Why Won't My Faucet Stop Dripping? Causes, Fixes & When to Call a Plumber

Part 1 of 5 in LT Plumbing LLC's Common Plumbing Problems series — serving Palmetto, Bradenton & Parrish since 2006

That steady drip... drip... drip from the kitchen or bathroom faucet is one of the most common calls plumbers get — and one of the most misunderstood. Most homeowners assume a leaky faucet is a minor annoyance. In reality, it's a sign that a part inside the faucet has worn out, and the leak will keep getting worse until it's fixed.

What Causes a Leaky Faucet

The exact cause depends on the faucet type, but it almost always comes down to a worn seal:

• Compression faucets (two separate hot/cold handles) — a worn rubber washer inside the valve seat
• Ball, cartridge, or ceramic disc faucets (single handle) — worn O-rings, a scratched cartridge, or mineral buildup on the disc
• Corroded valve seat — where the faucet connects to the spout, especially in areas with hard water

A Palmetto-specific note: many homes in our area draw from municipal water with a notably high mineral content, and older neighborhoods still have galvanized or original 1970s–80s fixtures. That combination wears out washers and cartridges faster than in a lot of other markets, so a "why does this keep happening" faucet leak is often just accelerated mineral wear rather than a defective part.

Why a Dripping Faucet Won't Fix Itself

Rubber and plastic components degrade with every use. Once a washer or O-ring starts to wear, mineral deposits and water pressure accelerate the damage — the drip only gets faster. Left alone, a leaky faucet can also:

• Add $20–$200+ a year to your water bill depending on severity
• Stain sinks and fixtures from mineral buildup
• Lead to corrosion inside the faucet body, turning a $10 part repair into a full faucet replacement

Can You Fix a Leaky Faucet Yourself?

If you're comfortable with basic tools, a washer or O-ring swap is a reasonable DIY project:

1. Shut off the water supply valves under the sink
2. Remove the handle and disassemble the faucet (methods vary by brand/type)
3. Replace the worn washer, O-ring, or cartridge
4. Reassemble and test

Where DIY gets risky: faucets that are 15+ years old, faucets with no visible brand or model markings, or leaks coming from inside the wall rather than the fixture itself. In those cases, calling a licensed plumber saves you from a bigger repair later.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

• The drip continues after you've replaced the washer or cartridge
• You see water damage, discoloration, or mold near the fixture
• The leak is coming from the connection point to the wall or supply line
• You're dealing with a high-end or specialty faucet where parts are hard to source

How to Prevent Future Faucet Leaks

• Don't over-tighten handles — it wears seals faster
• Install a water softener — worth strongly considering given Manatee County's hard water
• Address a drip within a week or two of noticing it, before mineral buildup sets in

Next in the series: Clogged Drains — The #1 Reason People Search for a Plumber

Noticed a leak you can't track down? LT Plumbing LLC has been fixing faucets across Palmetto, Bradenton, and Parrish since 2006. Call (941) 883-9861 for a same-day diagnostic, or visit ltplumbingllc.com to request a free estimate.