9 Causes of Dripping Faucets and How to Stop Them
You walk into your kitchen or bathroom and notice the faucet is not shutting off completely, and a drop of water keeps falling, no matter how tightly you turn the handle. At first, it seems like a small issue, but with time, it increases your water bill and causes stains, rust, or even bigger plumbing problems if left unchecked.
In such situations, the question comes up: “Is this something I can repair myself, or do I need professional help?”
The reality is that faucets deal with constant water pressure every day. Over the years, small parts wear down, seals weaken, or pipes develop hidden issues. Some of these are quick fixes, while others mean it’s time to call a plumber.
In this guide, we’ll explain the 9 most common reasons faucets start dripping and share simple ways to fix them. Some are easy to handle on your own, while others need professional care. If the problem gets bigger than expected, Santinos A+ Handyman Services is here to help with expert faucet and plumbing repairs that keep your home safe and worry-free.
Cause #1: Worn-Out Washers
One of the most common reasons for a dripping faucet is a worn-out washer. Every time you turn the faucet on and off, the washer is pressed against the valve seat. Over the years, this constant friction causes the washer to weaken, harden, or lose its shape. When that happens, water starts slipping through, and you notice a steady drip from the spout.
How To Fix It
If you are comfortable with basic tools, you can shut off the water supply, take the faucet apart, and replace the washer with a new one of the same size. This simple repair often stops the leak right away.
But if the washer has worn down the valve seat or other parts are also damaged, a quick swap may not be enough. In such cases, it’s better to call a professional to make sure the problem is fixed properly, who can check the faucet, replace the washer, and restore the seal so you don’t have to deal with recurring drips.
- (Tip: At Santinos A+ Handyman Services, our faucet repair experts handle these issues daily, saving you the hassle and making sure your faucet works like new again.)
Cause #2: Loose or Damaged O-Ring
Inside your faucet, there is a small rubber ring called an O-ring. It works to keep the handle sealed tightly so water doesn’t escape. Over time, this ring can wear out, loosen, or even crack. When that happens, you often see water leaking around the handle instead of the spout.
How To Fix It
The good thing is that fixing an O-ring is not very complicated. You turn off the water supply, remove the handle, and replace the old ring with a new one of the same size. A little plumber’s grease on the new ring helps it slide in smoothly and seal better. Once the handle is back in place, the dripping usually stops.
But sometimes the leak is not just because of the O-ring. If replacing it doesn’t solve the problem, the real issue could be a worn valve seat or a faulty cartridge. In such cases, it’s better to call a professional so the faucet can be checked properly and repaired the right way.
- (Tip: At Santinos A+ Handyman Services, we regularly handle small repairs like O-rings as well as bigger plumbing issues, so you don’t have to deal with repeat leaks.)
Cause #3: Corroded Valve Seat
The valve seat is the part that connects the faucet to the spout. Every time you turn the water on, the washer presses against this seat to create a seal. But with constant use, minerals from water can build up here, and over time, the surface begins to corrode. When the valve seat is damaged, the washer can no longer seal tightly, and that’s when you notice water dripping from the spout.
How To Fix It
If the corrosion is light, it may be possible to clean the valve seat with a wire brush or a special tool called a seat grinder. This smooths out the surface so the washer can fit properly again. But if the seat is badly corroded or pitted, the only solution is to replace it completely.
This is not always a simple DIY repair, because it requires taking apart the faucet and sometimes working with tools that most homeowners don’t keep on hand. That’s why many people prefer to call a professional handyman or plumber for this type of job.
- (Tip: When our team at Santinos A+ Handyman Services handles faucet leaks, we replace the washer and inspect the valve seat and other parts as well. That way, you don’t have to worry about the same drip coming back a week later.)
Cause #4: Faulty Cartridge
Many modern faucets, especially those with separate hot and cold handles, use a cartridge to control the flow of water. The cartridge acts like a valve that opens and closes whenever you move the handle. Over time, this part can wear out, get clogged with mineral deposits, or simply stop working properly. When that happens, the faucet may keep dripping even after you’ve turned the handle all the way off.
How To Fix It
The usual solution is to replace the cartridge with a new one. This requires shutting off the water, removing the handle, and pulling out the old cartridge. It’s important to get an exact match, because cartridges come in many different sizes and designs. A simple swap with the right replacement part often solves the problem immediately.
However, if the cartridge is damaged because of mineral buildup or other hidden issues in your plumbing, just replacing it may not be enough. In that case, a professional plumber can inspect the faucet, clean out buildup, and ensure the new cartridge is installed correctly.
- (Tip: At Santinos A+ Handyman Services, we frequently replace faulty cartridges for kitchen and bathroom faucets. If you’re also planning upgrades, this can be the perfect time to consider a full faucet replacement or even a shower upgrade as part of your bathroom remodeling project.)
Cause #5: High Water Pressure
Sometimes the problem is not with the faucet itself, but with the water coming into your home. High water pressure may seem like a good thing because it makes showers stronger and sinks fill faster, but too much pressure puts extra strain on faucets and pipes. When the pressure is higher than normal, water can push through seals and washers even when the faucet is turned off, which leads to constant dripping.
How To Fix It
The first step is to test your home’s water pressure using a pressure gauge, which attaches to an outdoor spigot. For most homes, the safe range is between 40 and 80 PSI (pounds per square inch). If your reading is higher than that, you may need a pressure-reducing valve installed on your main water line. This simple adjustment prevents dripping faucets and protects your plumbing system from long-term damage.
Since installing a pressure regulator involves working with your main water supply, it’s usually best to call in a professional for this job who can quickly check your system and set the right pressure to keep everything working smoothly.
- (Tip: Our plumbing team at Santinos A+ Handyman Services often finds that high pressure is the hidden cause behind frequent leaks. Fixing it not only saves water but also extends the life of your faucets, pipes, and even appliances.)
