That Dripping Faucet Costs More Than You Think

A faucet that drips once a second wastes about 3,000 gallons a year. That's not just water down the drain, it's money, and it can stain the fixture if the water has any iron in it.

What's actually leaking

Modern faucets almost never leak from a loose nut. The leak is inside the cartridge or the mixing valve, the part that opens and closes when you move the handle. The rubber and ceramic seals inside wear out, crack, or get mineral deposits, and water sneaks past.

• Two-handle faucets usually have a separate cartridge or stem on each side. The hot side fails more often because heat breaks down rubber faster.
• Single-handle faucets have one mixing cartridge. A drip from the spout means the cartridge; a drip from under the handle means the O-rings.

The fix

Shut the water off at the stops under the sink. Remove the handle (usually a set screw hidden under a cap), pull the cartridge, and match it exactly to a replacement. Reassemble and check the supply lines for bulges or soft spots while you're under there.

The single most common mistake is buying a universal cartridge. Most name-brand faucets use a specific cartridge, and the wrong one will still drip. Bring the old one to the store, or call us and we bring the right part.

When to replace instead

If the faucet body is corroded, the finish is gone, or the cost of parts approaches the cost of a new fixture, a replacement is usually the better call. We install new kitchen and bath faucets, set them level, and check the supply lines.

Faucet still dripping? Call (770) 508-6073 or request a quote.