How do I fix a leaky faucet or tap on my own?

A dripping faucet is one of the most common household plumbing issues, usually caused by worn internal parts such as washers, O-rings, cartridges, or valve seats. Before attempting any repair, always turn off the water supply valves under the sink and open the faucet to drain residual water. The repair approach depends on your faucet type.

Faucet Types

Compression faucets use rubber washers that wear out over time. Ball faucets have a rotating ball mechanism with spring-loaded seals. Cartridge faucets use a movable cartridge to control flow. Ceramic disc faucets rely on two ceramic discs that slide against each other.

Diagnosis

Identify where the leak occurs: from the spout (usually a worn washer, O-ring, or cartridge), from the handle base (often a loose packing nut), or from the faucet body (possibly a damaged valve seat). Each location points to a different repair.

General Approach

Disassemble the handle carefully, inspect internal components for wear or damage, replace the faulty part with an exact match, and reassemble. Take old parts to a hardware store to find correct replacements.