Cause #6: Worn-Out Seals
Inside many faucets, especially disc and ball-style faucets, there are small seals that control the flow of water. These seals sit inside the mechanism and work along with washers and cartridges to keep water contained. Over time, seals wear out, become brittle, or get clogged with mineral deposits. When that happens, water starts slipping through the gaps, and you end up with a persistent drip.
How To Fix It
To repair this, the faucet needs to be taken apart so the seals can be inspected. If they’re simply dirty with mineral buildup, a good cleaning with vinegar or a gentle scrub usually restores them. But when the seals are cracked or hardened, they must be replaced with new ones that match the faucet model.
This type of repair can be a little tricky because the seals are small and often hidden deep inside the faucet assembly. If you’re not confident with disassembly, it’s a good idea to call a professional handyman to handle it.
- (Tip: At Santinos A+ Handyman Services, we not only replace worn-out seals but also check the entire faucet for hidden issues. That way, you don’t have to worry about taking the faucet apart again just a few weeks later.)
Cause #7: Loose Parts & Handles
With daily use, it is normal for the small parts inside a faucet to loosen over time. Screws, packing nuts, and even the handle itself can shift out of place. When this happens, the faucet may not close as tightly as it should, allowing water to escape. Often, you will notice leaks around the base of the handle or a drip that starts right after turning the water off.
How To Fix It
In many cases, this is one of the easiest problems to solve. By turning off the water supply, removing the handle, and tightening the screws or nuts, you can often stop the leak. If parts are stripped, cracked, or too worn out, replacing them with new ones will restore the faucet’s seal.
However, if tightening does not solve the issue, it may be a sign that other internal parts, like the washer or cartridge, are also worn out. That’s when professional help comes in handy, because a handyman can inspect the faucet thoroughly instead of just fixing the surface problem.
- (Tip: At Santinos A+ Handyman Services, we often find that a “simple loose handle” can reveal bigger plumbing issues underneath. Our team makes sure both the small fixes and the root cause are addressed, so the problem doesn’t keep coming back.)
Cause #8: Broken Pipes or Hidden Leaks
Not every dripping faucet is caused by the faucet itself. Sometimes the real problem is hidden in the pipes under your sink. A small crack, worn joint, or loose connection can allow water to escape. In some cases, you may notice puddles in the cabinet below, damp wood, or even water stains on the wall. Other times, the only clue is that your faucet keeps leaking no matter what you fix inside it.
How To Fix It
Fixing broken or leaking pipes is not usually a DIY task because it involves cutting, replacing, or sealing pipe sections. If left untreated, even a small leak can damage cabinets, drywall, or flooring. That’s why calling a professional plumber is the safest choice. They can quickly find the source of the leak and repair it before it causes serious water damage.
- (Tip: Our plumbing experts at Santinos A+ Handyman Services regularly handle hidden leaks. And if water damage has already affected your walls, we can also help with drywall repairs to restore the area to normal.)
Cause #9: Old Faucet Beyond Repair
Like every fixture in your home, faucets have a lifespan. If your faucet is more than 10–15 years old, constant dripping might simply mean it’s worn out beyond repair. At this stage, even if you replace washers, cartridges, or seals, the leaks tend to return because the metal and internal parts have already weakened.
How To Fix It
Instead of spending time and money on repeated repairs, the best solution is usually a complete faucet replacement. This gives you a fresh start with new parts, better water efficiency, and even an updated look for your kitchen or bathroom.
If you’re already considering upgrades, this is also the perfect moment to think about other improvements, such as a new shower installation or a full bathroom remodeling project. Taking care of these changes together saves time and helps create a consistent style in your space.
- (Tip: At Santinos A+ Handyman Services, we help homeowners replace old faucets with modern, efficient ones. And when clients want a bigger update, our team also handles shower replacements and bathroom remodels from start to finish.)
When DIY Isn’t Enough
Some faucet problems, like a worn washer or loose handle, are quick DIY fixes. But other issues, such as a corroded valve seat, high water pressure, or hidden pipe leaks, are more complex. If not repaired properly, they can return again and again, wasting water and causing damage.
That’s why it’s often best to call a professional who can find the root cause instead of just patching the surface problem. At Santinos A+ Handyman Services, we handle everything from faucet and plumbing repairs to shower replacements, bathroom remodeling, drywall repairs, and painting services. With one trusted team, you can stop the drip today and take care of other home improvements at the same time.
Final Thoughts
At first sight, a dripping faucet might look like a small problem, but it can waste water, raise bills, and even cause damage if ignored. Whether the cause is a worn washer, a faulty cartridge, or a hidden pipe leak, fixing it early saves you stress and money.
If you are dealing with a faucet that just won’t stop leaking, don’t wait. Call Santinos A+ Handyman Services today for fast, reliable help. From simple faucet repairs to complete bathroom upgrades, we’re here to keep your home comfortable and worry-free.
Ready to Transform ?
At Santino’s A+ Handyman Service, our faucet experts deliver professional faucet services with top-quality. Handling everything from prep to finishing, we give it the flawless look. Call us today at (760) 697-4828.
People Also Ask
Yes. If the water pressure in your home is too high, it puts strain on faucets and pipes, which can cause leaks over time.
If your faucet is still fairly new, repairs usually solve the problem. But if it’s over 10 years old, replacement is often the smarter and longer-lasting option
This usually happens because of a worn washer, a faulty cartridge, or mineral buildup on the valve seat.
Absolutely. Even a slow drip can waste thousands of gallons of water each year, which quickly adds up on your bill.
If replacing a washer or tightening a handle doesn’t stop the leak, or if you notice water damage around the sink or walls, it’s time to call a handyman or plumber.