A faucet keeps dripping after it is turned off because a part inside it no longer seals tightly. Depending on the type of faucet, that part may be a rubber washer, a cartridge, an O-ring, or the valve seat the washer presses against.
Parts That Commonly Wear Out
- Washers: older compression faucets use rubber washers that harden and crack over time.
- Cartridges: many single-handle faucets use a cartridge that can wear or crack inside.
- O-rings: small rubber rings can wear and let water slip past.
- Valve seats: the metal seat can corrode, so even a new washer cannot seal properly.
Why Hard Water Makes It Worse
Minerals in the water can build up on faucet parts. This buildup roughens surfaces and keeps seals from closing all the way. It also makes handles stiff, which leads some people to crank them closed harder. Extra force can wear parts even faster.
Why a Drip Is Worth Fixing
A single drip seems minor, but it adds up. A faucet that drips all day can waste a surprising amount of water over a month, which shows up on your bill. Drips can also leave stains in sinks and tubs and wear down finishes. A hot water drip wastes energy as well, since the heater has to replace that water.
Fixing the Drip
First, figure out whether the drip is from the hot side, cold side, or both. Close the shut-off valves under the sink before taking anything apart. Bring the old part to the store so you can match it. Some faucets, especially older or high-end ones, use parts that are hard to find.
If the drip comes from around the base or handle instead of the spout, water may be reaching the cabinet below.
When a faucet keeps leaking even after new parts, or water has reached the cabinet, fixing the leak properly protects the wood beneath the sink. For help with fixtures around the house, you can set up a visit from a local plumber at (833) 603-1840.