gentle, even pressure rather than forcing it.
3. Take Apart the Faucet
Carefully unscrew the packing nut with an adjustable wrench. Remove the stem or cartridge, depending on your faucet type.
4. Inspect and Replace Parts
Check washers, O-rings, and seals for wear. Replace any damaged parts. This is a crucial step in how to fix a leaky faucet.
What worn parts typically look like: A healthy rubber washer or O-ring should feel pliable and show a clean, rounded edge. If the part feels hard, cracked, flattened, or has visible grooves worn into it, it needs replacement. When in doubt, replace it — washers and O-rings are inexpensive, and reusing a marginal part often means repeating this entire process within weeks.
5. Reassemble and Test
Reassemble the faucet in reverse order. Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks.
A final tip: turn the water supply back on slowly rather than all at once, and check each connection for drips before considering the job complete. Run the faucet through both hot and cold settings, and through its full range of motion if it’s a single-handle faucet, to confirm the leak is fully resolved.
When Should You Call a Plumber?
While many homeowners can handle minor leaks, there are times when calling a professional is the best option:
- The leak persists after replacing washers and O-rings
- You notice water pooling under the sink or signs of water damage
- The faucet is old or corroded and needs replacement
- You’re uncomfortable with DIY repairs
According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage and freezing account for nearly 29% of all homeowners insurance claims in the U.S. Don’t risk costly repairs — know when to call in the experts.
A leak that persists after a proper repair often points to a bigger issue: if you’ve replaced the washers and O-rings correctly but the faucet still drips, the problem may be in the valve seat itself, which can corrode unevenly and create a surface the new washer can’t seal against properly. This typically requires either reseating the valve with a specialized tool or replacing the faucet entirely — both jobs better suited to a professional.
Why Choose Beis Plumbing?
Beis Plumbing is a trusted, locally owned company serving the St. Louis area. Our licensed and insured team offers same-day service, 24/7 live answering, and a commitment to quality. We handle everything from leaky faucets to full plumbing installations. Learn more about our plumbing services.
Preventing Future Leaks
To avoid future leaks:
- Check faucets regularly for drips
- Replace washers and O-rings as needed
- Don’t overtighten handles
- Schedule routine plumbing maintenance
Consider joining Beis Plumbing’s maintenance plan for ongoing savings and peace of mind.
Why overtightening is more damaging than it seems: It’s a common instinct to crank a faucet handle extra tight to stop a drip, but this accelerates wear on the washer, valve seat, and stem threads — often making the leak worse rather than better, and creating an additional repair where there wasn’t one before. A faucet handle should only need to be turned to a comfortable stop, not forced.
Key Takeaways
Most leaky faucets are caused by worn washers, corroded valve seats, loose parts, or high water pressure — and the fix follows a straightforward 5-step process: shut off the water, remove the handle, disassemble the faucet, replace worn parts, and reassemble. Identifying your faucet type (compression, cartridge, ball, or disc) before starting tells you exactly what to inspect. The EPA confirms household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons annually nationwide — even a small drip adds up over a year. Call a professional if the leak persists after a proper repair, you notice water damage, the faucet is old or corroded, or you’re not comfortable with the repair yourself. Contact Beis Plumbing for expert faucet repair throughout the St. Louis area.
Book Your Plumbing Service Today
If you’re struggling with how to fix a leaky faucet or facing a plumbing emergency, don’t wait. Contact Beis Plumbing today to schedule your service and experience the difference of working with St. Louis’s top-rated plumbers.