How to Fix a Leaky Faucet (Single-Handle and Two-Handle)
- Section
- Plumbing
- Read time
- 2 min
- Updated
A drip from the spout means a worn part inside the handle. Depending on your faucet, that’s a cartridge, a rubber washer, or a ceramic disc. Replacing it is usually a 30-minute job.
Quick answer
- Shut off the water under the sink and plug the drain.
- Pop off the handle cap, remove the screw and handle.
- Pull the cartridge (or stem) and take it to the store to match.
- Install the new part, reassemble, and turn the water back on slowly.
In this guide
Before you start
- Turn off the water at the shutoff valves under the sink. Open the faucet to drain the remaining water.
- Plug the drain with a rag so small parts don’t fall in.
- Lay parts out in order on a towel, or take a phone photo at each step.
- Find the brand. It’s often on the handle or the faucet base. Many brands have model lookups and part diagrams online.
Single-handle faucets (cartridge)
- Pry off the decorative cap on the handle with a flat screwdriver.
- Remove the handle screw (Phillips or a small hex key) and lift off the handle.
- Unscrew the dome or retaining nut, and pull any retaining clip.
- Pull the cartridge straight up. Pliers help, but grip gently.
- Take it to a hardware store to get an exact match.
- Push the new cartridge in, matching the old one’s orientation. Then reinstall the clip, nut, and handle.
- Turn the water on slowly and test both hot and cold.
If the faucet is hot and cold reversed after the repair, rotate the cartridge 180°.
Two-handle faucets (compression or cartridge)
- Remove the handle on the side that drips. To find out which side is leaking, shut off one valve at a time.
- Unscrew the stem with an adjustable wrench.
- Older compression stems: replace the rubber washer on the bottom (held by a brass screw) and the O-ring on the side.
- Newer ceramic cartridges: replace the whole cartridge.
- Reassemble and test.
Leak at the base of the spout?
That’s usually worn O-rings on the spout. Remove the spout (often held by a nut or set screw), replace the O-rings, coat them with plumber’s grease, and reinstall.
When to replace the faucet instead
If the body is corroded, parts are no longer made, or it leaks in several places, a new faucet may be easier than repairing it.
Safety first Turn off power or water before working on fixtures and appliances, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and call a licensed pro for gas, major electrical, or structural work.