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

Updated November 2026

To fix a dripping bathroom faucet, you shut off the water, identify the faucet type, and replace the worn part that lets water pass, usually a washer, O-ring, or cartridge. Most drips come from a small set of parts, so a careful repair with basic tools can often be finished in an hour or two. This guide walks through the process so you can stop the drip and avoid wasting water.

Before You Start: Shut Off the Water and Identify Your Faucet

Close the hot and cold shutoff valves under the sink, then open the faucet to drain any remaining water. Place a towel in the sink basin so small parts cannot disappear down the drain. Next, figure out which faucet type you have, because the repair depends on it.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 4 Best Delta Bathroom Faucet Repair Kit Picks for Every Fix.

• Compression faucet: separate handles for hot and cold, with a rubber washer on the bottom of each stem.
• Cartridge faucet: a single handle or separate handles controlled by one cylindrical cartridge.
• Ball faucet: a single handle over a rounded ball with several springs and seals around it.
• Ceramic disc faucet: a single handle with two ceramic discs in a housing, often with a lever-style control.

How to Fix a Dripping Faucet in the Bathroom: Repair Steps

Once the water is off, the general sequence is the same for most faucets. Work slowly and photograph each part as you remove it so reassembly is easier.

1. Pry off the decorative cap on the handle, usually with a flat-blade screwdriver wrapped in tape.
2. Remove the handle screw, then lift the handle straight off.
3. Unscrew the packing nut or retaining nut, then pull out the stem, cartridge, or valve body.
4. Inspect the rubber washer, O-rings, and seat. Replace any that are cracked, flattened, or pitted.
5. Reassemble with the new parts, applying plumber’s grease to O-rings, and turn the water back on slowly.

Compression Faucets: Replace the Washer and Seat

On compression faucets, the rubber washer at the bottom of the stem is the most common cause of a drip. Match the new washer’s size and shape to the old one, and check whether the brass seat underneath is scored. If the seat is rough, a seat wrench can resurface or replace it.

Cartridge and Ball Faucets: Replace the Whole Part

Cartridge and ball faucets rarely respond well to patching, so replace the cartridge or the internal seals as a unit. Bring the old part to a hardware store or note the brand and model number so you buy the correct match. Many faucet makers publish exact replacement part numbers for this purpose.

Check Your Work and Know When to Call a Plumber

After reassembly, run the faucet on hot and cold and watch the spout for at least a minute. If the drip continues, the cause may be a worn valve seat, a damaged cartridge housing, or sediment in the supply line. Persistent leaks behind the wall or any sign of water damage warrant a professional visit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to close the shutoff valves, which lets water spray during disassembly.
• Overtightening the packing nut, which can crack the stem or make the handle stiff.
• Replacing only the washer when the seat is worn, so the drip returns within weeks.
• Using the wrong size washer or cartridge, which will not seal correctly.
• Skipping plumber’s grease on O-rings, which can cause them to tear when reinstalled.

Recommended Gear

• Plumber’s grease: lubricates O-rings and washers so they seal without tearing during reassembly. View on Amazon
• Seat wrench set: removes and resurfaces the brass valve seat in compression faucets. View on Amazon
• Faucet cartridge puller: helps extract a stuck cartridge without damaging the valve body. View on Amazon

If you are unsure which parts your faucet needs, guides such as Repair Dripping Faucet Bathroom: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners and Bathroom Faucet Repair Kits: How to Fix a Leaky Faucet in 6 Steps show how to match common brands. For tub-mounted fixtures, Bathroom Tub Faucet Dripping: How to Find and Fix the Leak covers the extra steps involved.

FAQ

How do I know which part is causing the drip?

Turn off the water and remove the handle, then inspect the washer, O-rings, and seat for wear or debris. The part that looks damaged or rough is usually the culprit.

Can I fix a dripping faucet without turning off the main water?

Often you can, because most bathroom faucets have individual shutoff valves under the sink. If those valves are stiff or leak, shut off the main supply first.

How long does a faucet repair usually take?

A simple washer or cartridge swap typically takes one to two hours for a first-timer. Stuck parts or corroded fittings can extend the job considerably.

Conclusion

A dripping bathroom faucet is usually caused by a worn washer, O-ring, seat, or cartridge, and replacing that part stops the leak. Identify your faucet type, shut off the water, and replace the failing component carefully. Consult a licensed plumber if the leak persists or involves hidden plumbing.

Related reading

• Fix Moen Bathroom Faucet: A Practical Guide (2026)
• Delta One Hole Bathroom Faucet: How to Choose and Install One (2026)
• Brass Bathroom Faucet Fixtures: How to Choose the Right Finish and Style

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