What's actually causing this
Faucets drip when an internal part wears out and can no longer form a watertight seal. Which part depends on your faucet type: ball, cartridge, compression, or ceramic disc.
What you'll need
Links go to Amazon search results — buy the part that matches your specific model. Uncle AI earns a small commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you.
- Adjustable wrench Shop →
- Screwdriver set Shop →
- Allen wrench set Shop →
- Replacement cartridge Shop →
- Plumber's grease Shop →
Step-by-step fix
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1
Turn off the water supply
Look under the sink for two oval shutoff valves. Turn them clockwise until they stop, then open the faucet to drain the line.
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2
Remove the handle
Pry off the decorative cap on top, remove the screw underneath, and pull the handle straight up.
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3
Remove the worn part
For cartridge faucets, grip and pull the cartridge straight up. For compression faucets, unscrew the packing nut and replace the rubber washer.
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4
Install the new part
Match the old part exactly. Apply plumber's grease to O-rings before installing. Ensure cartridge orientation matches the original.
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5
Reassemble and test
Reverse the disassembly order. Slowly turn the shutoff valves back on. Run the faucet several times and wait 10 minutes before confirming the fix.
In Austin, tap water is hard (240–320 ppm). Austin's water is hard, sourced from limestone aquifers. Scale buildup is visible within months. Water heater sediment accumulation is rapid. Water softeners are increasingly common among informed homeowners.
Plumbers in Austin typically charge $95–150/hr. Most homeowners budget $800–2,500 for common repairs like fixture replacement, drain clearing, or valve repairs.
Texas minimal licensing. Austin requires permits. Homeowners can obtain permits and perform plumbing work.
Post-1970s suburban construction dominant. Copper and PEX standard. Hard water means water heaters fail faster (8–10 years). Sediment buildup is common. Limestone subsoil can cause cracking and foundation settling. Slab-on-grade is common.
Freeze risk in Austin is minimal — hard freezes are rare. Pipe insulation is generally not a concern, though occasional cold snaps can surprise under-prepared homes.
DIY in Austin: Austin is very DIY-friendly. Texas's permissive licensing, affordable permits, and tech-savvy population support homeowner repairs. Hard water management is a common DIY focus. HVAC maintenance is often DIY-handled.
- The shutoff valve under the sink won't fully close.
- Water is leaking from the pipe itself, not the faucet.
- You see corrosion or mineral buildup on the pipes.
- It's a shower or bathtub faucet inside the wall.
Let Uncle AI diagnose it first.
Describe the problem. Uncle AI asks the right questions and tells you exactly what's broken — and whether you should fix it yourself or call someone in Austin.
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