Key takeaways
- Take a photo of the old faucet’s connections before you disconnect anything so reassembly is straightforward.
- Keep a small bucket and towels under the sink; residual water always spills when you loosen the supply lines.
- Bring your old cartridge or a photo to the store to match the exact replacement part, like a 35mm cartridge or Delta RP24096.
- Wrap plumber’s tape clockwise three to four turns on threaded connections to prevent slow drips at the fittings.
What's inside
A dripping faucet is more than an annoyance; a slow leak can waste thousands of gallons a year and stain your sink. The reassuring truth is that replacing a leaky faucet, or rebuilding one with a simple repair kit, is a genuine weekend DIY job that most homeowners can handle with basic tools and an hour of patience.
This guide walks you through diagnosing the leak, deciding between a repair and a full replacement, and installing the new faucet step by step. We reference real repair kits, cartridges, and reference guides so you can gather the right parts before you shut off the water and get started.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
⚡ Save on Your Next PC — Amazon Prime
Prime members get fast free shipping on the systems above, plus early access to Prime Day & Black Friday PC deals. New members get a 30-day free trial.
Watch: How to Replace a Leaky Faucet: A Step-by-Step Guide — Video Review
Diagnose the Leak First
Figure out where the water comes from: the spout (usually a worn cartridge or washer) or the base (often O-rings or loose connections). A beginner reference like Basic Home Plumbing Repairs: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide ($10) or The Complete Home Plumbing Handbook ($17) helps you identify the cause before you buy parts, saving a wasted trip.
Decide: Repair or Replace
A spout drip often just needs a new cartridge or washer, not a whole new faucet. A 35mm Faucet Cartridge (CUPC Certified, Single Handle) ($12) or a Tub Spout Diverter Repair Kit ($6, includes valve stems, cup seals, and gates) can fix many leaks for a few dollars. Replace the whole faucet only if the body is corroded or you want a new style.
Shut Off Water and Remove the Old Faucet
Close the shutoff valves under the sink and open the faucet to relieve pressure. Disconnect the supply lines with an adjustable wrench, remove the mounting nuts, and lift the old faucet out. Keep a bucket and towel handy; there is always a little water left in the lines.
Install the New Faucet or Cartridge
For a replacement, feed the new faucet through the mounting holes, secure the nuts, and reconnect the supply lines with fresh plumber’s tape on the threads. For a repair, seat the new cartridge or a matching part such as the DELTA FAUCET RP24096 ($26) and reassemble the handle. Hand-tighten, then snug gently.
Test and Check for Leaks
Turn the shutoff valves back on slowly and watch both the spout and the connections under the sink. Run hot and cold for a minute, then feel the fittings for moisture. A small drip means a connection needs another wrap of tape or a slight tightening before you call the job finished.
Tips
- Take a photo of the old faucet’s connections before you disconnect anything so reassembly is straightforward.
- Keep a small bucket and towels under the sink; residual water always spills when you loosen the supply lines.
- Bring your old cartridge or a photo to the store to match the exact replacement part, like a 35mm cartridge or Delta RP24096.
- Wrap plumber’s tape clockwise three to four turns on threaded connections to prevent slow drips at the fittings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I repair or replace a leaking faucet?
If only the spout drips, a cheap cartridge or washer, like a 35mm faucet cartridge or a diverter repair kit, usually fixes it. Replace the whole faucet only if the body is corroded, damaged, or you want a new look.
Do I need a plumber to replace a kitchen faucet?
Usually not. With shutoff valves under the sink, an adjustable wrench, and plumber’s tape, most homeowners can swap a faucet in about an hour. A reference like The Complete Home Plumbing Handbook walks you through it.
How do I know which replacement cartridge to buy?
Match the brand and model, or bring the old cartridge to the store. Brand-specific parts like the Delta RP24096 or a universal CUPC-certified 35mm cartridge cover many single-handle faucets; a photo of the faucet helps too.
Why is my faucet still dripping after I replaced the washer?
The leak may be from the cartridge, O-rings, or a worn valve seat rather than the washer. Re-check the diagnosis with a plumbing guide, and consider replacing the cartridge or the relevant repair-kit seals instead.
Conclusion
Fixing a leaky faucet is one of the most rewarding home repairs because it saves water and money for the cost of a small part. Diagnose the source first, decide whether a cheap cartridge or diverter kit will do before replacing the whole fixture, and work methodically with the water shut off. With the right part in hand and an hour to spare, you can stop that drip yourself and feel like a pro.
