How to Fix a Bathroom Faucet Drip: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Updated November 2026

Most bathroom faucet drips come from one worn part: a washer, O-ring, seat or cartridge. This guide shows you how to fix a bathroom faucet drip by identifying the leaking component, shutting off the water, and replacing the part that failed. Most repairs take under an hour with basic tools.

Find Out What Type of Faucet You Have

Before you buy anything, identify the faucet design, because the repair depends on it. Compression faucets have separate hot and cold handles and use rubber washers. Cartridge faucets, including most single-handle models, use a sealed cartridge. Ball faucets and ceramic disc faucets are less common in bathrooms and need their own parts. Pull the handle off and look at the stem or cartridge to confirm which design you have.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Bathroom Sink Faucet Drip Repair: 5 Best Kits for Every Fix (2026).

If you are unsure which parts you need, Repair Dripping Faucet Bathroom: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners walks through the same diagnosis in more detail.

Shut Off the Water and Remove the Handle

Close the shutoff valves under the sink, then open the faucet to drain any remaining water. Plug the drain so small parts cannot fall in. Use a flathead screwdriver or Allen wrench to remove the handle screw, lift off the handle, and unscrew the bonnet or cap with an adjustable wrench. Wrap the jaws in a cloth to avoid scratching the finish.

Replace the Worn Parts

Once the stem or cartridge is exposed, inspect the parts you find:

• Washer: Flattened, cracked or torn rubber means it needs replacing.
• O-rings: Brittle or flattened rings allow water past the stem.
• Valve seat: Pitting or mineral buildup can keep the washer from sealing. Use a seat wrench to remove and replace it.
• Cartridge: If it leaks around the base or the handle is stiff, replace the whole cartridge.

Take the old part to a hardware store so you can match the size and brand. Many brands, including Moen and Delta, use model-specific parts, and Bathroom Faucet Repair Kits: How to Fix a Leaky Faucet in 6 Steps explains how to match them. For Moen single-handle models, Replace Cartridge in Moen Bathroom Faucet: 6 Best Picks Compared (2026) covers the cartridge options.

Reassemble and Test the Faucet

Reverse the disassembly steps. Apply a light coat of plumber’s grease to new O-rings and washers, and do not overtighten the bonnet, since that can crack the new part. Open the shutoff valves slowly, then run the faucet for a few seconds and check for leaks at the base and spout. Let the water run hot and cold, then turn it off completely and wait a minute to confirm the drip has stopped.

Common Mistakes

• Replacing the washer without checking the valve seat, which can cause the drip to return.
• Using the wrong size part because the faucet brand was not identified first.
• Forgetting to close the shutoff valves before taking the faucet apart.
• Overtightening the handle or bonnet, which damages threads and seals.
• Skipping the drain plug, which can lose small parts down the sink.

Recommended Gear

• Plumber’s grease: Keeps O-rings and washers sealed and moving smoothly. View on Amazon
• Seat wrench set: Removes and installs valve seats without damaging them. View on Amazon
• Faucet repair kit: Bundles common washers and O-rings for several brands. View on Amazon

FAQ

Why does my bathroom faucet still drip after I replace the washer?

The valve seat is often the cause. If it is pitted or coated in mineral deposits, a new washer cannot seal properly. Remove the seat and replace it or resurface it.

How long does it take to fix a bathroom faucet drip?

Most single drips take 30 to 60 minutes once you have the right parts. Cartridge replacements or stubborn corroded fittings can take longer.

When should I call a plumber?

Call a licensed plumber if the valve is seized, the body is cracked, or the faucet is connected to plumbing you cannot safely shut off. Consult a professional if you are unsure about water pressure or your home’s supply lines.

Conclusion

To fix a bathroom faucet drip, identify the faucet type, replace the worn washer, O-ring, seat or cartridge, and test carefully. Matching the part to your brand is the step most people skip, so take the old part with you. With the right parts, most drips stop in a single afternoon.

Related reading

• Bathroom Faucet Is Leaking: How to Find and Fix the Drip Yourself
• How to Fix a Dripping Bathroom Faucet: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

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