How to Fix a Leaky Faucet in 10 Minutes

That constant drip… drip… drip from your faucet isn’t just annoying—it’s quietly raising your water bill and wasting gallons every day. The best part? You can fix it yourself in just 10 minutes with tools you likely already own. No plumber. No hassle. Just a quick, confidence-boosting DIY win.

Before you grab the wrench, it helps to understand what causes most faucet leaks.

Faucets drip when something inside isn’t sealing correctly, forcing water to escape even when the handle is turned off. The most common reasons include:

• Worn-out washersThese rubber pieces press against the valve seat to stop water. Over time, they wear down, harden, or crack.

• Damaged O-ringsO-rings provide a tight seal between moving parts. When they loosen or deteriorate, leaks begin to creep in.

• Corroded valve seatsMineral deposits and rust can weaken the faucet’s internal components.

• Loose partsFaucets experience daily use, and screws and nuts naturally loosen over time.

Most of these issues are simple to fix—and you can do it without calling a professional.

Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a toolbox full of specialized gear. A basic home tool kit will do. Gather these before you begin:

• Adjustable wrench

• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers

• Replacement washers or O-rings (optional but recommended)

• Plumber’s grease

• Towel or small bowl to catch drips

If you’re unsure about the washer or O-ring size, remove your current one and bring it to the hardware store. Staff can match the exact size for you in seconds.

Step-by-Step: Fixing a Leaky Faucet in 10 Minutes

This process works for most common faucet types—especially compression faucets, which are the most likely to leak. Let’s walk through a quick, straightforward method that anyone can follow.

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

Never skip this step.Look under your sink for two small valves—one for hot water and one for cold. Turn each one clockwise until they stop.

If your sink doesn’t have individual valves, you may need to shut off your home’s main water supply.

Once done, turn the faucet on to drain any remaining water.

2. Remove the Handle

Most faucet handles have a small screw hidden behind a cap or under the lever.

• Pry off the cap gently with a flathead screwdriver.

• Use the screwdriver to remove the screw holding the handle in place.

• Pull the handle off to expose the valve stem.

This part can sometimes stick due to mineral buildup—so be patient and wiggle gently.

3. Take Out the Valve Stem

With the handle removed, you’ll see a metal stem or cartridge. Use your wrench to loosen the nut holding it.

Once loosened, pull out the stem completely. This is where the leak is often hiding.

Compression faucets typically have a washer attached at the bottom of the stem. Other faucet types use cartridges or discs, which may need replacement if worn out.

4. Inspect & Replace the Washer or O-Ring

Look closely at the washer or O-ring:

• Is it cracked?

• Is the rubber hardened or brittle?

• Does it look worn or flattened?

If yes, it needs replacing.

Swap it out with an identical-sized washer or O-ring. While you're at it, apply a small amount of plumber’s grease for smoother operation and a tighter seal.

This step alone stops 80% of faucet leaks.

5. Clean the Valve Seat

Before putting the faucet back together, inspect the valve seat inside the faucet body.

• Use a cloth to wipe away mineral buildup.

• If it’s deeply corroded, you may need a reseating tool or replacement part—but most DIYers find a simple cleaning works wonders.

A clean seat ensures the new washer rests properly, preventing future drips.

6. Reassemble the Faucet

Once the parts look clean and refreshed:

• Reinsert the valve stem

• Tighten the nut but avoid over-tightening

• Slide the handle back on

• Screw it in place

• Pop the cap back on

Restore the water supply and test the faucet.

A smooth, steady flow without dripping means your DIY fix was a success.

When the Problem Isn’t the Washer

If replacing the washer or O-ring didn’t solve the issue, the cause may be one of the following:

• Faulty cartridge – Common in modern faucets and easy to replace

• Worn-out seats – These may need professional resurfacing

• Water pressure issues – Can cause intermittent dripping

• Old faucet – If it's decades old, replacing it may be more practical

Most cartridge replacements are straightforward and inexpensive. If your faucet uses ceramic disc technology, check the model and bring the part to the hardware store for an accurate match.

How to Prevent Future Leaks

Once you’ve restored your faucet, keep it in good shape with simple habits:

Clean regularly

Mineral buildup causes wear faster. A quick vinegar wipe every few weeks helps.

Avoid overtightening

Turning handles too tightly strains internal parts.

Flush your aerator

If water starts splashing unevenly, unscrew the aerator and clean the mesh screen.

Schedule yearly checkups

A quick look under the sink ensures valves, hoses, and joints stay secure.

These tiny maintenance steps can help your faucet last for years without annoying drips.

Final Thoughts

Fixing a leaky faucet is one of the easiest and most empowering home repairs you can do. In just 10 minutes, you can stop the drip, save money, and keep your home quieter and more efficient—all without calling a plumber.

As women managing busy lives, careers, family, and home, having simple DIY skills like this adds confidence and independence. Next time a faucet starts dripping, you’ll know exactly what to do—and it won’t take more than a moment.