Last updated: 2026-05-01
🔧
Faucet Dripping Faucet
Water drips from the spout even when handles are fully closed
95%
95% chance this is caused by:
Worn cartridge (single-handle) or worn washer (two-handle)
🔧 The Exact Part You Need
Total parts cost: $18. Same-day shipping available on most items.
🔨 Tools You'll Need
Easy · 10-20 minutes
Parts: $18 vs $$50-300 to replace
📋 Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Turn off water supply valves under the sink
2
Open faucet to drain remaining water
3
For single-handle: remove handle (set screw under lever or cap on top)
4
Pull out the cartridge with pliers
5
Take cartridge to hardware store to match exact replacement
6
Insert new cartridge, reassemble handle
7
Turn water back on and test
Other Faucet Problems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to fix a faucet that's dripping faucet?
The part costs about $12. If you do it yourself, that's your total cost. A professional service call would add $100-200 in labor, bringing the total to $162.
How long does this faucet repair take?
This repair is rated "easy" and typically takes 10-20 minutes. The most time-consuming part is usually accessing the component, not the actual swap.
What if this isn't the problem?
Our diagnosis is 95% likely based on the symptom you described. If replacing this part doesn't fix it, the next most common cause for "water drips from the spout even when handles are fully closed" would be related to the wiring harness or control board. In that case, consider calling a professional.
Should I just replace my faucet instead?
A new faucet costs $50-300. If yours is well under 15-20 years old, a $12 repair is far more cost-effective. If it's near end-of-life and has had multiple issues, replacement starts making more sense.