Faucets are used so much that it's no wonder they sometimes leak or drip. A leaking or dripping faucet is generally a sign that a part is worn and needs to be replaced--a fairly simple task.

The washers or seals of compression faucets are under pressure as water flows through them, so they typically wear out. When they do, the result is usually relentless dripping that can corrode fixtures, stain sink bowls, and waste a lot of water if they are not fixed.

Disc, cartridge, and ball faucets are all washerless, so they are not as prone to dripping as compression faucets. They too have moving parts sealed by O-rings that wear out, though, evidenced by leaking from the base of the faucet itself.

Disc faucets leak when the inlet and outlet seals wear or when sediment builds up in the faucet inlets. Disc assemblies don't often wear out, but sometimes the inlet and outlet seals fail. Turn off the shutoff valve for the fixture and replace the worn seals with duplicates of the original ones. Be sure to realign the seals on the bottom of the cartridge with the holes in the faucet.

Cartridge faucets leak when the O-ring cushioning the cartridge stem wears or breaks. When they drip it might mean the cartridge needs replacing. Be sure the replacement matches the original. 

Ball faucets drip when the inlet seals wear and leak when the O-rings wear or break. If the handle leaks, tighten the adjusting ring after lifting the handle off the assembly. If the handle continues to leak, replace the cap; if the spout drips, the inlet seals and springs or the ball need replacing.

If water drips from the spout, you may need to replace a washer or replace a corroded valve seat. Turn off the shutoff valve for that fixture, take off the faucet handle, remove the stem, and replace the worn part. While you're at it, take this opportunity to lubricate the threads of the stem with silicone grease.

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