My bathroom faucet is dripping constantly - is this an easy fix?

A constantly dripping bathroom faucet is often a straightforward repair that many homeowners can handle themselves, typically caused by worn washers, O-rings, or cartridges inside the faucet mechanism.

The most common culprits are worn internal components. For traditional two-handle faucets, it's usually a deteriorated washer or seat that needs replacement. Single-handle faucets typically have cartridge issues where the internal cartridge has worn seals. Ball-type faucets may need new seats, springs, or the entire ball assembly. The repair difficulty depends on your faucet type - compression faucets (older two-handle models) are generally easier to fix than cartridge or ball faucets.

Before starting any repair, shut off the water supply under the sink or at the main valve. You'll need basic tools like adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers, and possibly pliers. Take photos before disassembly to remember how parts fit together. Bring the old parts to a hardware store to ensure you get exact replacements - even small differences in washer size or cartridge model can cause continued leaking.

In Ottawa's older homes, faucet repairs can be tricky because replacement parts for vintage fixtures may be hard to find, and corroded connections can break during repair attempts. If your faucet is over 15 years old or you encounter seized parts, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire faucet rather than repair it. A dripping faucet wastes significant water - up to 3,000 gallons annually - so addressing it quickly saves on utility bills.

Call a professional if you discover corroded valve seats, if the faucet continues dripping after parts replacement, or if you're uncomfortable working with plumbing connections. What seems like a simple washer replacement can turn into a bigger job if pipes are damaged during the repair process. For a free estimate on faucet repair or replacement, Ottawa Pro Plumbing can assess your specific situation and provide reliable solutions.

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