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 Boston, tap water is soft (30–70 ppm). Boston's water is soft, sourced from protected upland reservoirs. Mineral buildup is minimal. Soft water can cause pin-holing in copper piping, particularly in older systems. Corrosion is a concern in pre-1950s buildings.
Plumbers in Boston typically charge $145–240/hr. Most homeowners budget $800–2,500 for common repairs like fixture replacement, drain clearing, or valve repairs.
Massachusetts requires state licensing for plumbers. Boston has strict codes and inspections. Homeowner exemptions limited to minor repairs.
Pre-1950s homes dominant in urban core. Galvanized piping with severe corrosion is common. Cast-iron drain stacks are standard. Copper replacement is frequent in renovations. Soft water can cause pin-holing. Freeze-thaw cycles cause burst risk. Many homes have radiant heat systems.
DIY in Boston: Boston's strict code requirements, historic preservation rules, and high licensing standards make DIY repairs very restricted. Most homeowners must hire licensed professionals. Permits are expensive and inspections are thorough. The cost of non-compliance is high.
- 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 Boston.
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