How to fix a leaking faucet?

Fixing a leaking faucet is a common household repair that you can often do yourself with a few basic tools. A dripping tap usually means a worn-out washer, O-ring, or cartridge inside the faucet, which can be replaced to stop the leak. Here are the general steps to fix a leaking faucet: 1. **Turn off the water supply**: Locate the shutoff valves under the sink and turn them off to stop water flow. If there are no local valves, turn off the main water supply for your home. 2. **Plug the drain**: Use a sink plug or a rag to block the drain. This prevents small parts from falling down the drain while you work. 3. **Disassemble the faucet**: Use a screwdriver or an adjustable wrench to remove the faucet handle. Depending on the type of faucet (compression, cartridge, ball, or ceramic disk), you may need to remove different parts to access the internal components. 4. **Inspect the parts**: Check the washer, O-ring, and cartridge for signs of wear or damage. In many cases, a worn washer or O-ring is the culprit. If you have a cartridge faucet, the cartridge itself may need replacement. 5. **Replace damaged components**: Take the worn parts to a hardware store to find exact replacements. Install the new parts carefully. 6. **Reassemble the faucet**: Put all parts back together in the reverse order of disassembly. 7. **Turn on the water and test**: Slowly turn the water supply back on and check the faucet for leaks. If after replacing washers or cartridges the faucet still leaks, or if you’re unsure about the type of faucet you have, it might be best to consult a professional plumber. But in most cases, replacing worn internal parts stops the drip and saves water and money.