How to Stop a Sink Faucet Handle from Leaking Water

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Save money and avoid water waste with this quick tutorial
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A leaky faucet handle can be annoying, but luckily, it's one of the easiest plumbing problems to fix yourself. All you need to do is dismantle the handle and replace any parts that are worn or damaged. We spoke with Master Plumber Dave Jones, who told us exactly how you can find out what’s causing the leak and fix it in just a few minutes. Keep reading to learn everything you need to get your sink working right again, no matter what kind of faucet you have .

Stopping a Sink Handle from Leaking

  1. Turn off the water supply under the sink and plug the drain.
  2. Pull the decorative cap off the top or side of the handle and remove the screw.
  3. Pry off the handle and unscrew the nut underneath.
  4. Pull out the cartridge and inspect it and the O-ring around it for damage.
  5. Apply grease to a new O-ring or cartridge and put it in the handle hole.
  6. Reassemble the faucet and turn on the water supply.
Section 1 of 8:

Fixing a Leaky Cartridge Faucet Handle

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  1. Look under your sink for one or two small valves. Turn the valves clockwise to shut off the water supply to your sink and prevent water from spurting out while you work. [1] Turn on the faucet so any remaining water runs out. Insert a plug into the drain or pull up on the stopper behind the faucet.
    • Plugging up the sink prevents any screws, parts, or tools from falling down the drain.
    • If you can’t turn off the water under the sink, turn off the water main in your home.
    • Jones says “You’ll likely find the main water shutoff valve on a basement wall facing the front of your house” or “hidden from view inside a closet or wall access panel near the front of the house.” [2]
  2. Most sink faucets have a large or small decorative cover that hides the handle’s screw. Use a small flathead screwdriver or utility knife to pry off the cover on the top or side of the handle. Remove the screw underneath with an Allen wrench or screwdriver. [3]
    • On some two-handled faucets, you may need to unscrew the handle before you can pry off the cap. If the leak is coming from under the tap, unscrew the tap from the base. [4]
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  3. Use an adjustable spanner wrench to loosen and remove the nut around the base of the handle. [5] Jones says if the nut “has a chrome or metallic finish… put electrician tape or a rag around it to protect the finish, then use pliers to remove it.” [6]
    • This nut holds down the cartridge, a metal and plastic piece inside the handle that turns the water on and off and controls the water flow. Some models may not have a nut.
    • If the nut won’t come off, apply penetrating oil around the screw and let it soak for 10 minutes before trying again.
  4. The O-ring is a piece of rubber that wraps around the bottom of the cartridge. If the O-ring is worn, Jones says to take it to the hardware store to match it with a new one. If the cartridge is broken, you may have to get “a new replacement cartridge from the faucet’s manufacturer.” [7]
    • Jones recommends shining “a flashlight down into the hole that the cartridge came out of. Inspect for debris and if you see any, remove it with your finger or a needle nose pliers.” [8]
    • If possible, insert your finger into the handle hole. Pull out the rubber seat and spring inside to inspect them. If either are broken or worn, replace them.
  5. Place the O-ring on the open edge of the cartridge and use your fingers to roll it down to the groove near the middle. Apply waterproof plumber’s grease along the outside of the O ring and on the bottom of the cartridge. Insert the cartridge into the handle hole in the faucet. [9]
  6. Use your adjustable wrench to tighten the nut around the top of the cartridge. Attach the handle, screw it on, then replace the decorative cap. Turn on the water supply under the sink, then unplug the drain and run the water for a few seconds to make sure the faucet has stopped leaking. [10]
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Section 2 of 8:

