A dripping faucet seems like a minor annoyance, but a faucet that drips once per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. That’s not just an environmental concern — it shows up on your water bill. And beyond a simple drip, faucet problems can indicate deeper issues with your water supply, pressure, or valves. Here’s everything you need to know about faucet repair and replacement.
Types of Faucets and Their Common Problems
- Ball faucets (common in kitchens): Worn springs, seats, and O-rings cause dripping
- Cartridge faucets: Worn or damaged cartridge causes drips and difficulty controlling temperature
- Ceramic disc faucets: Cracked ceramic disc or debris on disc surface causes leaking
- Compression faucets (older homes): Worn rubber washers are the most common cause of dripping
The Real Cost of a Dripping Faucet
- 1 drip per second = 3,153 gallons per year wasted
- At an average US water rate of $0.004/gallon = over $12/year per dripping faucet
- If you have 3 dripping faucets, that’s $36+ per year in wasted water
- A faucet dripping 10 times per minute wastes 526 gallons per month
Faucet Repair vs Faucet Replacement: Which Is Right?
For most dripping faucets, repair makes financial sense — replacing a worn cartridge or seat and washer typically costs $50–$150 in labor. However, if your faucet is over 15 years old, has visible corrosion, or is a low-quality builder-grade fixture, replacement is smarter. A new mid-range faucet costs $80–$250 and comes with a warranty. A quality plumber will give you an honest recommendation.
Average Faucet Repair Costs in 2026
- Basic cartridge/washer replacement: $75 – $200
- Full faucet rebuild: $150 – $300
- New faucet installation (supply-only): $150 – $350 labor
- Faucet supply/shutoff valve replacement: $100 – $250
- Outdoor hose bib repair: $75 – $200
Find a Faucet Repair Plumber Near You
Faucet repair is typically a one- to two-hour job for a skilled plumber. Use PlumbersCorners.com to find local plumbers who handle residential faucet repair, and look for those who offer flat-rate pricing so you know the exact cost before they start.
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