Why Is My Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet Dripping from the Spout and How Can I Fix It?

My kitchen faucet keeps dripping, causing stress and wasting water.

A dripping single-handle kitchen faucet¹ is often caused by worn cartridges, mineral buildup, or faulty O-rings.

Keep reading. I will show you how to fix it easily and save money.

What Are the Common Causes of a Dripping Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet?

My faucet drips non-stop, and I feel helpless. I need to know why.

A single-handle kitchen faucet drips due to worn parts, buildup, or installation problems.

When I see water dripping, I know there is a problem inside the faucet. The most common reasons are worn cartridges, damaged O-rings, mineral buildup, or faulty washers. Each part helps seal water flow. If any part fails, the faucet leaks.

Main Causes of Faucet Dripping

Cause	Description	Solution
Worn Cartridge	Internal seals wear down over time	Replace the cartridge
Faulty O-Ring2	O-Ring cracks or breaks	Install a new O-Ring
Mineral Buildup	Hard water minerals block water flow	Clean with vinegar
Loose Parts	Handle or spout parts become loose	Tighten connections
Old Washer	Washer hardens and loses flexibility	Replace the washer

Every time I delay, the drip wastes more water and raises my bill. Fixing it quickly is better.

How Can I Tell If the Cartridge in My Kitchen Faucet Is Worn Out?

The dripping gets worse, making me wonder if the cartridge failed.

A worn cartridge³ shows leaks, difficulty moving the handle, or inconsistent water flow.

A cartridge controls the water flow inside the faucet. If it wears out, water starts leaking even when I turn off the handle. I notice difficulty moving the handle or hearing squeaking sounds. Sometimes, hot and cold water mix poorly.

Symptoms of a Worn Cartridge

Symptom	What It Means
Constant Dripping	Cartridge seals no longer work
Hard to Move Handle	Cartridge parts are stiff or broken
Water Temperature Shifts	Water mixes unevenly inside the cartridge
Squeaking Sounds	Dry or damaged cartridge components

Replacing the cartridge usually stops the leak.

Can Mineral Buildup or Sediment Cause a Faucet to Drip from the Spout?

I live in a hard water⁴ area. Minerals might be the cause.

Yes. Minerals block parts inside the faucet, causing pressure problems and leaks.

Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals settle inside the faucet, blocking flow and damaging seals. I check for white crusty deposits around the spout or inside the cartridge. Sediment wears down the rubber seals, causing leaks.

Effects of Mineral Buildup

Mineral Problem	Impact on Faucet	Solution
Scale on Spout	Reduces flow, causes splashing	Clean with vinegar
Blocked Cartridge	Forces water through weak seals	Remove and clean cartridge
Eroded O-Rings	Creates small gaps for leaks	Replace O-Rings

Regular cleaning helps prevent these problems.

How Do I Fix a Dripping Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet Step by Step?

The dripping sound⁵ keeps me awake. I must fix it now.

Fixing involves turning off water, disassembling the faucet, replacing parts, and reassembling carefully.

When I fix my faucet, I start by turning off the water supply. Next, I remove the handle and access the cartridge. I check all seals, O-rings, and the cartridge. If any part is damaged, I replace it. After reassembling everything, the leak usually stops.

Step-by-Step Repair Process

Step	Action	Notes
1. Shut Off Water	Use valves under the sink	Prevents water spills
2. Remove Handle	Use Allen wrench	Keep screws safe
3. Take Out Cartridge	Pull with pliers	Check model for replacement
4. Inspect O-Rings	Replace if damaged	Use plumber’s grease
5. Clean Parts	Soak in vinegar	Remove scale buildup
6. Reassemble Faucet	Reverse the steps	Test for leaks after fixing

I always double-check my work to avoid new leaks.

Do I Need to Replace the Cartridge to Stop My Kitchen Faucet from Leaking?

I wonder if replacing the cartridge is the only way.

Usually yes. A damaged cartridge⁶ is the main reason for leaks and needs replacement.

