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352-339-5791
A faucet with drip is one of the most frustrating problems property owners face. That steady drip-drip-drip sound can drive anyone crazy, especially at night. But the real problem goes beyond just noise.
Most faucet drips happen because of worn-out washers, damaged O-rings, or faulty cartridges inside the faucet. These small parts wear down over time from regular use. When they break or get loose, water starts leaking through the gaps.
In this article we'll show you exactly why your faucet keeps dripping and walk you through simple fixes you can do yourself. You'll also learn when it's time to call a plumber and how to stop future leaks before they start. Plus, we'll break down how much water and money you're actually losing from that annoying drip.
Here’s what you need to know:
By the end, you'll know how to fix a faucet with drip, including the most common causes, DIY repair tips, and when to call a plumber.
Faucet drips happen for three main reasons: internal parts wear out over time, seals around the base and handle break down, or water pressure damages key components. Each problem shows different symptoms that help us identify the exact cause.
A dripping faucet that won't stop even when we turn it off usually means the internal parts are worn out. The most common problem is a damaged washer or cartridge.
Washers sit inside the faucet and press against metal seats to stop water flow. When they get old, they crack or warp. This lets water seep through even when the faucet is off.
Cartridges control water flow in newer faucets. They have rubber seals that break down over time. Hard water makes this worse by leaving mineral deposits.
O-rings create watertight seals around moving parts. When they shrink or crack, water drips from the spout.
We can tell which part is bad by looking at the drip pattern:
Kitchen faucet repair for this issue typically costs less than replacing the whole faucet.
Leaks around the base or handle happen when seals fail in these areas. Water pressure pushes through weak spots and creates visible drips.
Handle leaks occur when the packing nut gets loose or the packing material wears out. We see water coming from where the handle meets the faucet body.
Base leaks form when O-rings under the spout break down. Water pools around the bottom of the faucet on the counter or sink.
Common causes include:
These leaks waste less water than spout drips but can damage counters and cabinets. The water sits in places where it shouldn't be.
We need to turn off water supply before fixing base or handle leaks. Most repairs involve tightening nuts or replacing small rubber parts.
Bathroom faucet leaking problems get worse over time as multiple parts wear out together. Hot water and steam speed up the breakdown of rubber and plastic components.
Valve seats get rough from mineral buildup and constant contact with washers. Even new washers won't seal properly against damaged seats.
Internal springs lose tension and can't hold washers in place. This creates gaps where water flows through.
Stem assemblies develop grooves from years of turning. These grooves let water bypass the main sealing points.
Bathroom faucets face extra challenges:
A dripping tap in the bathroom often needs several parts replaced at once. We recommend fixing all worn components during one repair to prevent future problems.
The constant moisture also makes metal parts rust faster than kitchen faucets.
A single dripping faucet can waste thousands of gallons annually and cost property owners hundreds of dollars in higher utility bills. The environmental consequences extend beyond individual costs, affecting water resources and treatment systems.
According to the EPA, “a leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year".
The real cost of ignoring a dripping faucet
We often underestimate how much water a dripping tap actually wastes. A faucet that drips once per second wastes 5 to 8 gallons daily.
Over a full year, this adds up to 2,000 to 3,000 gallons of wasted water. More severe leaks can waste even more.
The EPA also reports that household leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons per year per home, and fixing easily corrected leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills
Daily vs. Annual Water Waste:
The financial impact depends on local water rates. Most areas charge between $3 to $8 per 1,000 gallons.
This means a dripping faucet costs property owners $6 to $24 annually in wasted water alone. Kitchen faucet repair becomes cost-effective very quickly when we consider these ongoing expenses.
Multiple dripping faucets multiply these costs. A home with three leaking fixtures could waste over 8,000 gallons yearly.
Water waste from leaking fixtures affects entire water systems and ecosystems. We contribute to unnecessary strain on municipal water treatment facilities when we ignore leaks.
A bathtub faucet leaking at moderate rates wastes more water than kitchen taps due to larger valve openings. These leaks can waste 10 to 15 gallons daily.
Environmental consequences include:
Water treatment facilities must process millions of extra gallons annually from residential leaks. This process requires electricity, chemicals, and infrastructure maintenance.
In water-scarce regions, every gallon counts toward conservation efforts. Our individual leak repairs contribute to broader water sustainability goals.
Delaying kitchen faucet repair creates escalating costs beyond wasted water. We face potential property damage when leaks worsen over time.
Immediate repair benefits:
Most basic faucet repairs cost $75 to $150 for professional service. This one-time expense pays for itself within 6 to 24 months through water savings alone.
DIY repairs using replacement parts cost $10 to $30 for common issues like worn O-rings or valve seats. We can recover these costs in just 2 to 6 months.
Delayed repairs often require complete faucet replacement instead of simple part replacement. New faucet installation costs $200 to $500 including labor.
Water damage from persistent leaks can cost $1,000 to $5,000 for cabinet replacement and flooring repairs. We avoid these major expenses through prompt attention to dripping faucets.
Most dripping taps can be fixed with basic tools and simple steps that take 15-30 minutes to complete. The key is identifying worn parts like O-rings and washers, then replacing them with the right tools and technique.
We need the right tools before starting any faucet repair. Basic repairs require an adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, and pliers.
Essential Tools:
First, we turn off the water supply under the sink. This prevents flooding during repairs.
Next, we remove the faucet handle by unscrewing it. Most handles have screws hidden under decorative caps.
