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 Charlotte, tap water is soft (40–80 ppm). Charlotte's water is soft, sourced from local watersheds. Mineral buildup is minimal. Soft water can cause pin-holing in copper piping in older systems. Corrosion is a concern in pre-1950s homes.
Plumbers in Charlotte typically charge $95–155/hr. Most homeowners budget $800–2,500 for common repairs like fixture replacement, drain clearing, or valve repairs.
North Carolina requires state licensing for master plumbers. Charlotte requires city permits. Homeowner exemptions limited to minor repairs.
Mix of pre-1950s and rapidly expanding post-1980s construction. Older homes may have galvanized piping. Soft water can cause pin-holing. Newer homes have copper or PEX. High humidity means condensation and mold risk on pipes.
Freeze risk in Charlotte is minimal — hard freezes are rare. Pipe insulation is generally not a concern, though occasional cold snaps can surprise under-prepared homes.
DIY in Charlotte: Charlotte's moderate licensing and growing DIY culture support homeowner repairs. Many people handle simple plumbing and electrical. Humidity management is a key DIY focus. Rapid growth means newer homes are DIY-friendly.
- 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.
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