Sometimes cleaning helps, but most of the time, the cartridge is too damaged. Replacing it is often the best solution. I buy the correct replacement by matching the brand and model. After replacement, the faucet works like new.

When Cartridge Replacement Is Needed

Problem	Should Replace Cartridge?
Dripping After Cleaning	Yes
Hard to Move Handle	Yes
Squeaking Noises	Maybe
Temperature Problems	Yes

Replacing it saves me money compared to buying a new faucet.

What Tools and Parts Are Required to Repair a Dripping Faucet?

I do not want to start and realize I am missing tools.

You need an Allen wrench, screwdriver, pliers, replacement cartridge, O-rings, and plumber’s grease.

Before starting, I gather my tools. Having the right tools avoids delays. The replacement parts depend on the faucet model. Plumber’s grease helps prevent future leaks.

Essential Tools and Parts List

Tool / Part	Purpose
Allen Wrench	Remove faucet handle
Screwdriver	Open screws
Pliers	Pull out cartridge
Replacement Cartridge6	Stop leaks
O-Rings / Washers	Seal water paths
Plumber’s Grease	Protect and lubricate seals

Having everything ready makes the job easier.

Can a Faulty O-Ring or Washer Cause My Faucet to Drip?

I always wonder if such a small part causes big problems.

Yes. A damaged O-ring or washer breaks the seal, allowing water to leak⁷ from the spout.

O-rings and washers keep the faucet sealed. Over time, they dry out, crack, or wear down. I inspect them carefully during repairs. Replacing them is cheap and solves many leaks.

Impact of Faulty O-Rings and Washers

Fault	Effect on Faucet	Fix
Cracked O-Ring	Causes slow drip	Replace O-Ring
Hardened Washer	Cannot seal water properly	Replace washer
Loose O-Ring	Water bypasses the seal	Reinstall properly

Never ignore these parts during repair.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair or Replace a Dripping Kitchen Faucet?

I am worried about how much this will cost me.

DIY repair costs $20 to $50, while professional repair costs $150 or more.

Fixing it myself saves money. Cartridges cost $15 to $30. O-rings cost less than $10. A plumber charges by the hour, often $100 or more. If the faucet is too old, replacement costs between $100 and $300.

Cost Breakdown

Item / Service	Cost Range
Cartridge Replacement	$15 - $30
O-Rings / Washers	$5 - $10
Plumber Labor	$100 - $150/hour
New Faucet	$100 - $300

DIY repair is affordable and satisfying.

Should I Call a Plumber or Can I Fix a Dripping Kitchen Faucet Myself?

I am not sure if I should call for help.

You can fix it yourself if you follow steps carefully. Call a plumber for complex issues.

I fix simple leaks⁸ myself to save money. But if I see corrosion, damaged pipes, or if the faucet is hard to disassemble, I call a professional. Safety is important.

When to DIY or Call a Plumber

Situation	DIY?	Call Plumber?
Simple Drip	Yes	No
Cartridge Stuck	Maybe	Yes
Corroded Pipes	No	Yes
Major Leak	No	Yes

Knowing when to stop and call helps avoid bigger problems.

How Can I Prevent My Single-Handle Faucet from Dripping Again?

I never want to deal with this again.

Regular cleaning, checking seals, and avoiding over-tightening prevent future faucet leaks.⁹

I maintain my faucet by cleaning it with vinegar every few months. I also check O-rings and cartridges yearly. Avoiding rough handle movements helps too. These small steps save me from costly repairs.

Prevention Tips

Action	Benefit
Clean with Vinegar	Removes mineral buildup
Inspect O-Rings Yearly	Replace before they fail
Avoid Over-Tightening	Protects seals and threads
Use Soft Water	Reduces mineral damage

Maintenance keeps my kitchen faucet working smoothly.

Conclusion

A dripping single-handle kitchen faucet usually means worn cartridges, faulty O-rings, or mineral buildup. I can fix it by replacing parts or calling a plumber if needed. Regular maintenance prevents future problems. Acting quickly saves money, water, and stress.