A faucet that drips once per second wastes 3,000 gallons per year. Most leaky faucets are fixed with a $8-$25 part and 30 minutes. The fix depends entirely on your faucet type — and using the wrong approach is why YouTube DIY repairs fail. Here's how to identify your faucet and fix it right.
Bottom line: To fix a leaky faucet, you need to identify your faucet type first — the repair method is completely different for each one.
Identify Your Faucet Type
Cartridge Faucet (Most Common — Moen, Pfister, many Kohler)
As a result, single handle that moves up/down and side to side. Inside is a cylindrical cartridge that controls both flow and temperature. This is the most common faucet in Phoenix homes built after 1995.
How to fix:
- In addition, turn off both hot and cold supply valves under the sink.
- Furthermore, remove the handle: pry off the decorative cap, remove the screw underneath, and pull the handle off.
- Moreover, remove the retaining clip (a small U-shaped metal clip on the side of the cartridge) with needle-nose pliers.
- For this reason, grip the cartridge stem with pliers and pull straight out. If it's stuck (common in Arizona hard water), use a cartridge puller tool ($12 at Home Depot — worth it).
- Consequently, take the old cartridge to the hardware store and match it. Moen 1225 is the most common in Phoenix — we carry 5 of them in the truck at all times.
- In other words, push the new cartridge in (align the notch), replace the retaining clip, reassemble.
Part cost: $15-$25. Time: 20-30 minutes.
Ball Faucet (Delta, Peerless)
On the other hand, single handle that rotates on a ball mechanism. Identifiable by the rounded cap directly under the handle. Common in 1990s-2000s Phoenix kitchens.
How to fix:
- However, shut off supply valves and remove the handle (set screw on the side, Allen key).
- Therefore, unscrew the cap with adjustable pliers (wrap the cap in tape to avoid scratching).
- First, remove the cam, cam washer, and ball. Inspect the ball for wear or corrosion.
- Next, pull out the rubber seats and springs from the inlet holes using needle-nose pliers.
- Finally, install new springs and seats (a Delta RP4993 repair kit covers everything for $12).
- In particular, reassemble: ball (align the tab), cam washer, cam, cap, handle.
Part cost: $12-$18. Time: 25-35 minutes.
Compression Faucet (Two Handles — Older Homes)
For example, two separate handles, one hot, one cold. Found in Phoenix homes built before 1990. The handle tightens down onto a rubber seat washer — when the washer wears out, it drips.
How to fix:
- Specifically, determine which handle is leaking (hot or cold) by shutting off one supply valve at a time.
- Meanwhile, remove the handle: pry off the cap, remove the screw, pull off the handle.
- Above all, unscrew the packing nut with an adjustable wrench, then unscrew the stem from the faucet body.
- In fact, 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 most common.
- If the seat (the brass ring inside the faucet body) is scored or pitted, use a seat wrench to remove and replace it ($5-$8).
Part cost: $3-$8. Time: 15-25 minutes.
Arizona Hard Water Factor
Most importantly, phoenix water at 15-25 grains hardness accelerates every failure mode. Mineral buildup seizes cartridges, corrodes brass seats, and hardens rubber washers. If a cartridge won't pull out by hand, don't force it — a cartridge puller or penetrating oil (PB Blaster, wait 15 minutes) prevents breaking the cartridge and turning a $20 fix into a $200 faucet replacement.
When to Replace Instead of Repair
- Corrosion at the base plate (green crust)
- Spout wobbles or has play
- As a result, can't source the cartridge (faucet is 15+ years old)
- Third repair in 3 years
In addition, see our Replace vs. Repair guide for the full decision framework.
Furthermore, learning to fix a leaky faucet yourself can save $100-$200 vs. calling a plumber for what is usually a 30-minute repair.
Moreover, homeowners who fix leaky faucet issues early prevent water damage and save $100-$200 vs. a plumber service call.
Book a faucet repair — starting at $65 →
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do I need to fix leaky faucet drips?
To fix leaky faucet problems, you need an adjustable wrench, Allen keys, needle-nose pliers, and replacement O-rings or cartridge for your faucet type.
How much water does a leaky faucet waste?
One drip per second wastes 3,000+ gallons per year. You should fix leaky faucet problems early to avoid inflated water bills and potential water damage under the cabinet.
Can I fix leaky faucet issues without shutting off water?
No — always shut off the supply valves under the sink before attempting to fix leaky faucet internals. Most homeowners can fix leaky faucet seals in under 20 minutes once water is off.
