Faucet Dripping
Water drips from the spout even when handles are fully closed
95% chance this is caused by:
Worn cartridge (single-handle) or worn washer (two-handle)
Faucet dripping is a easy-difficulty repair. The most likely cause is worn cartridge (single-handle) or worn washer (two-handle), and replacing the failed part takes approximately 10-20 minutes. The part costs about $18 — compared to $50-300 for a full replacement.
Fix it this weekend. Most parts ship same-day on Amazon.
A service call costs $150-300. This repair takes about 10-20 minutes and the part runs $18. Order the part tonight, fix it Saturday morning.
✓ Good call investigating this. Most homeowners wait until the problem gets worse — which typically means a higher repair bill. This is a easy-rated repair — 90% of homeowners with basic tools complete it successfully. A $18 part saves you a $150–300 service call.
The exact part you need is listed below — order it now and fix it this weekend.
🔧 The Exact Part You Need
Total parts cost: $18. Same-day shipping available on most items.
What happens if you don't fix this
A $18 part now can prevent a much bigger problem later. Left unfixed, this issue can cascade into a $$50-300 replacement — that's × the cost of the part. The repair gets more expensive the longer you wait.
Find the Right Part for Your Faucet
Parts vary by model. Search with your model number for the best match.
Tip: Add your model number (e.g. "GE GSS25GSH") for more precise results.
🔥 Parts for Faucets move fast on Amazon — especially common failure parts like these.
🔨 Tools You'll Need
Repair Summary
| Appliance | Faucet |
| Problem | Dripping |
| Diagnosis Confidence | 95% |
| Most Likely Cause | Worn cartridge (single-handle) or worn washer (two-handle) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Estimated Time | 10-20 minutes |
| Parts Cost | $18 |
| Replacement Cost | $50-300 |
📋 Step-by-Step Instructions
Turn off water supply valves under the sink
Open faucet to drain remaining water
For single-handle: remove handle (set screw under lever or cap on top)
Pull out the cartridge with pliers
Take cartridge to hardware store to match exact replacement
Insert new cartridge, reassemble handle
Turn water back on and test
Don't put this off.
A Faucet that's failing can cause water damage, electrical issues, or food spoilage — each costing 10x what the replacement part costs. The fix is straightforward. The part is cheap. The risk of waiting isn't.
🔍 Why This Happens
Root cause analysis for your faucet's dripping
The faucet cartridge in your faucet has failed due to a combination of age, normal wear, and operating conditions. Most appliance components have a predictable service life — when they exceed it, failure rates climb sharply. This particular failure is common and well-documented across all major brands. With a 95% diagnostic match, replacing this part is the recommended first step.
95%
Diagnostic match rate
High
DIY success rate
10-20 minutes
Typical repair time
🛡️ Prevention Tips
How to prevent your faucet's dripping from happening again after this repair.
Clean the aerator every 3-6 months by unscrewing it and soaking in vinegar. Mineral buildup is the #1 cause of reduced flow and spray issues.
Don't over-tighten faucet handles — excessive force wears the cartridge and washers prematurely.
Fix drips immediately. Even a slow drip wastes water and the constant moisture accelerates seal degradation.
When installing new faucets, use plumber's tape on threaded connections to prevent slow leaks that develop over time.
After completing this repair, make a note of the date and the part replaced. Tracking repairs helps you spot recurring issues before they become major failures.
Other Faucet Problems
Common Questions About This Repair
How much does it cost to fix a faucet that's dripping?
How long does this faucet repair take?
What if this isn't the problem?
Should I just replace my faucet instead?
🔧 Repair Data Sources
Repair guides are compiled from:
- • Manufacturer service manuals and technical bulletins
- • Common failure pattern data from appliance repair technicians
- • OEM parts databases for exact replacement compatibility
Difficulty ratings are based on the average homeowner's skill level, not professional standards. Confidence percentages reflect the likelihood that the listed cause matches the observed symptom. Updated May 2026.
Disclaimer: This repair guide is for informational purposes only and is based on manufacturer service manuals and published repair data. TheFixGuide is not responsible for any damage, injury, or loss resulting from attempted repairs. If a repair involves gas, high voltage, stored energy (capacitors), or refrigerant, we strongly recommend hiring a licensed professional.
🔨 Need tools? Get parts on Amazon
Get Parts →Dex A. Varland
Master Appliance Technician · 15+ Years Experience
Dex A. Varland is a master appliance technician with 15+ years of hands-on experience across all major brands. He has diagnosed and repaired thousands of household appliances and contributes to TheFixGuide to help homeowners tackle repairs with confidence.
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