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Fix a bathroom faucet that leaks

We'll identify the leak location, shut off the water, replace the cartridge, washers, or O-rings—then verify the fix or tell you when to call a plumber.

Troubleshooting · Home plumbing
20–45 min
What you'll need
  • Hex key or screwdriver (to remove the handle)
  • Replacement cartridge, washers, or O-rings (match the model)
  • Bucket and towels
  • Channel-lock pliers (if the cartridge is stuck)
Step 1 of 5

Quick triage — pick your path

Quick triage — pick your path

Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

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Steps

Goal: Identify the leak location, shut off the water, and replace the cartridge, washers, or O-rings.

  • Wipe the faucet dry. Run the faucet and close it. Watch for moisture at the spout or base.
  • Good: You know where the leak is. Proceed to Spout leak or Base leak based on the location.
  • Bad: Unclear—run the faucet and observe again.

Spout leak

Goal: Fix a drip from the spout by replacing the cartridge, washers, or O-rings.

  • Shut off the hot and cold supply valves under the sink. Open the faucet to drain the lines.
  • Remove the handle and extract the cartridge. Inspect every washer, O-ring, and the cartridge body for wear. Replace with exact matches.
  • If the valve seat inside the body is pitted, smooth it with a seat-grinding tool. Reassemble and turn the water back on slowly.
  • Good: No drip when the faucet is closed.
  • Bad: Still drips—call a plumber.

Base leak

Goal: Fix leaks at the base by replacing O-rings or tightening the pop-up assembly.

  • Remove the base collar and replace the O-rings. Check the pop-up rod and drain connection for looseness. Tighten or replace as needed.
  • Run the faucet and check for moisture at the base.
  • Good: No moisture at the base.
  • Bad: Still leaks—call a plumber.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • The valve seat is badly corroded.
  • The faucet body is cracked.
  • You have replaced the cartridge and washers and it still leaks.

Verification

  • No drip from the spout when the faucet is closed.
  • No moisture at the base when the faucet runs.
  • Supply connections under the sink stay dry.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Identify leak location Confirm whether the leak is from the spout or base.
  2. Shut off water Turn off supply valves and drain the lines.
  3. Replace cartridge, washers, or O-rings Extract the cartridge, inspect seals, replace worn parts.
  4. Fix base leaks Replace O-rings at the base or tighten the pop-up assembly.
  5. Call a plumber Corroded valve seat, cracked body, or repairs do not fix the leak.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Leak location (spout, base)
  • Faucet model (for parts)
  • Steps already tried

Where is the leak?

Check whether the leak is from the spout or the base. Wipe dry and run the faucet to observe.

Wipe the faucet dry. Run the faucet and close it. Watch for moisture. Spout: drip when closed. Base: water under the faucet or around the handles.

Spout drip Base leak

You can change your answer later.

Shut off water and replace the cartridge or washers

Spout drips are usually caused by a worn cartridge, washers, or O-rings.

Shut off the hot and cold supply valves. Remove the handle and extract the cartridge. Inspect washers, O-rings, and the cartridge for wear. Replace with exact matches. Reassemble and turn the water back on slowly. Good: no drip. Bad: still drips—check the valve seat or call a plumber.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Leak fixed

The spout no longer drips. Confirm by running the faucet for five minutes and closing it—no drip should appear.

Done

Replace base O-rings or tighten pop-up

Base leaks: O-rings at the base or loose pop-up assembly.

Remove the base collar and replace the O-rings. Check the pop-up rod and drain connection for looseness. Tighten or replace as needed. Good: no moisture at the base. Bad: still leaks—call a plumber.
Question

Did fixing the base stop the leak?

Done

Call a plumber

Call a plumber if the valve seat is badly corroded, the faucet body is cracked, or you have replaced the cartridge and washers and it still leaks. A plumber can advise on repair vs. replacement.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why is my bathroom faucet dripping from the spout?
Usually a worn cartridge, washer, or O-rings. Shut off the supply valves, remove the handle, and inspect the cartridge and seals. Replace any cracked or flattened parts with exact matches.
Why is my bathroom faucet leaking at the base?
Often O-rings at the base or a loose pop-up assembly. Shut off the water, remove the base collar, and replace the O-rings. Check the pop-up rod and drain connection for looseness.
When should I call a plumber for a leaking bathroom faucet?
Call a plumber if the valve seat is badly corroded, the faucet body is cracked, or you have replaced the cartridge and washers and it still leaks. A plumber can advise on repair vs. replacement.

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