How to Fix a Leaky Faucet (And When to Just Call a Plumber)

Key Takeaways

• A dripping faucet wastes 3,000+ gallons annually per EPA data
• Colorado Springs faucet repairs cost $5–$20 in parts, under 1 hour
• Compression faucets most common in older Colorado Springs homes
• Water rates in Colorado Springs rising; conservation directly reduces utility bills

A dripping faucet isn't just annoying. A faucet dripping once per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water per year, according to the EPA. In Colorado, where water conservation is taken seriously and water rates in Colorado Springs have climbed steadily, that adds up on your utility bill too.

The good news is that knowing how to fix a leaky faucet is one of the more manageable DIY plumbing jobs. The parts usually cost between $5 and $20, and a basic repair takes under an hour if everything goes smoothly.

Here's how to do it, and where the job tends to go sideways.

What type of faucet do you have and what causes the leak?

Before you start, it helps to know what type of faucet you have. The internal design changes the fix.

• Ball faucets (single handle that rotates) - springs, seats, and O-rings wear out
• Cartridge faucets (single or double handle, straight pull motion) - the cartridge itself usually fails
• Ceramic disc faucets (single lever over a wide cylindrical body) - discs crack or the seals go bad
• Compression faucets (older two-handle faucets that you tighten to turn off) - rubber washers wear out

The most common type in older Colorado Springs homes is compression, and that's also the simplest to repair.

What tools and parts do you need to fix a leaky faucet?

• Adjustable wrench or basin wrench
• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
• Needle-nose pliers
• Replacement washers, O-rings, or cartridge (match your faucet brand and model)
• Plumber's grease
• A bucket and a couple of towels

Parts are available at any hardware store. If you can bring the old part with you, the staff can match it on the spot.

How do you fix a leaky faucet step by step?

Step 1: Shut off the water. Look under the sink for the angle stop valves - those oval knobs on the supply lines. Turn them clockwise until they stop. Then open the faucet to release pressure and drain any water left in the line.

Step 2: Plug the drain. Small screws and springs like to roll straight into the drain. Put in the stopper or lay a rag over it.

Step 3: Remove the handle. Most faucet handles have a decorative cap that pops off, hiding a screw underneath. Remove that screw, then pull or wiggle the handle off. Some handles are stubborn - don't force them, work them back and forth gently.

Step 4: Access the internal parts. Depending on your faucet type, you'll unscrew a packing nut, pull out a cartridge, or find a stem assembly. Take a photo with your phone before you disassemble anything. It saves headaches when you're putting it back together.

Step 5: Inspect and replace. Look at the washer at the bottom of the stem, the O-ring around the outside, and the valve seat inside the faucet body. Worn, cracked, or flattened parts are usually obvious. Replace what's damaged. For cartridge faucets, it's often easier and more reliable to just replace the entire cartridge.

Step 6: Coat new rubber parts with plumber's grease. This helps them seat properly and extends their life.

Step 7: Reassemble carefully. Put everything back in reverse order. Don't overtighten - that can crack the valve seat and create a bigger leak than the one you started with.

Step 8: Turn the water back on slowly. Check under the handle and at the supply connections for any new drips. Run both hot and cold to confirm the fix.

When should you fix a leaky faucet yourself versus calling a plumber?

Fixing a leaky faucet yourself is a reasonable call when:

• The faucet is a standard residential model you can identify
• You can find replacement parts at a local hardware store
• The leak is at the spout or handle, not under the sink
• You're comfortable turning off the water supply and working slowly

A successful DIY repair costs $5 to $20 in parts. A plumber doing the same job typically charges $100 to $300, with most faucet repairs taking 30 minutes to an hour.

When to Call a Plumber Instead

Be honest with yourself on these situations:

The faucet is old and corroded. Older fixtures sometimes have parts that snap, strip, or crumble the moment you apply pressure. If the valve seat is damaged or the fixture is corroded through, the repair can escalate into a full faucet replacement or worse.

The leak is at the base of the faucet. This usually points to failed O-rings deep in the fixture body. It's doable, but more involved.

You find water damage under the sink. If there's already rot or mold under the cabinet, you may have a bigger leak elsewhere. A plumber can trace the source and assess whether the cabinet or subfloor needs attention.

The leak is from the supply lines or shut-off valves. If those small valves under your sink are dripping or won't fully close, that's not a faucet repair. That's a different job, and in many Colorado Springs homes with older supply lines, it's worth having a licensed plumber handle it.

You've already tried and it's still dripping. Sometimes the valve seat is damaged, the faucet body is cracked, or there's an issue a replacement washer won't solve. At that point, cut your losses and call.

---

Need a licensed plumber in Colorado Springs? Call 719plumbingpro.com for a free estimate.