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 Washington, tap water is moderate (90–150 ppm). DC's water is moderately hard, sourced from Potomac River and local sources. Scale buildup is noticeable. Water softeners are common.
Plumbers in Washington typically charge $130–210/hr. Most homeowners budget $800–2,500 for common repairs like fixture replacement, drain clearing, or valve repairs.
DC requires state licensing. DC permits required for all work. Homeowner exemptions very limited.
Pre-1950s rowhouses and Federal-era homes dominate. Galvanized piping with corrosion is common. Cast-iron drains are standard. Copper replacement is frequent in renovations. Freeze-thaw cycles cause burst risk. Many homes have radiant heat.
Washington 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 Washington: DC's strict codes, historic preservation requirements, and high licensing standards restrict DIY repairs. Most homeowners must hire licensed professionals. Permits are expensive. Non-compliance costs are high.
- 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 Washington.
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