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 San Diego, tap water is hard (180–250 ppm). San Diego's water is hard, sourced from Colorado River (imported) and local groundwater. Scale buildup is noticeable. Water softeners are common. Salt air near coast accelerates corrosion of water infrastructure.
Plumbers in San Diego typically charge $125–190/hr. Most homeowners budget $800–2,500 for common repairs like fixture replacement, drain clearing, or valve repairs.
California requires CSLB licensing. Homeowner exemptions exist for simple plumbing. San Diego requires permits.
Majority post-1960s construction. Copper is standard. PEX increasingly used. Hard water means faster fixture degradation. Salt air near coast causes severe corrosion of metal fixtures and pipes. Copper can corrode faster than in inland areas. Slab-on-grade is common.
DIY in San Diego: San Diego is moderately DIY-friendly. California's licensing is strict, but homeowner exemptions exist for simple work. Coastal property owners should hire professionals for salt-corrosion-prone work. UV and salt protection are common DIY focuses.
- 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 San Diego.
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