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

prestigeplumbingwe
2 days ago
3 min read

A leaky faucet might seem like a small nuisance, but even a slow drip can waste gallons of water, increase your utility bill, and signal a bigger plumbing issue. Whether it’s a steady drip or a constant trickle, understanding how to troubleshoot a leaky faucet can help you act quickly before the problem gets worse.

While a few minor issues can sometimes be handled with basic tools, many leaks require the expertise of a licensed plumber to ensure the repair is done right—and to prevent a small problem from turning into a costly one. Here’s what you need to know.

Common Causes of a Leaky Faucet

Before you pick up a wrench, it helps to understand what might be causing the leak:

1. Worn-Out Washers

Washers press against the valve seat every time the faucet is used. Over time, this friction causes them to wear out, loosen, and leak.

2. Damaged O-Rings

The O-ring is a small rubber ring that helps seal specific parts of the faucet. When it dries out or cracks, drips often occur around the handle.

3. Corroded Valve Seat

Hard water and mineral buildup can corrode the valve seat, leading to leakage around the spout.

4. Loose or Worn Parts

If internal parts become loose or degraded, water can sneak through the gaps.

5. High Water Pressure

Sometimes the problem isn’t the faucet—it’s your home’s water pressure putting stress on fixtures.

How to Troubleshoot a Leaky Faucet

If you’re comfortable with simple home maintenance, you can start with these safe troubleshooting steps:

1. Determine Where the Leak Is Coming From

● Drip from the spout?

● Water around the handle?

● Leak under the sink?

Identifying the location helps narrow down the cause.

2. Turn Off the Water Supply

Before doing anything else, shut off the water under the sink to avoid flooding.

3. Examine the Faucet Type

Common types include:

● Compression faucets

● Ball faucets

● Cartridge faucets

● Ceramic disk faucets

Each has different components and repair needs.

4. Check for Loose Parts

Sometimes tightening a screw or adjusting a handle can slow a leak temporarily.

5. Replace Worn Washers or O-Rings

If you’re handy, replacing these parts may stop the leak—but only if this is the actual issue.

When You Should Call a Professional Plumber

Even though some homeowners try DIY fixes, leaky faucets can be more complicated than they appear. Here’s why calling a licensed plumber is often the smartest move:

✔ Preventing Further Damage

Improper repairs can damage internal parts—or worse, cause the leak to spread.

✔ Identifying Hidden Problems

A faucet leak can signal:

● Pipe corrosion

● Pressure problems

● Valve damage

● Plumbing system issues

You won’t see these on your own.

✔ Ensuring a Long-Term Fix

A plumber doesn’t just patch the leak—they repair the root cause so it doesn’t return.

✔ Saving Time and Money

A fast professional repair prevents wasted water, inflated bills, and larger plumbing issues.

At Prestige Plumbing Werks, our licensed plumbers handle everything from simple faucet repairs to complete fixture replacements—always with precision, safety, and clean workmanship.

Why Fixing a Leaky Faucet Matters

A single faucet dripping once per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water a year. That’s money going down the drain—and unnecessary strain on your plumbing system.

Fixing a leak quickly:

● Saves water

● Lowers your bill

● Prevents mold and damage

● Keeps your plumbing healthy

● Adds value to your home

Need Help With a Leaky Faucet? Prestige Plumbing Werks Is Here.

If your faucet is dripping, trickling, or leaking around the handle, don’t wait. Even a small leak can turn into a major headache.

At Prestige Plumbing Werks, we provide:

● Fast, reliable service

● Licensed and experienced plumbers

● Honest assessments

● Long-term solutions

● Clean, respectful workmanship