Why is My Faucet Dripping? 5 Common Causes and What to Do About It

A dripping faucet is more than just a minor annoyance that keeps you up at night. It can waste thousands of gallons of water per year, significantly increasing your utility bills and causing unnecessary stress on your home plumbing system. At DropStars Plumbing, we believe every home deserves rockstar level comfort, and that starts with silencing those pesky drips.

Serving Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, and the greater Los Angeles area, our crew is ready to help you tune up your plumbing. Here is a breakdown of the most common reasons your faucet might be leaking and the steps you can take to fix it.

1. Worn Out Washer or O-Ring

One of the most frequent culprits behind a steady drip from the spout or handle is a worn out washer or O-ring. These small rubber or silicone components are designed to create a watertight seal when the faucet is turned off. Over years of use, constant friction and mineral buildup can cause them to crack, stiffen, or tear.

What to Do: Replacing a washer or O-ring is often a straightforward fix. You will need to shut off the water supply, disassemble the faucet handle, and swap the old part for a new one that matches the exact size and model.

2. Damaged or Clogged Cartridge

Modern faucets, especially those with two handles, often use a cartridge to regulate water flow. If your faucet drips even when the handle is tightly shut, the cartridge itself may be worn out or blocked by sediment.

What to Do: This repair typically requires removing the faucet handle and pulling out the entire cartridge unit. While simple in theory, cartridges can be expensive and sometimes difficult to remove if mineral deposits have locked them in place. Replacing the cartridge usually resolves the leak immediately.

3. Corroded Valve Seat

The valve seat is the connection point between the faucet and the spout. Over time, water sediments and minerals can accumulate here, leading to corrosion. This pitting and roughening of the metal prevents the washer from making a perfect seal, resulting in a persistent drip from the spout area.

What to Do: You can sometimes clean minor mineral buildup with white vinegar and a soft brush. However, if the corrosion is severe, the valve seat may need professional resurfacing or the entire faucet might require replacement.

4. Excessive Water Pressure

If you notice that your faucet drips at random times of the day or only when you turn off other fixtures, high water pressure could be the underlying issue. Normal home water pressure typically ranges between 45 and 55 PSI. If your pressure is above 60 to 80 PSI, it can force water past even healthy seals and cause significant damage to your internal plumbing components over time.

What to Do: You can test your home pressure with a simple gauge. If the reading is too high, you may need a professional to install or adjust a pressure regulator to protect your fixtures and pipes from future leaks.

5. Loose or Damaged Internal Parts

The constant vibration of running water and the daily twisting of handles can eventually loosen the nuts and bolts that hold your faucet together. If internal components like the stem or packing nut are not secured tightly, water can easily seep through the base of the handle.

What to Do: A simple tightening with a wrench can sometimes stop these types of leaks. If the internal parts are visibly damaged or the leak persists after tightening, it is usually time for a professional replacement.

When to Call the Pros

While some minor repairs can be tackled as a DIY project, complex issues like high water pressure or severe internal corrosion often require an expert eye. Ignoring a small drip can lead to hidden water damage, mold growth, and higher water bills down the line.

At DropStars Plumbing, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing all types of leaking faucets to keep your home jammin’ and your water flowing right. Whether you need a quick part replacement or an eco efficient fixture upgrade, we provide reliable, 5 star service you can count on.

Ready to get your plumbing back on the setlist? Contact the DropStars crew today for fast, professional leaky faucet repair in Burbank and the surrounding area.