A dripping faucet is usually caused by a worn cartridge, bad washer, or mineral buildup inside the faucet. In Winston-Salem homes, we don’t have very hard water, but over time the hard water often wears faucet parts out. Most dripping faucets are not emergencies, but they usually get worse over time instead of better.

What causes a faucet to drip

Worn cartridge: Most newer faucets use a part called a cartridge to control water flow. Over time, the seals inside wear down and water starts slipping through even when the handle is off.

Bad washer: Older faucets often use rubber washers. These wear out from normal use and stop sealing tightly.

Hard water buildup: The Triad has somewhat hard water in many areas. Minerals slowly build up inside faucets and damage moving parts. We see this often in older homes around Winston and Kernersville.

High water pressure: In some homes, water pressure is too high. That extra pressure can wear faucet parts out faster and lead to dripping.

What you can try first

If you are comfortable taking things apart, you may be able to repair the faucet yourself. Many hardware stores sell repair kits with common cartridges and washers.

Before taking anything apart, shut the water off under the sink. Then open the faucet to relieve pressure.

Some faucets are simple to repair. Others are frustrating even for experienced DIY homeowners. If parts are stuck, corroded, or hard to identify, that is usually the point where people decide it is worth calling for help.

If your shut-off valve under the sink will not turn, read our guide on where to find your main water shut-off valve before forcing it.

When to call a plumber

Call a plumber if you are not comfortable making the repairs yourself, the shut-off valves leak, or corrosion makes the repair difficult. Some older faucets are no longer worth repairing because replacement parts aren’t available.

You should also call if the drip is getting worse or if you notice water damage under the sink.

What this costs

Faucet repairs usually start around $200 depending on the faucet type and what parts need to be replaced. In some cases, replacing the faucet makes more sense than repairing an older unit.

A dripping faucet may not seem serious, but it can waste a surprising amount of water over time. If your water bill has gone up lately, you may also want to read our guide on how to know if you have a leak.

If you need help repairing or replacing a faucet, our Winston plumbing team can take a look and explain your options. Faucet repair service. 336-203-2348