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 Miami, tap water is very hard (250–320 ppm). Miami's water is hard, sourced from limestone aquifers. Mineral deposits are severe. Salt intrusion from the ocean is a growing concern in coastal areas. Corrosion is accelerated by humidity and salt air. Water softeners or filters are very common.
Plumbers in Miami typically charge $110–180/hr. Most homeowners budget $800–2,500 for common repairs like fixture replacement, drain clearing, or valve repairs.
Florida has strict licensing (myfloridalicense.com). Plumbing requires state-licensed plumber. Homeowner exemptions are very limited — only repairs on own home with own labor.
Majority post-1980s construction elevated for flood risk. Copper is standard. Hard water and salt corrosion accelerate fixture failure. Slab-on-grade with salt intrusion risk. Storm surge can flood plumbing systems. Backflow prevention devices are common.
DIY in Miami: Miami's strict Florida licensing requirements, hurricane codes, and environmental hazards make DIY repairs very restricted. Homeowners should hire licensed professionals for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Coastal properties require special knowledge and materials.
- 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 Miami.
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