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 Portland, tap water is very soft (15–40 ppm). Portland has some of the softest water in the U.S., sourced from Mount Hood snowmelt. Mineral buildup is virtually non-existent. Soft water can cause corrosion in older copper systems. Many surrounding areas have well water.
Plumbers in Portland typically charge $115–180/hr. Most homeowners budget $800–2,500 for common repairs like fixture replacement, drain clearing, or valve repairs.
Oregon requires state licensing. Portland requires permits. Homeowner exemptions for owner-occupied single-family homes.
Mix of pre-1950s craftsman homes and post-1970s construction. Copper is standard in newer homes. Soft water means corrosion is less of a concern than hard-water metros. However, old copper may have pin-holing. Basement water intrusion common due to rainfall. Sump pumps frequent.
Freeze risk in Portland is minimal — hard freezes are rare. Pipe insulation is generally not a concern, though occasional cold snaps can surprise under-prepared homes.
DIY in Portland: Portland's moderate licensing and environmental focus support DIY repairs. Eco-conscious homeowners often handle water conservation and efficiency upgrades. Moisture management and mold prevention are common DIY focuses. Energy efficiency retrofits are popular.
- 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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