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How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
A dripping faucet wastes ~3000 gallons a year — and 90% of fixes are a $10 cartridge swap. The trick is identifying your faucet type first (cartridge, ball, ceramic disc, compression). This walks through diagnosis, shutoff, swap, and reassembly.
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0 of 6 steps completedStep-by-Step Instructions
1 Step 1: Identify your faucet type
Step 1: Identify your faucet type
Four types: single-handle cartridge (most common), ball-type (Delta classic), ceramic disc (Moen single-handle), and compression (two-handle old). Pull the handle and look — cartridge has a cylinder, ball has a sphere, disc has a flat ceramic puck.
Single-handle cartridge (90% of modern faucets)
Look under the handle — you'll see a cylindrical cartridge. Replaceable with a brand-matched part.
Ball-type (Delta single-handle classic)
Sphere with multiple holes under the handle. Repair kits include springs, seats, and the ball.
Ceramic disc (Moen, Kohler single-handle)
Flat ceramic puck. Replace the cartridge or seals.
Compression (two-handle old)
Separate hot and cold handles, no cartridge. Replace rubber washers and seats.
2 Step 2: Shut off the water under the sink
Step 2: Shut off the water under the sink
Two shut-off valves under sink (hot + cold). Turn each clockwise until stopped. Turn faucet on to confirm no flow. Plug drain so you don't drop small parts.
Warning: Corroded valves that won't turn — shut off at house main, replace the valves first.
Close both under-sink valves
Turn fully clockwise. Open faucet to drain residual pressure.
Plug the drain (cover with rag)
Tiny screws and springs will drop. Plug the drain or you'll be calling a plumber for the fix YOU started.
3 Step 3: Get the right replacement cartridge
Step 3: Get the right replacement cartridge
Cartridges are brand-specific. Take a photo of your faucet brand/model BEFORE disassembly. Home Depot and Amazon both stock the common Moen 1224, Delta RP19804, and Kohler GP500520.
Moen 1224 cartridge (single-handle Moen)
Fits almost every Moen single-handle kitchen and bath faucet. ~$22-28.
Delta ball-type repair kit (RP1991)
For ball-style Delta. Includes springs, seats, ball, cam. ~$15-20.
Universal compression washer assortment
For older two-handle faucets. 100-piece kit covers everything. ~$8-12.
4 Step 4: Get basic tools (and faucet grease)
Step 4: Get basic tools (and faucet grease)
Allen wrench set for the handle setscrew. Channel-locks for the bonnet nut. Silicone faucet grease for the o-rings — a $5 tube lasts decades.
Allen wrench set (metric + SAE)
Setscrew under faucet handle is usually 1/8" or 3mm. ~$10.
Danco silicone faucet grease
Coat new cartridge o-rings and the inside of the bonnet. Stops squeaking and extends life. ~$5.
5 Step 5: Disassemble and swap the cartridge
Step 5: Disassemble and swap the cartridge
Pop off the decorative cap (usually with a flathead). Loosen the setscrew with the Allen key. Lift the handle off. Unscrew the bonnet nut with channel-locks. Pull the old cartridge straight up. Slide the new one in matching the orientation tabs.
Photograph each step during disassembly
Reassembly is reverse order — photos save you ten minutes of squinting later.
Match orientation tabs on new cartridge
Cartridges have a flat tab or notch that locks orientation. Insert the wrong way and hot is cold.
Coat new o-rings with silicone grease
Doesn't have to be much — a fingertip swipe. Makes installation easier, prevents future seal failures.
6 Step 6: Reassemble and turn water back on slowly
Step 6: Reassemble and turn water back on slowly
Reverse the disassembly. Don't overtighten the bonnet nut — hand-tight + a 1/4 turn with pliers. Slowly open one valve, check for leaks for 60 seconds, then open the other.
Hand-tight + 1/4 turn on bonnet nut
Overtightening cracks the bonnet or the cartridge. Snug, not torque.
Open valves slowly (5 seconds each)
Water hammer can stress new connections. Open over 5-10 seconds.
Check for leaks at 1 min and 24 hrs
Slow weeps appear with time. Towel under the fixture overnight catches any drips.
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