NestBitHow to Fix a Leaky Faucet: Cost, Tools, and Steps
Most leaky faucets are a $10 to $40 DIY fix: a worn cartridge, washer, or O-ring that takes under an hour to replace. A plumber visit for the same job typically costs $150 to $350. Photograph your faucet in NestBit and it identifies the faucet type, the likely worn part, and gives you the exact steps, tools, and parts list.
Why faucets leak
- Cartridge faucets (most modern single-handle): the cartridge's seals wear out. Replace the cartridge.
- Compression faucets (older two-handle): the rubber washer compresses and cracks. Replace the washer and inspect the valve seat.
- Ball faucets (classic kitchen single-handle): springs and seals inside the ball assembly wear. Replace with a repair kit.
- Ceramic disk faucets: long-lived, but debris in the inlet seals causes drips. Clean or replace the seals.
A drip from the spout points to the parts above. Water around the base usually means O-rings; water under the sink means supply connections, which is a different and more urgent fix.
The repair, step by step
- Shut off the water at the under-sink valves and open the faucet to drain it.
- Plug the drain so small parts cannot escape.
- Remove the handle (look for a hidden set screw under a cap).
- Pull the cartridge, washer, or ball assembly and take it to the hardware store, or match your faucet model online.
- Install the new part, reassemble, and turn the water back on slowly.
Tools: an Allen key set, adjustable wrench, screwdriver, and possibly a cartridge puller. Parts run $5 to $30; a cartridge puller adds about $10.
When to call a plumber
Corroded shutoff valves that will not turn, leaks inside the wall, very old faucets where parts are unobtainable, or any drip that survived a correct part swap. At that point a plumber visit ($150 to $350) or a full faucet replacement ($120 to $300 installed on top of the faucet price) is the economical path.
Get a plan for your exact faucet with NestBit
- Open a Fix & Repair project and photograph your faucet, plus a close-up of where the water shows.
- The AI identifies the faucet type and the likely worn part.
- Follow the generated steps with your faucet's specific parts list and cost estimate.
- Save the project. If the drip ever returns, you will know exactly what was done and when.
Try it on your own home
NestBit is free to download on iPhone. Your first 2 projects, design or repair, are free.
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Frequently asked questions
How much water does a dripping faucet waste?
One drip per second wastes over 3,000 gallons a year, roughly 180 showers worth, per the EPA. It is worth fixing promptly.
How do I know which faucet type I have?
Two handles usually means compression; one handle is cartridge, ball, or ceramic disk. A photo in NestBit identifies it without disassembly.
Can I fix it without turning off the water?
No. Always close the under-sink shutoff valves first, or the main shutoff if those are stuck.