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 Houston, tap water is very hard (300–380 ppm). Houston's water is very hard. Calcium and magnesium deposits are visible within months on fixtures. Water heaters fail faster than national average. Water softeners are common among maintenance-conscious homeowners.
Plumbers in Houston typically charge $80–130/hr. Most homeowners budget $800–2,500 for common repairs like fixture replacement, drain clearing, or valve repairs.
Texas has minimal state licensing for plumbers. Local jurisdictions (Houston) require permits for water line work. Homeowners can do most plumbing work if they obtain permits. No master plumber requirement.
Majority post-1960s construction. Copper and PVC are standard. Slab-on-grade construction is prevalent; leaks under the slab are expensive to repair. Clay soils cause differential settling, which can stress plumbing. Hard water means water heaters typically need replacement every 8–10 years.
Freeze risk in Houston is minimal — hard freezes are rare. Pipe insulation is generally not a concern, though occasional cold snaps can surprise under-prepared homes.
DIY in Houston: Texas's permissive licensing and DIY culture make Houston one of the most DIY-friendly major metros. Homeowners regularly tackle plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work. Permits are cheap and inspections are straightforward. Hard water management is a common DIY focus.
- 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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