Why Does a Faucet Drip?
A faucet drips because the part that seals the water off has worn out. In a compression faucet it is the rubber washer. In a cartridge, ball, or ceramic disc faucet it is the cartridge or its O-rings. Replacing that part stops the drip.
How Much Water Does a Dripping Faucet Waste?
The EPA WaterSense program estimates that household leaks waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water per home each year, and that a faucet dripping once per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons annually. On a metered city bill that is real money, and on a water heater line you are paying to heat every drop.
Which Type of Faucet Do You Have?
The repair depends on the design:
| Faucet type | How to spot it | Usual failing part |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Two handles, tightens firmly when closed | Rubber seat washer |
| Cartridge | One or two handles, smooth quarter turn | Cartridge and O-rings |
| Ball | Single lever over a rounded cap | Ball assembly, springs, seats |
| Ceramic disc | Single lever, wide cylindrical body | Disc cylinder or seals |
Most faucets made in the last 25 years are cartridge or ceramic disc.
Can You Fix a Dripping Faucet Yourself?
Often, yes. The order matters:
- Shut off the supply valves under the sink and open the faucet to drain pressure.
- Plug the drain so small parts do not disappear.
- Take the handle off and photograph each step as you go.
- Bring the old cartridge or washer to the store. Brands are not interchangeable.
- Reassemble and turn the water on slowly, then check for leaks under the sink.
Two cautions. Corroded valves under the sink sometimes will not close, and an old faucet body can crack when forced. If either happens, stop and call a plumber before you turn a drip into a flood.
When Should You Replace the Faucet Instead of Repairing It?
Replace rather than repair when:
- Parts are no longer made for that model
- The faucet body or base is corroded or pitted
- It has been rebuilt once already and is dripping again
- The finish is failing and you were planning to update it anyway
Hard water shortens faucet life in this area. If you are replacing fixtures often, treating the water is the cheaper long game. See do I need a water softener in Illinois.
What Does Faucet Repair Cost in Central Illinois?
A cartridge or washer repair usually runs $150 to $300 including the part. Replacing a kitchen or bath faucet, with the old one removed and supply lines renewed, typically runs $250 to $600 plus the fixture. Shutoff valve replacement while we are under there is often $100 to $200 more.
These are typical ranges for homes in our area, not a quote. You get a firm price in writing before any work starts.
Who Fixes Dripping Faucets in Pekin and Peoria?
Trouble Free Heating, Cooling & Plumbing repairs and replaces faucets across Pekin, Peoria, Washington, and Morton. If the drip is a symptom of pressure or hard water problems, we will say so instead of selling you a fixture you do not need. See our leak repair page for what a visit covers.
Call (309) 347-5309 or request a plumber. A real person answers our phone 24/7.