Fixing a Leaky Compression Faucet

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  1. Find the water shut-off valves under the sink and turn the left valve clockwise to turn off the hot water. If the faucet stops leaking, that means the hot water handle is the source of the leak, so that’s the side you’ll need to repair. If the faucet keeps leaking, the cold water handle is to blame. [12]
    • Even if you’re sure the leak is coming from the hot water side, it’s a good idea to turn off the cold water, too—just to avoid getting sprayed if you accidentally turn on the cold water tap.
    • Close the sink drain or cover it with a small towel. That way, if you drop a screw or another small piece, it can’t go down the drain.
  2. On some compression faucets, the handle has a decorative cap covering the screw that holds the handle in place. Use a flat screwdriver to pry this cap off so you can access the screw. [13]
    • If your faucet has a grip that extends out from the base of the handle, you may need to unscrew that grip to access the screw.
    • Once you locate the screw, use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to remove it, depending on the type of screw you find. Then, pull off the handle.
  3. At the base of the handle, you should find a large nut holding the handle in place. Turn the nut to the right to loosen it. This will loosen the handle assembly enough for you to remove it. [14]
    • On some faucets, you may be able to loosen the nut by hand.
  4. The valve stem is the part of the handle that sits down in the hole after you remove the handle itself. You may be able to pull the stem out by hand—just grab it by hand and lift straight up. But if it’s too difficult, you may need to grip the stem with a wrench and turn counterclockwise to loosen it. [15]
  5. Look at the washer on the bottom of the valve stem—this is one of the most likely causes of a leak in a compression faucet. [16] To replace this washer, unscrew the screw at the bottom of the stem and use a screwdriver to pry off the old washer. Coat the new washer in waterproof grease, push it into place, and replace the screw. [17]
    • Pop off the old O-rings as well. Get a new O-ring that’s exactly the same size, coat it in waterproof grease, and slide it into place. [18]
    • Run your finger inside the hole where the valve stem sits. The part the stem sits on is called the retainer or seat. If it feels rough or pitted, use a seat wrench to pull it out, then replace it with a new one.
  6. Working backwards, replace the valve stem, then tighten the retaining nut. Replace the handle and tighten the handle screw, then pop the decorative cap back into place or screw in the handle grip. [19]
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Section 3 of 8:

Fixing a Leaky Ball Faucet

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  1. Look at the base of the handle to find the screw holding the handle in place. Use an Allen wrench or hex-key wrench to loosen this screw, then pull the handle to remove it. [20]
    • There may be a small cover over the screw—if there is, pry off the cover to access the screw. [21]
    • Place the handle somewhere safe so it doesn’t get damaged.
  2. Sometimes the ball that the handle rotates on can be loose. Use your fingers to turn this ball clockwise, then turn on the faucet to see if that fixed the leak. If it did, you’re finished. If not, keep going. [22]
    • Just use your hands to tighten the ball—don’t force it with a tool or you could damage it.
  3. Look under the sink to find the hot and cold water shut-off valves. Turn both of them clockwise to turn off all of the water to the sink. [23]
    • Ball faucets only have one handle that controls the hot and cold water, so you don’t need to determine whether the hot or cold side is leaking.
  4. Use pliers to remove the cap from beneath the handle. [24] Under the cap on a ball faucet, you’ll find a cam, a cam gasket, and the ball that allows the handle to move back and forth and side to side. Pull all of these out and set aside everything except the ball. [25]
    • You may need a special tool to remove the cam—this should be included in your faucet repair kit. [26]
  5. When you look at the bottom of the ball, you should see two small springs that are held in place by two springs. Carefully remove those springs and seats with needle-nose pliers or pry them off with the tip of your screwdriver, then replace them with new ones from your ball faucet repair kit . [27]
    • Use a cloth or your fingers to clean away any dirt or grime from the bottom of the ball.
    • Follow the instructions in the repair kit for replacing the springs.
  6. Pull up on the spout to remove it, then look in the hole for two rubber O-rings. Rub a little waterproof grease onto your new O-rings, then press them into place. [28]
    • Old O-rings are a common cause for leaky faucets.
  7. Working backwards, replace the spout, then the ball, cam gasket, cam, and cap that covers it all. Once the assembly is in place, replace the handle and screw it back on. [29]
    • Some kits will come with a new cam gasket and cap—if so, use these and discard the old ones. [30]
    • Turn on the water and check whether the leak is fixed. If the handle is still leaking, you’ll probably need to replace the faucet.
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Section 4 of 8:

Fixing a Leaky Disk Faucet

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  1. Find the hot and cold water shut-off valves under the sink and turn them both clockwise to close them. Turn on the faucet to make sure the water is completely shut off before you start working on the faucet. [31]
  2. Push the handle upward and look at the base of the handle for the setscrew that holds the handle in place. Unscrew that, then pull up on the handle to remove it. [32]
    • Also, remove the cap that covers the disk assembly, called the escutcheon cap. [33]
  3. Under the cap, you’ll see a ceramic disk assembly held in place by two mounting screws. Remove these screws, then pull up on the disk to remove it. [34]
    • Use a cloth or your fingers to wipe away any dirt on the bottom of the disk after you pull it out.
  4. Pull off the old seals on the cylinders, then rinse the assembly to clean out the cylinders. Then, install the new seals from your repair kit . [35]
    • If the cylinders are really dirty, rinse them with white vinegar, then gently scrub them with a soft scouring pad to clean them. [36]
  5. Push the disk assembly back into place and replace the mounting screws. Replace the cap, then put the handle back on and screw in the setscrew. [37]
    • Turn on the water slowly and check to see if the leak has stopped. Turning the water on too quickly can crack the ceramic disk. [38]
    • If you’re sure you assembled everything correctly but the handle is still leaking, you’ll probably need to replace the faucet.
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Section 5 of 8:

