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Before starting any work, you must shut off the water to the faucet. Look for two small valves, one for the hot water line and one for the cold, located in the cabinet directly beneath the sink. Turn the handles of both valves clockwise until they are fully closed. If you cannot find these local shutoff valves, you will need to turn off the main water supply valve for the entire house. Once the valves are closed, turn on both faucet handles to release any trapped water and pressure in the lines until the water stops flowing completely.

You're viewing a step from: How to Stop a Dripping Two-Handle Faucet

Beginner

30 minutes

2/4 Inventory

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for fixing a common drip in a two-handle faucet, which is typically caused by a worn-out rubber washer or O-ring. The process involves turning off the water, disassembling the handle that is causing the drip, replacing the internal seals, and reassembling the faucet.

Based on content fromPhil Crockett· 141K subscribers

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the specific brand-name tools listed, or can I use generic alternatives for this faucet repair?

No, specific brands are not strictly necessary. A basic set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), an adjustable wrench, and a pair of pliers are usually sufficient for this project. The listed tools are recommendations for quality and ease of use, but common household tools will often suffice.

What is the absolute most important safety precaution I should take before starting this repair?

The most critical step is to completely shut off the water supply to the faucet before any disassembly. This usually involves turning the shut-off valves under the sink clockwise until tight, then confirming the water is off by turning on the faucet.

As a beginner, how much time should I set aside for this project, and what's the typical cost involved?

For a beginner, expect to spend about 30 to 60 minutes on this repair. The cost is typically very low, usually under $10-$20 for replacement washers, O-rings, and plumber's grease, as the main components are inexpensive.

I replaced the washer and O-ring, but my faucet is still dripping. What could be the problem?

If the drip persists, carefully inspect the valve seat for corrosion, nicks, or debris after removing the stem again. A damaged valve seat often needs to be cleaned or replaced, or the new washer/O-ring might not be seated properly or is the wrong size.