Bathroom Faucet Repair: Fix Drips, Leaks and Stiff Handles
A bathroom sink faucet that drips, leaks or sticks usually needs a new washer, O-ring or cartridge. Hard water buildup can cause trouble too. Call (888) 554-0426 and we connect you with a local pro.
Why is my bathroom faucet dripping?
A bathroom faucet drips when a seal inside it wears out. The usual causes are a worn washer, a bad O-ring, a damaged seat, or a cartridge that no longer seals. Mineral deposits from hard water can also stop the faucet from closing all the way.
Bathroom sink faucets do not get as much use as kitchen faucets, but they run many times a day. Toothbrushing, hand washing and shaving all wear the same parts. Many bathroom faucets also have small, tight spaces inside that trap mineral buildup.
| What you notice | Common cause |
|---|---|
| Drip from the spout | Worn washer, seat or cartridge |
| Handle leaks or feels loose | Worn O-ring or loose handle screw |
| Hot and cold mix wrong | Worn cartridge or mixing parts |
| Stopper will not hold water | Pop-up drain linkage out of place |
| Slow, weak flow | Clogged aerator or buildup |
What are the signs your bathroom faucet needs repair?
Signs include a drip when the faucet is off, a handle that is loose or hard to turn, water around the base, uneven hot and cold, and stains in the basin. A damp vanity floor under the sink is another warning sign.
- A drip you can hear at night.
- Handles that are loose, stiff or squeak.
- Water pooling around the base of the faucet.
- White or green crust on the spout or handles.
- Weak flow or a spray that goes sideways.
- A damp or swollen vanity cabinet under the sink.
Vanities are often made of pressed wood that swells when it gets wet. Fixing a leak early can protect the cabinet.
What does bathroom faucet repair involve?
A pro shuts off the water at the valves under the vanity, takes the faucet apart, and checks each part. They replace worn washers, O-rings or the cartridge, clean buildup, and test for leaks. They also check the drain and supply lines under the sink.
- Shut off the water at the two small valves under the sink.
- Remove the handle and trim to reach the valve parts.
- Check the cartridge, washers and O-rings for wear.
- Replace the worn parts and clean the valve area.
- Test hot and cold, check the stopper and look for leaks underneath.
Widespread faucets, with separate handles and a spout, may need parts for each piece. A single-handle faucet usually has one cartridge. Tell the contractor which style you have.
Can I fix a bathroom faucet myself?
You can often clean an aerator or tighten a loose handle yourself. Replacing a cartridge or seat is harder. Call a pro if the valves under the sink are stuck, parts are corroded, or you are not sure which part to buy.
Simple things to try
- Unscrew the aerator and clean it.
- Tighten the handle set screw.
- Wipe off mineral buildup with vinegar.
- Check that the stopper moves freely.
Call a pro for
- A drip that does not stop.
- Leaks under the sink or at the supply lines.
- Stuck shut-off valves.
- Old faucets with worn or corroded parts.
Watch out: Do not force stuck valves or parts. They can snap and cause a bigger leak. Shut off the water and call for help.
How much does bathroom faucet repair cost?
A bathroom faucet repair typically costs about $150 to $350 when a pro does it. That is a typical range, and it varies by area and job. Simple fixes can cost less. Older or hard-to-reach faucets can cost more. Ask for the total price first.
- Part needed: an O-ring is simpler than a full cartridge.
- Faucet style: widespread faucets have more parts.
- Condition: corroded parts take longer to remove.
- Valves: stuck shut-off valves can add work.
- Region and timing: labor rates and after-hours fees vary.
Should I repair or replace a bathroom faucet?
Repair a bathroom faucet when it is in good shape and has one worn part. Replace it if it is old, stained, or loose at the base, or if you want a new look. A new faucet costs more up front but can fix repeat problems.
A bathroom faucet is also a style choice. If you plan to update the vanity or sink, replacing the faucet at the same time may make sense. Read about faucet replacement, or ask the contractor to price both.
How do I choose a bathroom faucet repair pro?
Pick a pro who gives a clear written price and explains what failed. Ask for a license number and proof of insurance, and check them yourself. Ask what the warranty covers and whether they clean up when done. The homeowner must confirm license and insurance.
- Tell them the faucet style and any brand name you know.
- Ask for a written price with parts and labor.
- Ask how they protect your vanity and floor.
- Ask what the warranty covers.
- Check the license and insurance yourself.
What other faucet repair services can we connect you with?
Faucet problems often come in pairs. These pages cover related repairs.
Bathroom Faucet Repair questions, answered
Why is my bathroom faucet leaking around the handle?
Water around the handle usually points to a worn O-ring or a loose handle part. The O-ring seals the stem, and when it cracks, water seeps out. A pro can replace the O-ring or the whole cartridge.
Why is the bathroom faucet hard to turn?
Stiff handles often come from mineral buildup or a worn cartridge or stem. Hard water leaves deposits that make parts stick. A pro can clean or replace the part so the handle turns smoothly again.
Can I fix a bathroom faucet that drips only hot water?
Yes. A drip on one side means the washer, seat or cartridge for that side is worn. A pro can replace that part without changing the whole faucet. Tell the contractor which side drips.
How long does bathroom faucet repair take?
Many bathroom faucet repairs take about an hour or two. It can take longer if the shut-off valves are stuck, the parts are corroded, or a part must be ordered. Ask the contractor for a time window.
Why does my bathroom sink faucet have low pressure?
The most common cause is a clogged aerator. Mineral buildup or debris blocks the small screen at the tip. A worn cartridge or a partly closed valve under the sink can also cut the flow.
Is it worth repairing an old bathroom faucet?
It can be if parts are still sold and the faucet looks good. If the finish is worn, the body is pitted, or parts are hard to find, replacement is usually the better choice. A pro can help you decide.
Ready to get this fixed?
Call now and get connected with a local faucet repair pro. Free for homeowners.