We then take out the packing nut with our wrench. This exposes the internal parts that usually cause leaks.
The stem or cartridge comes out next. We inspect it for damage and note how it fits for reassembly.
Common worn parts to replace:
We replace damaged parts with exact matches from the hardware store. Installing everything in reverse order completes the repair.
Bathroom faucet leaking problems often have easy solutions. Single-handle faucets usually need cartridge replacement, while double-handle ones need washer changes.
For single-handle faucets, we remove the handle and pull out the cartridge. New cartridges cost $5-15 and fix most leaks instantly.
Double-handle faucets typically leak from worn seat washers. We unscrew the stem and replace the rubber washer at the bottom.
Loose packing nuts cause leaks around the handle base. We tighten these with a wrench, being careful not to over-tighten.
Quick leak location guide:
Most bathroom repairs take under 20 minutes once we have the right parts.
We see common mistakes that make simple repairs harder. Over-tightening parts damages threads and creates bigger problems.
Never force stuck parts. We use penetrating oil and let it sit for 10 minutes before trying again. Broken stems require professional help.
We always take photos before taking things apart. This helps us remember the correct assembly order later.
Avoid these errors:
We clean all surfaces before installing new parts. Old buildup prevents proper sealing even with new washers.
Taking the old parts to the store ensures we buy exact replacements. Generic parts often don't fit properly and cause continued leaks.
Some dripping faucet problems need expert help, especially when hidden leaks or complex parts are involved. Professional plumbers have the right tools and skills to fix stubborn issues that basic DIY methods can't solve.
Multiple failed repair attempts signal it's time to call experts. If we've replaced washers and O-rings but the dripping continues, deeper issues exist.
Hidden leaks require professional attention. Water damage under sinks or inside walls means the problem goes beyond what we can see.
Low water pressure combined with dripping often indicates corroded internal parts. These components need special tools to replace properly.
Strange noises like grinding or squealing suggest worn cartridges or valve seats. We shouldn't ignore these sounds as they worsen over time.
Water discoloration from the faucet means corrosion inside the fixture. This affects water quality and needs immediate expert evaluation.
Professional plumbers save us money in the long run. They diagnose problems correctly the first time instead of letting us waste money on wrong parts.
Warranty protection comes with professional repairs. Most experts guarantee their work for months or years.
Proper tools make the difference. Plumbers have specialized equipment for removing stuck parts and installing new components correctly.
Code compliance ensures our repairs meet local standards. This matters for insurance claims and home sales later.
Time savings let us focus on other tasks. A 30-minute professional job might take us hours to complete.
Professional plumbers start with complete system inspection. They check water pressure, examine all connections, and test surrounding pipes.
Advanced diagnostic tools help locate hidden problems. Experts use cameras and pressure gauges to find issues we can't see.
Proper part replacement involves matching exact specifications. Plumbers know which cartridges, seats, and seals work with specific faucet models.
Preventive maintenance happens during repairs. Experts clean mineral buildup, adjust water pressure, and check nearby fixtures.
Quality materials ensure lasting repairs. Professional-grade parts last longer than basic hardware store replacements we might choose.
Regular maintenance keeps faucets working properly and saves money on repairs. Simple cleaning tasks and part replacements stop small problems from becoming expensive fixes.
We recommend cleaning your faucets monthly to prevent buildup that causes leaks. Remove mineral deposits from the aerator by unscrewing it and soaking in white vinegar overnight.
Check O-rings and washers every six months. These rubber parts wear out first and cause most drips. Look for cracks or hardening in the rubber.
Clean the faucet cartridge twice a year. Turn off water supply and remove the handle. Pull out the cartridge and rinse under warm water to remove debris.
Lubricate moving parts with plumber's silicone grease. This prevents friction that damages internal components. Never use petroleum-based products on rubber seals.
Test water pressure regularly. High pressure strains faucet parts and shortens their life. Install a pressure regulator if readings exceed 80 psi.
Replace O-rings and washers every 2-3 years before they fail completely. These inexpensive parts cost under $5 but prevent water damage worth hundreds.
Change faucet cartridges every 5-7 years depending on water quality. Hard water requires more frequent replacement due to mineral buildup.
We suggest keeping spare parts on hand for your specific faucet model. Store O-rings, washers, and cartridges in a cool, dry place.
Signs parts need replacement include:
Replace valve seats when they show wear marks or pitting. A damaged seat prevents proper sealing even with new washers.
Professional plumbing inspections catch problems we might miss during routine cleaning. Plumbers spot early signs of wear in hard-to-reach areas.
Annual checks identify:
Early detection saves thousands in water damage repairs. A small leak behind a wall can rot framing and create mold problems.
We recommend scheduling inspections every 12 months for homes over 10 years old. Newer homes need checks every 2-3 years unless problems arise.
Document all maintenance and repairs with dates and parts used. This history helps identify patterns and plan future replacements before failures occur.
We've covered the main reasons your faucet drips and how to fix them. Most dripping problems come from worn parts that need replacement.
Simple tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers handle most repairs. We recommend turning off the water supply before starting any work.
Some fixes take just minutes. Others might need more time depending on the problem.
Fixing drips quickly saves water and money. A single dripping faucet wastes gallons each day.
Regular maintenance prevents many problems. Check your faucets every few months for small leaks.
Most homeowners can handle basic faucet repairs. With the right parts and tools, we can solve dripping problems and keep our homes running smoothly.
Schedule a professional faucet repair today with Sunshine Services to stop leaks, save water, and prevent costly damage to your home.