7 Common Faucet Problems and How to Fix Them Yourself

Faucets are one of the most used fixtures in any home, and when they stop working properly, it can quickly become frustrating. From leaks to low water pressure, many common faucet problems are easy to diagnose and fix without the cost of a plumber.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the most frequent faucet issues, why they happen, and how to repair them step by step. With a few tools and some basic know-how, you can keep your faucets working smoothly and extend their lifespan.

Why Do Faucets Develop Problems?

Every faucet goes through daily wear and tear. Over time, washers, O-rings, and cartridges break down, which leads to leaks or stiffness in the handle. Water quality also plays a big role, as mineral buildup from hard water can clog aerators and reduce pressure.

Sometimes the problem comes down to installation or age. Older fixtures may corrode or lose efficiency, while poorly installed faucets may never work quite right. Small issues, if ignored, can also cause bigger damage, such as water waste or even cabinet damage from hidden leaks.

“I’ve seen countless cases where a simple washer replacement could have saved homeowners from expensive repairs later,” says Dylan Foster, former plumber and senior editor at TheHouseholdNeeds.com. “Catching small faucet problems early is always the smartest move.”

Tools and Supplies You May Need

Most faucet fixes don’t require special equipment. With a few common tools and replacement parts, you’ll be ready to tackle most problems.

• Adjustable wrench or basin wrench
• Screwdrivers (both flathead and Phillips)
• Replacement washers, O-rings, or cartridges
• Plumber’s grease for lubrication
• Plumber’s tape for sealing threads
• A bucket and towel for cleanup

Common Faucet Problems and How to Fix Them

Most faucet issues fall into a few categories. Here are the seven most common problems and the steps to fix each one.

1. Leaky or Dripping Faucet

A dripping faucet is one of the most common issues homeowners face. Even a slow drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water a year, increasing utility bills and leaving mineral stains around the sink. The usual culprits are worn washers, O-rings, or a faulty cartridge that no longer seals properly.

Fix:

1. Turn off the water supply under the sink to prevent flooding.
2. Remove the faucet handle carefully to access the cartridge or washer assembly.
3. Inspect the rubber washers and O-rings for wear, cracks, or stiffness. Replace them with identical parts that fit your faucet model.
4. If the faucet uses a cartridge, replace it entirely with a manufacturer-approved part.
5. Reassemble the faucet, turn the water supply back on, and check for leaks.

Tip: Replacing worn washers early prevents damage to the faucet body, which can cost much more to repair.

2. Low Water Pressure

Weak water flow from a faucet is usually caused by a clogged aerator or buildup of mineral deposits inside the faucet. Hard water areas are especially prone to this, as calcium and lime deposits accumulate over time.

Fix:

1. Unscrew the aerator at the tip of the spout.
2. Rinse it under running water, and soak it in vinegar for 30 minutes to dissolve mineral deposits.
3. If the aerator is damaged or corroded, replace it with a new one.
4. Run water through the faucet without the aerator to flush any loose debris in the lines.
5. Screw the aerator back on and test the water pressure.

If low pressure affects the entire house, it may point to a plumbing issue beyond the faucet.

3. Handle Is Hard to Turn

When a faucet handle feels stiff or doesn’t move smoothly, the cartridge may be wearing out, or mineral deposits could be causing friction. This problem, if ignored, often leads to handle damage or complete failure of the faucet.

Fix:

1. Shut off the water supply.
2. Remove the faucet handle using a screwdriver or Allen wrench.
3. Take out the cartridge and soak it in vinegar to remove mineral buildup.
4. Apply plumber’s grease to the moving parts before reassembly.
5. If the cartridge shows signs of wear or cracking, replace it with a new one.

Regular lubrication can extend the life of your faucet handle and keep it working smoothly.

4. Noisy Faucet

A faucet that whistles, screeches, or bangs is more than just annoying. Noises often signal trapped air, loose parts, or high water pressure. Left unchecked, these issues can stress your plumbing system.

Fix:

1. Start by checking the aerator for blockages or debris and clean it.
2. Inspect washers, O-rings, and cartridges, and replace them if worn.
3. If the noise continues, the problem may be due to “water hammer,” which is caused by sudden changes in water flow. Installing a water hammer arrestor may help.
4. If you suspect high water pressure, have a plumber measure it and adjust your home’s pressure regulator if needed.

5. Faucet Leaks at the Base

When water pools around the base of a faucet, the O-rings inside the spout or the seals around the connections are often to blame. Over time, rubber components wear out, and seals loosen, allowing water to escape.

Fix:

1. Turn off the water supply.
2. Remove the spout to access the O-rings.
3. Replace the old O-rings with new ones of the same size.
4. Apply plumber’s grease to the O-rings before reinstalling them to ensure a watertight seal.
5. Reassemble the faucet and test by running water for a few minutes.

Catch base leaks early to avoid water damage to cabinets and countertops.

6. Inconsistent Water Temperature

If your faucet suddenly switches between hot and cold, or you can’t maintain a steady temperature, the cartridge inside a single-handle faucet is likely malfunctioning. This issue can also cause scalding risks if left unfixed.

Fix:

1. Shut off the water supply.
2. Remove the faucet handle and access the cartridge.
3. Replace the cartridge with a new one designed specifically for your faucet model.
4. Reassemble the faucet and turn on the water supply.
5. Test the water temperature carefully to confirm consistency.

Always buy manufacturer-specific replacement cartridges for best results.

7. Sprayer Problems (Side or Pull-Down)

Faucet sprayers may lose pressure, get stuck, or leak around the hose. Most of the time, these issues are due to mineral deposits in the sprayer head or cracks in the hose.

Fix:

1. Detach the sprayer head and soak it in vinegar for 30–60 minutes to clear clogs.
2. Check the hose for visible cracks or leaks. Replace it if necessary.
3. If water fails to divert properly, the diverter valve inside the faucet body may need cleaning or replacement.
4. Reassemble and test the sprayer to ensure smooth water flow.

Sprayers are often inexpensive to replace if cleaning doesn’t solve the issue.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Taking a few simple steps can extend the life of your faucet and help you avoid many of the common issues above. Regular care and choosing the right faucet for your home also make a big difference in long-term performance.

• Clean aerators every few months to prevent mineral buildup.
• Replace washers, O-rings, and cartridges before they wear out completely.
• Use plumber’s grease on moving parts to keep handles turning smoothly.
• Install a water softener if you live in a hard water area.
• Check for small leaks regularly to catch problems early.

Conclusion

Faucets may seem simple, but they work hard every day and naturally develop problems over time. Issues like drips, leaks, or low pressure often come down to worn parts or mineral deposits, and most fixes can be done at home with basic tools.

By learning how to handle these common problems and following a few preventive steps, you can save money, reduce water waste, and keep your fixtures working smoothly for years to come.