Fix a Leaky Faucet in 10 Minutes with Simple Tools

A dripping faucet isn't just annoying; it can waste over 3,000 gallons of water a year. That’s enough for 180 showers! The good news is that modern faucets are modular, and "fixing" them usually just means swapping out a $15 internal cartridge rather than replacing the whole fixture. ### Common Symptoms: - Water dripping from the spout when off. - Water leaking from around the handle base. - Handle is difficult to turn or "gritty". ### Step 1: Shut Off the Water Before you unscrew anything, look under the sink for the two oval handles (hot and cold). Turn them clockwise until they stop. Open the faucet to drain any remaining water and pressure. If you don't do this, you'll have a geyser in your kitchen! ### Step 2: Remove the Handle Most single-handle faucets have a small decorative cap (usually marked red/blue). Pry it off with a flathead screwdriver to reveal an Allen screw. Loosen the screw (you don't need to remove it fully) and pull the handle straight up and off. ### Step 3: Remove the Cartridge Once the handle is off, you'll see a dome-shaped cap and a brass or plastic nut holding the cartridge in place. Use your adjustable wrench to unscrew the nut. Once the nut is off, pull the cartridge straight up. If it's stuck due to mineral buildup, you may need to wiggle it with pliers. *Pro Tip: Take the old cartridge with you to the hardware store. There are hundreds of models, and they all look similar. Matching it up in person is the only way to be 100% sure.* ### Step 4: Install and Test Clean out any debris or white mineral scale inside the faucet body. Slide the new cartridge in (make sure the tabs on the cartridge line up with the notches in the faucet), tighten the nut, and replace the handle. Turn the water back on slowly and check for leaks.