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Fix a faucet that will not turn off

We'll shut the supply valve first, then replace the cartridge or stem washer so the faucet turns off properly, or tell you when to call a plumber.

Troubleshooting · Home plumbing
15–30 min
What you'll need
  • Replacement cartridge (match faucet brand and model)
  • Replacement stem washer (for compression faucets; match size)
  • Screwdriver set
  • Cartridge puller (optional; for stuck cartridges)
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Steps

Goal: Shut the supply valve first, then replace the cartridge or stem washer so the faucet turns off.

  • Turn the supply valve under the sink clockwise immediately to stop water flow.
  • Good: Water stops—proceed to Replace cartridge or Replace stem washer.
  • Bad: Supply valve will not close—shut the main water supply to the house and call a plumber.

Shut supply valve first

Goal: Stop water flow at the source. Do this before any repair.

  • Turn the hot and cold supply valves under the sink clockwise until they stop.
  • If the supply valve will not close, locate the main shut-off where the supply enters the house and turn it off.
  • Good: Water stops flowing. Bad: You cannot stop the water—call a plumber or emergency line.

Replace cartridge

Goal: Replace the worn or broken cartridge so the faucet seals when closed.

  • Remove the handle (pry off cap, remove screw, lift handle). Remove the trim.
  • Pull the cartridge straight out. Remove the retaining clip if present. Use a cartridge puller if stuck.
  • Get an exact match (bring old cartridge to hardware store or search by faucet brand and model).
  • Insert the new cartridge in the correct orientation. Reinstall the clip, trim, and handle.
  • Turn the supply valve back on slowly. Test the faucet—it should turn off when the handle is closed.

Replace stem washer

Goal: Replace the worn stem washer on compression faucets.

  • Remove the handle and stem. Unscrew the stem from the valve body.
  • Remove the old stem washer from the bottom of the stem. Install a new one of the same size.
  • Reinstall the stem and reassemble the faucet.
  • Turn the supply valve back on. Test—the faucet should turn off when the handle is closed.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • The supply valve will not close and you cannot stop the water.
  • You have replaced the cartridge and washer but the faucet still runs.
  • The faucet leaks when you reassemble it.
  • In an emergency, shut off the main water supply to the house.

Verification

  • The faucet stops flowing when the handle is in the off position.
  • No drip or trickle when closed.
  • No leaks at the handle or supply connections.

Escalation ladder

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

  1. Shut supply valve Turn off the supply valve under the sink immediately.
  2. Replace cartridge or washer Remove and replace the cartridge (cartridge faucet) or stem washer (compression).
  3. Call a plumber Supply valve will not close, faucet still runs after repair, or leak when reassembled.

What to capture if you need help

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

  • Faucet type (cartridge or compression)
  • Whether the cartridge or washer was replaced
  • Steps already tried

Can you shut off the supply valve?

The supply valve under the sink must close to stop water flow. If it will not close, shut the main supply.

Turn the supply valve under the sink clockwise. Closes: water stops—proceed to replace cartridge. Will not close: shut the main supply to the house, then call a plumber.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Is this a cartridge or compression faucet?

Single-handle faucets use a cartridge. Two-handle may use cartridge or compression stem with washer.

Cartridge: remove handle, pull cartridge, replace with exact match. Compression: remove stem, replace stem washer. Reassemble and test. Fixed: done. Still runs: call a plumber.

Cartridge Compression

You can change your answer later.

Replace cartridge and test

Remove the cartridge, get an exact match, install the new one. Reassemble and turn supply back on. The faucet should turn off when the handle is closed. If it still runs, call a plumber.

Done

Replace stem washer and test

Remove the stem, replace the stem washer with same size. Reassemble and turn supply back on. The faucet should turn off. If it still runs, call a plumber.

Done

Call a plumber

Call a plumber if the supply valve will not close (shut the main supply first), if you have replaced the cartridge and washer but the faucet still runs, or if the faucet leaks when you reassemble it.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why will my faucet not turn off?
Usually the cartridge is worn or broken and no longer seals when you turn the handle off. On older compression faucets, the stem washer can be worn. Shut off the supply valve first, then replace the cartridge or washer.
What do I do if my faucet will not turn off?
Turn off the supply valve under the sink immediately to stop the water. Then replace the cartridge or stem washer. Do not leave the supply valve open while the faucet runs—it wastes water and can cause overflow.
When should I call a plumber for a faucet that will not turn off?
Call a plumber if the supply valve will not close (you cannot stop the water), if you have replaced the cartridge and washer but the faucet still runs, or if the faucet leaks when you reassemble it.

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