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True Trade Path

Diagnostic guide

Faucet Dripping

A dripping faucet wastes thousands of gallons per year — identify compression, cartridge, or ceramic-disk type and replace the worn part.

System
Plumbing
Causes covered
7
You can check
5 without a technician

Stop and read this first

  • Shut off hot and cold stops under the sink before disassembly.
  • A drip under the cabinet can rot vanity bases — fix within weeks.

Work through these in order

Ordered from most to least likely. Working top down means you rule out the cheap, common causes before paying anyone to look at the expensive, rare ones.

  1. Worn rubber washer or O-ring (compression faucet)

    CommonYou can check
    How to check
    Drip from the spout. Handles require multiple turns to shut off.
    The fix
    Replace washers and seat if needed ($5 to $20 DIY).

  2. Failed cartridge (single-handle)

    CommonYou can check
    How to check
    Drip continues when handle is off. Model number on the cartridge body.
    The fix
    Swap the cartridge ($25 to $60 DIY or $150 to $250 pro).

  3. Ceramic disk seal failure

    CommonYou can check
    How to check
    Drip from a modern single-lever faucet. Grind or crack in disks.
    The fix
    Replace the disk cartridge. Sometimes the whole faucet is more economical.

  4. High water pressure

    CommonNeeds a pro
    How to check
    Multiple fixtures drip. Pressure exceeds 80 psi on a gauge.
    The fix
    Install or adjust a pressure-reducing valve ($250 to $500).

  5. Corroded valve seat

    PossibleYou can check
    How to check
    New washer does not stop the drip on compression faucets.
    The fix
    Resurface or replace the seat with a seat wrench ($10 tool).

  6. Loose packing nut

    CommonYou can check
    How to check
    Drip around the handle stem, not the spout.
    The fix
    Tighten the packing nut slightly or repack with graphite ($5).

  7. Cracked faucet body

    UncommonNeeds a pro
    How to check
    Drip from the base or body. Visible crack in metal or plastic.
    The fix
    Replace the faucet ($150 to $400 installed).

Direct answer

A dripping faucet wastes 3,000+ gallons per year — worn washers, cartridges, or seats are the fix. Identify single-handle (cartridge) vs compression (washers). High house pressure drips multiple fixtures until a PRV is installed.

Severity and urgency

Fix within weeks

Vanity rot and higher water bills; not usually immediate danger.

Cost of ignoring it

$20–$100/month water waste; cabinet damage $200–$800.

How a pro will diagnose it

Plumber diagnoses type, replaces internals or faucet ($150–$350).

Prevention and maintenance

  • Fix drips within a month
  • Test pressure with gauge
  • Use manufacturer cartridges
  • Avoid overtightening handles
  • Replace failing supply lines when servicing

For trade owners

Pricing this job as a contractor?

Homeowners see national ranges on this page. If you are building the estimate, use the same scope assumptions — then price to burdened labor, overhead recovery and a real margin.

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Common questions

Could worn rubber washer or o-ring (compression faucet) be causing this?
Drip from the spout. Handles require multiple turns to shut off. Replace washers and seat if needed ($5 to $20 DIY).
Could failed cartridge (single-handle) be causing this?
Drip continues when handle is off. Model number on the cartridge body. Swap the cartridge ($25 to $60 DIY or $150 to $250 pro).
Could ceramic disk seal failure be causing this?
Drip from a modern single-lever faucet. Grind or crack in disks. Replace the disk cartridge. Sometimes the whole faucet is more economical.
Could high water pressure be causing this?
Multiple fixtures drip. Pressure exceeds 80 psi on a gauge. Install or adjust a pressure-reducing valve ($250 to $500).
What is the most common cause of a dripping faucet?
Shut stops and swap cartridge or washer.
Can I fix a dripping faucet myself?
Some checks are DIY-safe (shutoffs, filters, simple adjustments). Licensed plumber work is required when gas, sewer, refrigerant, or main lines are involved.
How much does professional repair for a dripping faucet cost?
DIY parts $10–$60; pro $150–$300.
How urgent is a dripping faucet?
Hot side drip scalding risk for children — sooner fix.
Should I shut off water or power for a dripping faucet?
Shut off the local supply or breaker when leaks, flooding, sparks, or gas odor are present. If unsure, stop using the system and call a pro.
Will a dripping faucet damage my home if I wait?
Moisture-related issues can rot framing and grow mold within 48 hours. Mechanical issues often worsen — seized pumps, cracked heat exchangers, or compressor damage cost far more when delayed.
What should I tell the plumber on the phone?
Describe when it started, what changed (weather, remodel, new appliance), what you already tried, and whether multiple fixtures or zones are affected.
Does homeowners insurance cover a dripping faucet?
Sudden pipe bursts are often covered; slow leaks, maintenance neglect, and sewer backups frequently are not. Document with photos and read your policy endorsements.
How do I know the quote for a dripping faucet is fair?
Get two written quotes with scope, parts, warranty, and permit line items. Compare to regional mid-range pricing — not the cheapest emergency rate.
How can I prevent a dripping faucet from coming back?
Follow the prevention steps on this page: maintenance schedules, avoiding grease and wipes in drains, filter changes, and annual tune-ups where applicable.

Once you know what it is

Step one

Know what it should cost

Get the range before you call, so the first number you hear is not the only number you have.

Step two

Decide repair or replace

On equipment near end of life, the repair is usually the first of several.

Step three

Check the quote

Compare against the typical range and confirm the terms before you sign.

Kitchen Remodel cost guideRepair or replace calculatorEstimate repair costAnalyze a quote

What the fix costs

Tools for this decision

Other symptoms