How to Repair a Dripping Single-Handled Faucet

By: Richard Weir, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. Faucet Replacement Cartridge (Bring the old one to the store with you to match it.)

2. Valve O-Rings, if necessary

3. Plumber's grease, if replacing the O-rings

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Pocket knife, used to pry off the plastic cap)
- Screwdriver, for removing the screw that holds the handle in place)
- Slip-joint pliers, to unscrew the bonnet and grip the stem)
- Needlenosed pliers, for grabbing the retainer clip)
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grips the stem of the exposed cartridge with pliers

Photo: Craig Raine

4. Install new cartridge

Richard grips the stem of the exposed cartridge with his pliers. To overcome the suction resistance of the rubber O-rings at the top of the cartridge, he pulls up firmly, sliding the unit straight out without any side-to-side twists. Had the leak been coming from the base of the handle, Richard would have known that the O-rings needed replacing. But since this is a case of a dripping spout, he’s already surmised that the cartridge is the problem. He installs a new one, making sure that he places it in the same position as the one he just pulled out, so the holes in its side that deliver the hot and cold water to the spout will not be mixed up. He then fits the retainer clip snugly into its slot and reassembles the bonnet and handle.