Short answer: A faucet that drips from the spout after you turn it off may need a new cartridge, washer, seal or another repairable part. Replacement makes more sense when the body is cracked, severely corroded, parts are unavailable, or repair costs approach the price of an appropriate installed faucet. First determine where the water appears—a spout drip, handle leak and wet cabinet are different problems.
A small drip is easy to ignore, but it can waste water and may become more frequent. EPA WaterSense notes that worn washers and gaskets often cause faucet leaks. Before buying anything, identify the fixture, note whether one handle or both are involved, and check for water under the sink. Repairing an accessible internal part is different from addressing a leak at a supply connection or corroded shutoff valve.
Find the leak’s location before naming the part
| Where the water appears | What may be involved | Why location matters |
|---|---|---|
| From the spout with handles off | Cartridge, valve seat, washer or sealing surface | Points toward the faucet’s water-control mechanism |
| Around a handle while running | Packing, O-ring, cartridge seal or mounting area | May require a brand-specific part |
| At the base or around mounting holes | Gasket, splash water, loose mounting or internal leak | Water may enter the cabinet even with an intact spout |
| At supply hoses or under-sink valves | Connection, hose, supply tube or shutoff valve | Not necessarily a fault in the faucet itself |
| Only a weak or uneven stream | Aerator buildup or other flow restriction | May not be a leak at all |
Observe a dry towel or tissue around the outside of the fixture and visible pipe connections; do not dismantle unknown plumbing while the water supply is on. A leak hidden behind the sink or inside cabinetry can cause swelling, staining or mold concerns even if the bowl looks dry.
Repair is often reasonable when…
The fixture body and its repair parts are sound
The faucet body is sound, matching components are available, and the failure is limited to a serviceable cartridge, washer or seal. Many modern single-handle models use a cartridge, while some older designs use compression washers or other mechanisms. A plumber should identify the actual make and model rather than ordering a universal kit based solely on the handle shape.
If the shutoff valves are accessible and operate normally, a localized repair may avoid disturbing the rest of the sink. When the existing finish, height and reach work for the household, retaining a quality fixture can be practical. Ask about the replacement part’s warranty, whether labor is covered, and how the completed repair will be tested for leaks.
Replacement may be better when…
The failure goes beyond an ordinary cartridge or seal
- The casting or faucet body is cracked, deeply corroded or leaking through a non-serviceable area.
- Parts cannot be identified or sourced at reasonable cost.
- Multiple components have failed and the total cost of a reliable repair is high.
- The fixture no longer meets access, clearance, spray or usability needs.
- The shutoff valves, hoses or mounting have deteriorated and a coordinated upgrade is sensible.
Replacement is not necessarily the cheaper job. A faucet that seems inexpensive online may need different supply connections, clearance, countertop work, a new drain assembly or other installation labor. Ask for an installed total with these items broken out. WaterSense-labeled bathroom fixtures may help reduce water use when replacement is appropriate, but the label is not proof of installation compatibility.
Compare the full scope of two options
| Decision factor | Targeted repair | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Initial material | Correct cartridge, washer or seal | Full faucet and accessories |
| Scope | Existing body retained | Connections and mounting disturbed |
| Ongoing risk | Other worn components may remain | Other old supply valves may still remain |
| Warranty | Part and labor terms vary | Fixture warranty and installer labor terms vary |
| Best fit | Sound fixture with isolated serviceable fault | Structural damage or poor parts availability |
If a contractor says a faucet must be replaced, ask what failed and why a new internal part is not feasible. If they recommend repair, ask whether the body and connections show other deterioration. These are reasonable questions, not instructions to delay an active leak.
Safe homeowner observations and first steps
- Identify which tap drips and whether the drip continues after both handles are fully closed without excessive force.
- Look for moisture at the base, backsplash and visible supply connections. Photograph any staining or pooled water from a safe position.
- Note the faucet brand, handle count, approximate age and any labels or receipts you can find.
- If water is actively damaging a cabinet and you know the correct working shutoff, close it gently. Do not force a stuck valve. Use the home’s main shutoff or call for help if safe isolation is uncertain.
- Avoid overtightening handles or dismantling valve components without compatible parts and a reliable shutoff. A small repair should not become an uncontrolled leak.
A drip that stops when a hot-side valve is closed may help narrow the problem, but it does not establish an exact diagnosis. If the supply connections, countertop or wall are wet, a plumber may need to investigate beyond the faucet.
Ask these questions when requesting a quote
- Is the leak from the faucet body, cartridge, drain or supply line?
- Is the repair part available and compatible with this model?
- Will the quote include testing both hot and cold sides after work?
- Are supply hoses and shutoff valves included, or separately priced?
- If replacing, will the new fixture fit the existing mounting holes and sink clearance?
- What are the workmanship and manufacturer warranties?
A sink may have simultaneous issues: faucet drips, a drain trap leak and an under-sink supply hose that is aging. Sink Repair and Installation covers nearby components, while Leak Detection is more relevant if moisture persists with no visible source.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dripping faucet damage the cabinet?
Yes, especially when the leak is under the base, handle or supply connection rather than inside the sink bowl. Investigate visible moisture promptly.
Does every drip mean the faucet needs replacing?
No. Many are associated with serviceable internal components. The model, condition and cost determine the sensible option.
Will a new aerator stop a faucet that drips when turned off?
An aerator mainly affects flow and spray. A persistent shutoff drip typically calls for examination of the valve mechanism, not just the aerator.
Is a dripping faucet always an emergency?
Not necessarily. An isolated drip into the sink may be schedulable; uncontrolled water, a wet cabinet near electricity or rapidly spreading damage needs prompt assessment.
Find help with faucet repair or installation
Explore Faucet Repair and Installation to compare independent providers. Use Residential Plumbing when several fixtures or supply connections need review. Read How Listings Work and provide clear photos and the exact symptom before requesting an estimate.
Explore Faucet Repair and Installation
Sources and further reading
- U.S. EPA WaterSense: Fix a Leak Week
- U.S. EPA WaterSense: Home Maintenance
- U.S. EPA WaterSense: Find WaterSense Products
Educational information only; not an on-site diagnosis. Follow utility instructions, manufacturer manuals and applicable safety requirements. Independent listed providers set their own services, fees and availability.