How Can You Fix a Leaky Faucet in Your Home?

 A dripping faucet is one of those problems many people ignore for weeks or even months. It doesn’t seem urgent—just a few drops here and there. But those drops add up quickly, wasting litres of water and slowly increasing your utility bill. Over time, that continuous drip can also stain your sink or can easily damage the internal parts of the faucet.

 The good news is that most faucet leaks are easy to fix by yourself. You don’t need any special skills, and you don’t have to always call a plumber. With a basic set of tools and a bit of time, you can stop the leak yourself and keep your faucet working smoothly.

Why a leaky faucet shouldn't be ignored.

 A faucet that drips nonstop is more than just an annoyance. Every drop adds up over time, wasting water and raising your bills. In many homes, people delay repairs because the leak seems small. But even a slow drip can wear out parts of your faucet or stain your sink.

 The good news is that most common faucet leaks can be fixed without calling a plumber. With a few tools and some patience, you can stop the drip and avoid bigger problems later. In the sections below, we’ll walk through the steps you can follow to repair a leaky faucet in your own home.

How Can You Fix a Leaky Faucet in Your Home?

 If a faucet keeps dripping, you don’t always need to call someone out. With a few tools and some care, you can sort it yourself. Here’s how I’d explain it if we were standing in your kitchen.

• Shut off the water.

Look under the sink. You’ll see two small shut‑off valves—one for hot water and one for cold. Turn both clockwise until they’re closed. Open the faucet afterwards to let any water left in the pipe run out. This step keeps you from dealing with unexpected sprays later.

• Protect the area.

Small parts can easily disappear down a drain. Put the stopper in or cover the drain with a rag. Lay an old towel in the sink or on the counter to catch screws or tools and to stop them from scratching your sink.

• Remove the handle.

Most handles have a tiny cap on top or on the side. Use the tip of a flat screwdriver to pop it off. Underneath is a screw—remove it and lift the handle. If it feels stuck from mineral buildup, work it back and forth gently rather than forcing it.

• Expose the working parts.

Below the handle, you’ll see a nut, collar, or clip, depending on your faucet type. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen it. Take your time and keep note of how the parts sit—you’ll need to put them back in the same way. 

• Check the cartridge or washer.

Slide out the stem or cartridge. On older taps, there will be a rubber washer at the end or a small O‑ring. On modern taps, there’s a cartridge unit. Look closely. If the rubber is cracked or flattened, or if the cartridge shows damage, that’s what’s letting water through. 

• Replace with the right parts.

Don’t guess on size. Take the old part with you to a hardware shop. Staff there can match it exactly. Replacements are usually inexpensive, and getting the right one saves you from repeat work. 

• Clean everything before reassembly.

Hard water leaves deposits inside faucets. While it’s apart, wipe all the parts and the inside of the valve seat. A bit of white vinegar on a cloth removes buildup so the new seal seats properly. 

• Put it back together.

Reinstall the new washer, O‑ring, or cartridge. Tighten the nut by hand first, then snug it up with the wrench. Don’t overtighten—you can damage the new parts. Replace the handle and screw, then snap the cap back on. 

• Turn the water back on slowly.

Open the shut‑off valves under the sink. Turn on the faucet and watch closely. Let it run for a minute, then shut it off and check for drips. 

• Watch it over the next day or two.

Wipe the area dry and check again later. If it stays dry, you’ve fixed it. If it still leaks after all this, the valve seat or faucet body may be worn out, and that’s when calling a plumber is the right move. 

Taking these steps yourself can save you time, money, and the irritation of that constant dripping sound. It’s a task most homeowners can handle with just a screwdriver, a wrench, and a little patience.

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When to Call a Plumber? 

Some faucet leaks are simple to fix on your own. But not every problem is worth hours of trial and error. Knowing when to stop and get help saves time and prevents bigger damage.

Call a plumber if you’ve replaced the washer, O‑ring, or cartridge and the faucet still drips. That means there’s way deeper inside the valve seat or a crack in the faucet body itself—problems you can’t see with your naked eyes or fix with the basic tools. 

If you notice water pooling under the sink or signs of corrosion around the fittings, don’t wait. Those issues can spread quickly and turn into costly repairs.

It’s also smart to call for help if the shut‑off valves won’t close or if you’re dealing with older plumbing that feels brittle. Forcing parts in those cases can cause breaks that lead to flooding. 

A skilled plumber has the tools to test, reseat, or replace parts without guesswork. And if a replacement faucet is the better option, they’ll handle that installation properly, saving you from future leaks.

Conclusion

 A tap that keeps dripping will not fix itself. Even a slow leak wastes water and can damage fittings over time. If you follow the steps accordingly —first you should turn off the supply, open the tap, replace the worn washer or cartridge, and secondly clean the parts—you can easily stop the leak without having much trouble. Doing it yourself saves money and helps you understand how things in your home work.

 Sometimes, though, the problem is deeper. If the leak continues after a proper repair, or if you see rust, cracks, or valves that won’t close, it’s best to call someone who does this every day. In the UAE, Wadi Maareb is known for handling jobs like these commendably. We deal with small leaks and larger plumbing work, and our technicians know how to fix it right the first time.