Don’t Let Money Keep Drip-Drip-Dripping Away: Leaky Faucet Solutions

Although faucet repair is one of our plumbing specialties at Moe’s Plumbing, we’re here to encourage DIY homeowners of all levels to give it a shot. Just a tiny drop per second is enough to fill up a small swimming pool, and that’s a hard hit to your water bill. This guide is for everyday folks who want to stop a dripping faucet themselves. You, like many others, can fix a drippy faucet. Here’s what we’ll cover: 

• Do you have a leaky faucet or is it something else?
• Standard faucet repair
• Troubleshooting stubborn faucets
• When to call a plumber
  

You Can Fix a Leaky Faucet without Calling a Plumber

Know the Signs — Is Your Faucet Actually Leaking?

Be sure that a leaky faucet is the problem before purchasing replacement parts or digging in. You could be dealing with splash back or condensation. Moisture under the base could also be from regular use. A dripping faucet presents a slow, steady drip from the spout, even when the handle is tightly shut. You could find water pooling under the sink or have an unexpected spike on your water bill with a true drippy faucet. 

Step-by-Step Repair for Common Faucets

Whether you’re fixing a leaky kitchen faucet or stopping a dripping bathroom nozzle, your first step is to know your faucet type. Most faucet repair kits come with illustrated step-by-step instructions that are easily followed. 

Tools Needed: Adjustable wrench, screwdriver, replacement washers/O-rings or cartridge, plumber’s grease, towel. 

Safety Tip: Shut off the water supply before disassembling anything! 

Common Faucet Types: 

• Compression Faucets: Remove handles and replace worn rubber washers. Tighten packing nuts if needed. 

• Cartridge Faucets: Remove the old cartridge and slide in a new one – kits often include clear diagrams. 

• Ceramic Disk Faucets: Carefully remove the disk cylinder and replace seals or O-rings; clean out debris. 

• Ball Faucets: These have lots of parts, but universal repair kits make the job easy – just match pieces as you go. 

Carefully follow the part guide, and you’ll go from drip to done in no time. 

Still Dripping? Try These Extra Troubleshooting Tips

Is that faucet still dripping after following the fix-it steps? Here are a few extra tips to follow when figuring out how to fix dripping faucet issues that are persistent: 

Check the packing nut: Tightening this nut may stop the leak. 

Check the washers or O-rings: A tiny tear could keep the drip going, replace it if needed.

Check for sediment buildup: Hard water mineral deposits can clog up valves or damage seals. A gentle clean and reassembly could solve the issue for good.

When to Call in a Pro (and Not Feel Bad About It)

Honestly, some plumbing problems expand into larger ones, and aren’t worth the DIY headaches. If you’re confronted with a drippy faucet with stripped screws, corrosion, or stuck parts, it’s time to call Moe’s Plumbing. We’ve got the tools and expertise to tackle what YouTube cannot. Knowing when to stop is a win. Getting professional help is a smart move to saving your time, sanity or your sink. 

How Much Water Does a Leaky Faucet Waste?

Little drips from leaky faucets are a big deal! For perspective, one faucet leaking one drip per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year; that’s enough for 180 showers or 90 loads of laundry. If every house in the neighborhood had a similar leak, the water waste could fill a small lake! Fixing a leaky faucet goes beyond stopping the annoying noise and saving you $35 to $60 in higher water bills for the year, it’s also better for the environment. 

Stop the Drip — and the Drain on Your Wallet 

Thankfully, most leaky faucet problems are easily solved with DIY efforts as those annoying drips are costing you water, money, and peace of mind. If you run into problems, Moe’s Plumbing is just a phone call away and ready to help Raleigh homeowners quickly with leaky faucet repair solutions that last. 

Stop the drip today – your home (and wallet) will thank you.