How to Fix a Dripping Bathroom Faucet

Most dripping bathroom faucets are caused by a worn cartridge, O-ring, or ceramic disc inside the faucet body. The fix takes 30-45 minutes and costs $10-30 for replacement parts. You do not need a plumber. Turn off the water supply, disassemble the handle, replace the worn part, and reassemble.

A dripping bathroom faucet can waste 3,000+ gallons of water per year and costs you money every month on your water bill. The repair is simpler than most homeowners expect. Here is how to identify the cause and fix it.

Identify Your Faucet Type First

The internal mechanism - and therefore the fix - differs by faucet type:

• Cartridge faucet: Single or double handle; uses a cartridge that slides up and down to control flow. Most common in modern residential faucets.
• Ceramic disc faucet: Single lever with a wide cylindrical body; uses two ceramic discs that rotate against each other. Very durable - drips are less common but do occur.
• Ball faucet: Single handle that rotates over a rounded ball cap. Common in older kitchen faucets; less common in bathrooms.
• Compression faucet: Two separate handles that you tighten to stop water flow. Found in older homes; the most common cause of drips.

Tools and Parts Needed

• Adjustable wrench and pliers
• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
• Allen wrench set (hex keys)
• Replacement cartridge or O-rings (bring the old part to the hardware store to match)
• Plumber's grease
• Bucket and towels

Step 1: Turn Off the Water

Locate the shut-off valves under the sink - one for hot, one for cold. Turn both clockwise until they stop. Turn the faucet on to release pressure and confirm the water is fully off. Plug the drain so small parts do not fall in.

Step 2: Remove the Handle

Most handles have a decorative cap on top concealing a screw. Pop the cap off with a flathead screwdriver, remove the screw underneath, and pull the handle straight up. Some handles also have a set screw on the side accessed with an Allen wrench. If the handle is stuck, wiggle it gently while pulling - do not pry against the faucet body.

Step 3: Access the Cartridge or Disc

With the handle removed, you will see a retaining nut or clip holding the cartridge in place. For cartridge faucets: remove the retaining clip (usually with needle-nose pliers) or unscrew the nut, then pull the cartridge straight up. Note which direction the cartridge faces before removing - it must go back in the same orientation. For ceramic disc faucets: unscrew the cylinder housing and lift out the disc assembly.

Step 4: Inspect and Replace

Examine O-rings on the cartridge - if they are cracked, flattened, or deformed, that is your drip source. Replace O-rings with identical-size replacements and coat them with plumber's grease before reinstalling. If the cartridge itself is worn or cracked, replace the entire cartridge. Take the old cartridge to a hardware store or look up the faucet brand and model number online to find the correct replacement part.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Reinstall the new cartridge in the same orientation as the original. Replace the retaining nut or clip. Slide the handle back on and secure it with the handle screw. Turn the water supply back on slowly and test - the drip should be gone. Check under the sink for any new leaks at the supply connections.

When to Replace Rather Than Repair

If the faucet is more than 15-20 years old, cartridges and parts may be difficult to source. If the faucet body itself is cracked or corroded, or if the finish is worn beyond what repair parts can address, replacement is often more practical than repeated repairs. A new bathroom faucet installation takes about the same time as a complex repair and gives you years of trouble-free use with updated style. If you go that route, our bathroom faucet replacement walkthrough covers the full installation, and our faucet buying guide explains how to pick a model with a valve that won't drip again anytime soon.

Browse Dogberry Collections' bathroom faucets in brushed nickel, matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, and chrome - with installation hardware included. Questions? Call (435) 923-4100 Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm MT.