How to Fix a Leaky Faucet (Cartridge or Compression)

Fixing a Cartridge Faucet

1. Remove Screw From Handle

   After shutting off the water and plugging the sink drain, remove the faucet handle. Often, there is an Allen (or hex) screw located on the side or back of the handle. Insert the end of the Allen key into the screw and turn counter-clockwise. Remove the screw and set it safely aside.

2. Remove Faucet Handle

   Lift the handle straight up to remove it.

3. Loosen Retaining Nut

   Locate the thin retaining nut that holds the sink cartridge in place. Clamp the adjustable pliers around the retaining nut. Turn counter-clockwise to loosen the nut. Turn out the nut the rest of the way by hand.

4. Remove Sink Cartridge

   Grab the top of the sink cartridge, and pull it up to remove it. You may need to gently wiggle the cartridge to first loosen it before removing it.

5. Apply Silicone Grease

   With your finger, apply a small amount of silicone faucet grease to the body of the replacement faucet cartridge.

6. Insert Replacement Cartridge

   Align the tabs of the replacement cartridge with the slots on the faucet. Slide the cartridge straight down until it fully seats. With the wrench, apply the retaining nut.

7. Install the Handle

   Install the faucet handle again with the Allen key and the Allen screw.
   

8. Test Water Flow

   Turn on the water supply valves. Let the faucet run for about a minute, and then turn it off again. Check for leaks.
   

Fixing a Compression Faucet

1. Remove the Handle

   After shutting off the water and stopping up the drain, remove the faucet handle either with the Allen key or with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Some faucets may have a decorative cap over the screw. Remove this cap with a flat-head screwdriver or the edge of a utility knife. Unscrew the handle and set it and its screw aside.
   

2. Remove the Valve Cover (if Present) and Valve Stem Assembly

   The valve stem assembly may have a cover over it, which you remove by unscrewing the knob with pliers.

   Once the cover is removed (or if it was never there), with pliers, grip the hex head of the valve stem assembly. Screw counter-clockwise to remove it.

   Tip

   Note that the hex screw head is integrated into the valve stem assembly. It is not a separate retaining nut.

3. Remove the Washer Screw

   Use the Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screw holding the stem washer in place.
   

4. Remove Stem Washer

   With your fingernail or the edge of the utility knife, pick the stem washer out of the valve stem assembly.
   

5. Replace Stem Washer

   Firmly place the new stem washer on the valve stem assembly. Screw the washer screw over the top.
   

6. Assemble Faucet

   Replace the valve cover (if applicable). Attach the handle. Add any decorative caps over the top.

   Turn on the water again below the sink and let it run for about a minute. Turn off the faucet and check for leaks.
   

When to Replace Your Leaky Faucet Instead of Fixing It

Faucet Is 10 to 20 Years Old

Faucets that are more than 10 to 20 years old may have other issues. Much like an old car, the faucet will work for a while until yet another section of it breaks down. Eventually, it's easier and less expensive to buy a new one.

Repairs Take Too Long

Leaky faucet repairs should take a half hour or up to an hour. You shouldn't be spending hours working on your bathroom or kitchen faucet. If it's over an hour and you're still working on your faucet, you may want to consider replacing it instead.

Repairs Cost Too Much

Balance the cost of the repairs against the cost of replacement. An inexpensive faucet may not be worth repairing unless you only need to replace a few washers. Expensive faucets usually are worth repairing.

The cost of the faucet cartridge is usually the determining factor, since this is the most expensive part. Most faucet cartridges cost from $10 to $50, with a few cartridges in the $50 to $100 range.

Repairs Aren't Working

Faucets are mechanical devices that see constant use, so they don't last forever. If you cannot repair the dripping faucet on your own, it's usually time to pull it out and replace it with a new faucet.

When to Call a Professional

Plumbers can repair most leaky faucets, plus they can replace faucets if necessary. While bathroom and kitchen faucets can generally be repaired or replaced by most homeowners, plumbers can step in and do the job instead if it is cumbersome or complicated.

Plumbers—especially emergency plumbers—can be expensive, even for the short amount of time needed to repair a faucet. Before making a call, weigh the cost of the plumber against the cost of purchasing a new faucet.