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 New York, tap water is moderate (60–120 ppm). NYC tap water is among the softest in major U.S. cities — sourced from Catskill/Delaware watersheds. Mineral buildup on fixtures is less of a concern here than in Sunbelt metros, but older buildings may have internal corrosion from aging galvanized pipes.
Plumbers in New York typically charge $150–250/hr. Most homeowners budget $800–2,500 for common repairs like fixture replacement, drain clearing, or valve repairs.
NYC requires a Licensed Master Plumber for most plumbing work. Homeowners cannot self-permit plumbing in most cases. DOB permits required for any work beyond simple fixture replacement.
Pre-war buildings (pre-1940) commonly have galvanized steel pipes that corrode internally, reducing flow and discoloring water. Many brownstones still have original cast-iron drain stacks. Copper replacement is common in renovations but requires licensed plumber approval.
New York winters regularly bring freezing temperatures. Pipe freeze risk is real, especially in older homes with uninsulated exterior walls. Heat tape and foam insulation on exposed pipes are worthwhile investments. Know where your main water shutoff is before winter.
DIY in New York: NYC's building code and co-op/condo board requirements make DIY repairs more restricted than most metros. Simple fixture swaps are generally fine, but anything touching plumbing lines, electrical, or structural elements typically requires licensed professionals and permits.
- 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.
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