Types of Faucets

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  1. Each has a unique interior assembly. They can be a little hard to distinguish without disassembling the faucet, but these tips can help you tell them apart:
    • Cartridge faucets can have one or two handles. They’re very easy to turn.
    • Compression faucets aren’t as common anymore but can still be found on older sinks. They always have 2 handles and require some pressure to turn them.
    • Ball faucets have a single handle that sits on a dome-shaped base, or cap.
    • Disk faucets have a single handle that sits on a wide cylinder.
Section 6 of 8:

Causes of Leaky Faucet Handles

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  1. Jones says “a leaky modern faucet handle, like those on a bathroom sink, is caused by a worn faucet cartridge. On older faucets, the leak is usually caused by a worn washer or O-ring.” [39] If your handle is leaking from the tap, it might be caused by: [40]
    • A corroded valve seat (the rubber ring underneath the cartridge)
    • A loose or damaged washer
    • Worn out inlet and outlet seals (inside of ceramic disk faucet handles)
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Section 7 of 8:

Preventing Sink Faucet Leaks

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  1. A leaky faucet can waste water and increase your water bills. To check for leaks, examine the outside of the faucet, its gaskets, and the fittings of the pipes under your sinks to make sure there aren’t any surface leaks. [41]
    • When you notice a component is broken or damaged, replace it immediately.
  2. Vinegar can help prevent limescale and other mineral deposits from damaging your faucet’s components. Fill a plastic bag with equal parts water and vinegar, secure it around the faucet head, and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Scrub the rest of the faucet with the vinegar solution and dish soap. [42]
    • Remove the bag and brush the head with a toothbrush or cleaning brush and dish soap. Run the faucet to dislodge anything inside, then rinse and dry the area.
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Section 8 of 8:

