Quick Answer: Fixing a leaky faucet starts with identifying your type cartridge, ball, or compression. Each repair uses different parts and takes 15 35 minutes. Cartridge faucets (most common in Phoenix) need a $15 $25 cartridge replacement. Ball faucets require a $12 $18 repair kit. Compression faucets (older two-handle models) just need a new $3 $8 washer. Toolbox Pro handles all three starting at $65 in Phoenix and the East Valley insured, background-checked, 4.9★ rated.
A single drip wastes 3,000 gallons per year. Most leaky faucets are fixed with an $8 $25 part and 30 minutes of work. The catch: use the wrong repair method and you'll fail every time. This guide walks you through identifying your faucet and fixing it the right way.
Bottom line: Identify your faucet type first. The repair method is completely different for cartridge, ball, and compression models.
Identify Your Faucet Type
Cartridge Faucet (Most Common, Moen, Pfister, many Kohler)
Single handle. It moves up and down, side to side. Inside sits a cylindrical cartridge controlling both water flow and temperature. Most Phoenix homes built after 1995 have one.
How to fix it:
- Turn off both hot and cold supply valves under the sink.
- Pry off the decorative cap, remove the screw underneath, pull off the handle.
- Remove the small U-shaped metal retaining clip on the cartridge side with needle-nose pliers.
- Grip the cartridge stem with pliers and pull straight out. If stuck (common in Arizona hard water), use a cartridge puller tool ($12 at Home Depot).
- Take the old cartridge to the hardware store to match it. Moen 1225 is the most common in Phoenix we carry five in the truck.
- Push the new cartridge in, align the notch, replace the retaining clip, reassemble the handle.
Part cost: $15 $25. Time: 20 30 minutes.
Ball Faucet (Delta, Peerless)
Single handle that rotates on a ball mechanism. You'll spot the rounded cap directly under the handle. Common in 1990s 2000s Phoenix kitchens.
How to fix it:
- Shut off supply valves and remove the handle (set screw on the side, use an Allen key).
- Unscrew the cap with adjustable pliers. Wrap the cap in tape to avoid scratching.
- Remove the cam, cam washer, and ball. Check the ball for wear or corrosion.
- Pull out the rubber seats and springs from the inlet holes with needle-nose pliers.
- Install new springs and seats. A Delta RP4993 repair kit covers everything for $12.
- Reassemble in reverse: ball (align the tab), cam washer, cam, cap, handle.
Part cost: $12 $18. Time: 25 35 minutes.
Compression Faucet (Two Handles, Older Homes)
Two separate handles. One controls hot water, one controls cold. Found in Phoenix homes built before 1990. The handle tightens down on a rubber seat washer. When that washer wears out, water drips.
How to fix it:
- Figure out which handle is leaking by shutting off one supply valve at a time.
- Pry off the cap, remove the screw, pull off the handle.
- Unscrew the packing nut with an adjustable wrench, then unscrew the stem from the faucet body.
- At the bottom of the stem is a rubber seat washer held by a brass screw. Remove and replace it. Bring the old one to match the size 00, 0, or 1/4" are standard.
- If the brass seat inside the faucet body is scored or pitted, remove and replace it with a seat wrench ($5 $8).
Part cost: $3 $8. Time: 15 25 minutes.
Arizona Hard Water Factor
Phoenix water runs 15 25 grains hardness. It speeds up every failure. Mineral buildup seizes cartridges, corrodes brass seats, hardens rubber washers. If a cartridge won't pull out by hand, don't force it. Use a cartridge puller or penetrating oil like PB Blaster (wait 15 minutes). Forcing it turns a $20 fix into a $200 faucet replacement.
When to Replace Instead of Repair
- Corrosion at the base plate (green crust)
- Spout wobbles or moves around
- Can't find the cartridge because the faucet is 15+ years old
- You've repaired it three times in three years
See our Replace vs. Repair guide for the full decision framework.
DIY repairs save $100 $200 compared to calling a plumber for what's usually a 30-minute job. Fixing leaky faucets early also prevents water damage under cabinets and keeps your water bill down.
Book a faucet repair, starting at $65 →
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do I need to fix leaky faucet drips?
You'll need an adjustable wrench, Allen keys, needle-nose pliers, and replacement parts specific to your faucet type (cartridge, repair kit, or washer).
How much water does a leaky faucet waste?
One drip per second wastes 3,000+ gallons per year. That adds up on your water bill fast. Fixing it early prevents damage under the cabinet too.
Can I fix leaky faucet issues without shutting off water?
No. Always shut off the supply valves under the sink first. Once the water is off, most people can swap out seals or cartridges in under 20 minutes.
