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 Philadelphia, tap water is soft (50–100 ppm). Philadelphia's water is soft, sourced from Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers. Mineral buildup is minimal. Soft water can cause pin-holing in older copper piping. Corrosion is a concern in pre-1950s buildings.
Plumbers in Philadelphia typically charge $125–200/hr. Most homeowners budget $800–2,500 for common repairs like fixture replacement, drain clearing, or valve repairs.
Pennsylvania requires state licensing. Philadelphia requires city permits. Homeowner exemptions limited to minor repairs.
Pre-1950s rowhouses and Federal-era homes dominate. Galvanized piping with corrosion is common. Cast-iron drain stacks are standard. Soft water can cause pin-holing. Copper replacement is frequent. Freeze-thaw cycles cause burst risk.
Philadelphia gets occasional freezes, but extended deep cold is uncommon. Pipes in exterior walls or unheated crawl spaces are the primary risk. A few nights below freezing per year means basic insulation is prudent.
DIY in Philadelphia: Philadelphia's strict codes, historic preservation, and licensing requirements restrict DIY repairs. Most homeowners hire licensed professionals. Permits are required and inspections are strict.
- 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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