Quick answer
A faucet that drips when it is off has a worn seal inside: a rubber washer in older two-handle compression faucets, or a cartridge, O-rings or seats in most single-handle faucets. Shut off the valves under the sink, take the handle off, and replace the worn part with an exact match. A drip that starts after a new cartridge usually means debris or a damaged seat. EPA WaterSense notes a faucet dripping once a second can waste more than 3,000 gallons a year. Call (888) 217-6781 to reach a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
A faucet that keeps dripping after you turn it off has a worn seal inside. The drip itself is usually a small repair, but which part has worn depends on the faucet's design, and buying the wrong part is the usual reason the repair fails. EPA WaterSense notes a faucet that drips once a second can waste more than 3,000 gallons a year.
Which Faucet Do You Have?
| Faucet | How to recognize it | What wears |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Two handles that you screw down tight | Rubber washer and the brass seat under it |
| Cartridge | One or two handles, smooth action | The cartridge, or its O-rings |
| Ball | One handle on a dome-shaped cap, common on older kitchen faucets | Seats and springs, O-rings |
| Ceramic disc | One handle over a wide cylinder | Seals at the base of the disc cartridge |
If hot drips, the hot side has worn; if cold drips, the cold side. On a single-handle faucet, the cartridge handles both.
The Repair
- 1Shut off both valves under the sink and open the faucet to drain the pressure.
- 2Plug the drain with a rag so screws do not disappear.
- 3Remove the handle. A decorative cap often hides the screw; a hex screw sits under the lever on many single-handle faucets.
- 4Remove the cartridge or stem. Note its orientation, and take it to the store, or find the brand and model, to get an exact match.
- 5Replace the washer, O-rings or cartridge, clean any grit from the body, reassemble, and open the valves slowly.
Talk to a plumber about this
One call reaches a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
Still Dripping After a New Cartridge
- The new part is not fully seated, or is in backward (hot and cold reversed).
- Grit from the supply lines is caught in it. Open valves slowly and flush the aerator.
- The valve seat on a compression faucet is pitted, and needs a seat wrench to replace or a seat tool to dress.
- The faucet body is worn, which is when replacement makes more sense.
Repair or Replace
An old faucet with corroded parts, discontinued cartridges, or a leak at the base as well as the spout is often worth replacing. HomeAdvisor puts a kitchen faucet replacement at $162–$364 installed and a bathroom faucet at $170–$360. See faucet repair.
The Call
Call when the supply valves under the sink will not close, the handle or cartridge is seized, or the drip continues after a new part. (888) 217-6781 connects you to a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more, because the companies taking calls change minute to minute.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my faucet drip when it is turned off?
A seal inside has worn: the washer and seat on a compression faucet, or the cartridge, O-rings or seats and springs on a cartridge, ball or ceramic disc faucet.
Why is my faucet still dripping after replacing the cartridge?
The cartridge may be the wrong one or not fully seated, debris may be caught in it, or the valve seat underneath is damaged. Open the supply valves slowly after a repair to avoid pushing grit into the new part.
Is a dripping faucet worth fixing?
YesEPA WaterSense notes that one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons a year, and the parts are usually inexpensive.
How much does a plumber charge to fix a dripping faucet?
A cartridge or washer replacement is a short job. If the faucet itself is worn out, HomeAdvisor puts a kitchen faucet replacement at $162–$364 installed.
Sources
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Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.