When to Call a Pro

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  1. If you’ve tried to fix your faucet handle but it’s still leaking, or if you’re not comfortable taking on a project like this, call a plumber to help you handle the problem. Also, if the water has damaged the area around your sink, it’s a good idea to contact a professional like a plumber, contractor, or mold remediation specialist to make sure there aren’t underlying problems that will worsen over time.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Why does my faucet leak from the handle?
    Dave Jones
    Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup
    Dave Jones is a Professional Plumber and the Midwest Regional Vice President at Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. In 1992, Jones joined Roto-Rooter as a drain service technician at the age of 18. Since then, he has risen through the ranks into positions of increasing authority. Dave served as general manager of Roto-Rooter’s Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia branches before being promoted to Contractor Area Manager and later to Regional Vice President. Dave holds Master Plumber Licenses in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia.
    Dave Jones
    Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup
    Expert Answer
    It's almost always the O-ring, which is the plastic gasket inside of the cartridge. That thing can wear down over time, and it's usually the main problem when there's a leak.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 16
  • Question
    Where do I get the replacement O-ring?
    Dave Jones
    Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup
    Dave Jones is a Professional Plumber and the Midwest Regional Vice President at Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. In 1992, Jones joined Roto-Rooter as a drain service technician at the age of 18. Since then, he has risen through the ranks into positions of increasing authority. Dave served as general manager of Roto-Rooter’s Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia branches before being promoted to Contractor Area Manager and later to Regional Vice President. Dave holds Master Plumber Licenses in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia.
    Dave Jones
    Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup
    Expert Answer
    You can get them from the hardware store. There are all sorts of different O-ring sizes, so take the original ring with you to the store so you can find an identical one.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 8
  • Question
    How do I find a replacement cartridge?
    Dave Jones
    Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup
    Dave Jones is a Professional Plumber and the Midwest Regional Vice President at Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. In 1992, Jones joined Roto-Rooter as a drain service technician at the age of 18. Since then, he has risen through the ranks into positions of increasing authority. Dave served as general manager of Roto-Rooter’s Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia branches before being promoted to Contractor Area Manager and later to Regional Vice President. Dave holds Master Plumber Licenses in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia.
    Dave Jones
    Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup
    Expert Answer
    You may have to Inspect your faucet carefully to find its brand name and model number. Once you know, visit the manufacturer’s website or look up their customer service phone number. Some brands guarantee their faucets for life and will supply replacement cartridges free of charge if you contact them directly. Otherwise, you can just buy one from them.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 12
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21017315/how-to-repair-a-leaky-kitchen-faucet
      2. ↑ Dave Jones. Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. Expert Interview. 29 March 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21097141/how-to-stop-kitchen-faucet-leaks
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/YqwTCP6ktWc?t=85
      5. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21017315/how-to-repair-a-leaky-kitchen-faucet
      6. ↑ Dave Jones. Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. Expert Interview. 29 March 2021.
      7. ↑ Dave Jones. Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. Expert Interview. 29 March 2021.
      8. ↑ Dave Jones. Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. Expert Interview. 29 March 2021.
      9. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/faucet-repair/how-to-repair-a-kitchen-faucet/view-all/
      1. ↑ https://todayshomeowner.com/plumbing/video/repairing-a-leaky-faucet/
      2. ↑ Dave Jones. Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. Expert Interview. 29 March 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.ose.nm.gov/FixALeak/PDF/DWAD_2015.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.ose.nm.gov/FixALeak/PDF/DWAD_2015.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.ose.nm.gov/FixALeak/PDF/DWAD_2015.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.ose.nm.gov/FixALeak/PDF/DWAD_2015.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21097141/how-to-stop-kitchen-faucet-leaks
      8. ↑ https://www.ose.nm.gov/FixALeak/PDF/DWAD_2015.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21097141/how-to-stop-kitchen-faucet-leaks
      10. ↑ https://www.ose.nm.gov/FixALeak/PDF/DWAD_2015.pdf
      11. ↑ https://www.ose.nm.gov/FixALeak/PDF/DWAD_2015.pdf
      12. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21097141/how-to-stop-kitchen-faucet-leaks
      13. ↑ https://www.ose.nm.gov/FixALeak/PDF/DWAD_2015.pdf
      14. ↑ https://www.ose.nm.gov/FixALeak/PDF/DWAD_2015.pdf
      15. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21097141/how-to-stop-kitchen-faucet-leaks
      16. ↑ https://www.ose.nm.gov/FixALeak/PDF/DWAD_2015.pdf
      17. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21097141/how-to-stop-kitchen-faucet-leaks
      18. ↑ https://www.ose.nm.gov/FixALeak/PDF/DWAD_2015.pdf
      19. ↑ https://www.ose.nm.gov/FixALeak/PDF/DWAD_2015.pdf
      20. ↑ https://www.ose.nm.gov/FixALeak/PDF/DWAD_2015.pdf
      21. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21097141/how-to-stop-kitchen-faucet-leaks
      22. ↑ https://www.ose.nm.gov/FixALeak/PDF/DWAD_2015.pdf
      23. ↑ https://www.ose.nm.gov/FixALeak/PDF/DWAD_2015.pdf
      24. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21097141/how-to-stop-kitchen-faucet-leaks
      25. ↑ https://www.ose.nm.gov/FixALeak/PDF/DWAD_2015.pdf
      26. ↑ https://www.ose.nm.gov/FixALeak/PDF/DWAD_2015.pdf
      27. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21097141/how-to-stop-kitchen-faucet-leaks
      28. ↑ https://www.ose.nm.gov/FixALeak/PDF/DWAD_2015.pdf
      29. ↑ Turning the water on too quickly can crack the ceramic disk.
      30. ↑ Dave Jones. Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. Expert Interview. 29 March 2021.
      31. ↑ https://www.rotorooter.com/frequently-asked-questions/faucets/what-causes-a-leaky-faucet/
      32. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week
      33. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-a-faucet-head/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If your faucet handle is leaking, you should be able to fix the issue yourself by replacing its O ring. First, turn off your water supply at the valve under the sink and open the faucet to drain any water from the pipe. When the water’s stopped, remove the faucet handle. Depending on the type you have, you may have to pull it straight up, unscrew it counterclockwise, or pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver. Once you’ve removed the handle, unscrew the nut underneath with a wrench. Under the nut, you should see the rubber O ring, which will probably be worn down. Replace the O ring with a new one, then screw the nut and faucet handle back on. Finally, open the faucet gradually to release any air bubbles until the water flows normally. For more tips, including how to unscrew a stiff nut, read on!

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