That slow, rhythmic drip from your kitchen or bathroom faucet is more than an annoyance. A single dripping faucet — at just one drop per second — wastes over 11,000 litres of water per year. That is the equivalent of 270 loads of laundry. And you are paying for every drop.
The good news: most dripping faucets are caused by one of a handful of fixable issues. You do not need a plumber for most of them. You need patience, the right parts, and this guide.
1. Worn-Out Washer
The most common cause of a dripping faucet is a worn rubber washer. Every time you use the tap, this washer presses against the valve seat. Over time, that friction degrades the rubber, and a perfect seal becomes impossible. The drip is water escaping through the imperfect seal.
The fix: Turn off the water supply under the sink. Remove the handle and packing nut. Pull out the stem and replace the washer at the bottom. Reassemble and test. Replacement washers cost pennies.
2. Damaged O-Ring
Cartridge faucets use an O-ring — a small rubber ring — that holds the stem screw in place. When this ring wears out or loosens, you will notice leaking near the handle, not just the spout. This is particularly common in older faucets with cartridge mechanisms.
The fix: Identify the correct O-ring size (measure the old one or check your faucet model). Replace and reassemble. A standard O-ring kit covers most residential faucet sizes.
3. Corroded Valve Seat
The valve seat connects the faucet and the spout in the compression mechanism. Sediment accumulation can corrode it over time, causing leaking around the spout area. This is harder to spot but equally straightforward to fix.
The fix: Use a seat wrench to remove and replace the valve seat. In some cases, a plumber’s valve seat grinder can resurface it without replacement.
4. Loose Packing Nut
In older stem faucets, a packing nut holds the stem in place. If this nut loosens over time, water can leak around the handle. It is often mistaken for a seal or washer problem.
The fix: Tighten the packing nut carefully with pliers. Do not overtighten — just enough to stop the drip. If tightening does not work, replace the nut and packing string inside.
5. Worn Cartridge
Single-handle faucets often use a cartridge to control both temperature and flow. When the cartridge wears out, you may experience both dripping and difficulty controlling temperature. This is especially common after 8–10 years of regular use.
The fix: Note the brand and model of your faucet. Purchase the matching replacement cartridge. Swap it out — most cartridges simply pull straight out after the retaining clip is removed.
6. Damaged Ceramic Disc
Modern ceramic disc faucets are among the most durable available. But even ceramic can crack, chip, or accumulate sediment deposits that prevent a clean seal. If your disc faucet is dripping, a cracked disc is the likely culprit.
The fix: Remove the cylinder, lift out the ceramic discs, and inspect them. Clean off sediment with white vinegar and a soft cloth. Replace any cracked discs. Ceramic disc replacements are available from the faucet manufacturer or specialist plumbing suppliers.
7. High Water Pressure
Sometimes a drip is not a parts problem at all — it is a pressure problem. If your home has excessively high water pressure (above 80 psi), faucets can leak during periods when you are not using other fixtures, or at night when usage drops. You may notice it leaks only at certain times.
The fix: Test your water pressure with an inexpensive gauge (attach to an outdoor tap). If it exceeds 80 psi, install a pressure-reducing valve on your main supply line. This fix protects not just your faucets but your entire plumbing system.
When to Call a Plumber
If you have replaced the washer, O-ring, and cartridge and the drip persists, or if you notice water damage, mould, or structural issues around the faucet area, it is time to bring in a professional. A persistent drip after multiple repair attempts often indicates pipe damage or a more complex valve issue that requires specialist tools.
That said, most homeowners who tackle a dripping faucet for the first time are surprised by how manageable it is. The correct replacement part, fifteen minutes, and a basic toolkit are all you need.
