Faucet dripping?

A dripping faucet is almost always a worn part inside it: a cartridge, a washer or valve seat, or an O-ring. Shutting off the water under the sink makes the repair safe, and a leak at a shutoff valve or pipe is a plumber's job.

Not sure which one it is? Snap your faucet and we’ll narrow it down.

Is the water barely coming out instead of dripping?

That's a flow problem, not a leak. Faucet low pressure

Likely causes

Worn cartridge (single-handle faucet)
Most commonModerate DIY
A single-handle faucet drips from the spout after you shut it off, or the handle feels loose or stiff.
Worn washer or valve seat (two-handle compression faucet)
CommonModerate DIY
A two-handle faucet drips from the spout, and it usually drips on just one side, hot or cold.
Worn O-rings
CommonModerate DIY
Water leaks at the base of the spout, or pools around it when the faucet is on.
Loose parts
Less commonEasy DIY
The handle or the spout wobbles, and the leak shows up around it. Tightening may be all it needs.
High household water pressure
Less commonCall a pro
Faucets drip again soon after a repair, or several fixtures in the house drip or run noisily. This is a whole-house issue, so call a plumber.

Quick checks

Shut off the valves under the sink (or the main water valve) and open the faucet to drain it before you take anything apart. Plug the sink drain so small parts can't fall in. If a shutoff valve won't turn or starts leaking, stop and call a plumber rather than forcing it.

Note where the water comes from: the tip of the spout, around the handle, or the base of the spout. That points to the part.
Check whether the faucet has one handle or two. One handle usually means a cartridge, and two usually mean washers and valve seats.
Gently try the handle and the spout. If either is loose, tighten it and watch for the leak to stop.
Look under the sink at the shutoff valves and supply lines for wet spots. A leak there is not the faucet.
Check a few other faucets in the house. If several drip, mention it to a plumber, because the cause may be the water pressure.

Sharpen the read

Diagnose your faucet in seconds, for free

No account, no phone number. Fixology’s AI reads your photo and tells you what’s likely wrong, how worried to be, and whether it’s a DIY fix.

Snap one of these:

the whole faucet, showing the handles
where it drips or leaks
the shutoff valves under the sink

Add a note or more photos next. Nobody calls you.

When to call a pro

A shutoff valve won't turn or leaks, the leak is under the sink or in the supply lines, the faucet keeps dripping after a new part, or several fixtures drip. A plumber averages $341 ($182–501), charging $45–200 an hour. If other pipes leak, see burst or leaking pipe. For lifespan and upkeep, see the faucet guide.

Typical cost: HomeAdvisor puts a leaky faucet repair at $200–330 on average, and some simple repairs are under $100. Replacing a kitchen faucet averages $262 ($162–364). A plumber averages $341 ($182–501) overall, at $45–200 an hour (most $70–120). A service call is $100–250 and usually includes the first hour, and after-hours work adds $100–300 or more.

Sources: HomeAdvisor: How much does kitchen faucet replacement cost? (updated June 17, 2026), HomeAdvisor: How much does it cost to hire a plumber? (updated June 19, 2026)

After a scan, Fixology can also help you find pros near you.