A dripping faucet is usually caused by a worn internal part — a washer, O-ring, or cartridge — that no longer seals. To fix it, shut off the water to that faucet (valves are usually under the sink), disassemble the handle, and replace the worn part, which is inexpensive. A steady drip wastes water and money, so it is worth fixing. If you are not comfortable taking the faucet apart, or the leak persists after replacing parts, a plumber can handle it quickly.
A faucet that drips after you have turned it off is almost always a worn seal inside. Which part depends on the faucet type — older compression faucets use rubber washers, while newer ones use cartridges, ceramic discs, or ball assemblies — but the principle is the same: a part that used to seal has worn out and now lets water past.
The repair is among the more approachable plumbing jobs. Shut off the water supply to that faucet at the valves under the sink (or the main if there are none), plug the drain so small parts do not fall in, take the handle apart, and replace the worn washer, O-ring, or cartridge with a matching new one. The parts are cheap, and the fix often takes under an hour.
It is worth doing even though a drip is not an emergency. A steady drip wastes a real amount of water over weeks and months — and the sound is maddening. Fixing it promptly saves both.
That said, if you are not comfortable disassembling the faucet, cannot identify the right replacement part, or the leak continues after you have replaced the obvious parts, a plumber will handle it quickly and can spot whether the faucet itself is worn out and due for replacement.
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What causes a faucet to drip?
A worn internal part — a washer, O-ring, or cartridge — that no longer seals. Replacing the worn part usually stops the drip.
Is fixing a leaky faucet a DIY job?
Often yes — shut off the water to the faucet, take the handle apart, and replace the worn part. If you're not comfortable or the leak persists, a plumber can fix it quickly.
Does a dripping faucet waste much water?
Yes, a steady drip adds up to a meaningful amount over weeks and months, showing on your water bill — so it's worth fixing even though it's not urgent.