A dripping bathroom faucet may need a cartridge, washer, O-ring, aerator, supply connection, or adjustment. Before calling, a few observations can help identify the symptom, but forcing a stuck handle or corroded fitting can make the problem worse. The safest preparation is to document what happens and keep the area accessible.
Identify The Type Of Leak
Note whether the faucet drips from the spout when closed, leaks around the handle, sprays at the aerator, or leaks below the sink. A drip from the spout often points to an internal sealing component. Water in the cabinet may come from a supply connection, drain assembly, shutoff valve, or faucet body. The location of the water is more useful than the fact that the faucet is wet.
Simple Checks Before Calling
If the faucet has separate hot and cold handles, observe which side is affected. Check whether the shutoff valves operate without leaking, but do not force them. Remove items from the cabinet and wipe the area dry so a new leak can be located. Take a photo of the faucet and any visible model marking if it can be found safely.
What May Be Examined
A provider may inspect the cartridge or valve, aerator, handle attachment, mounting hardware, supply lines, and shutoffs. They may also check whether mineral buildup or corrosion prevents a clean repair. If the faucet body is cracked or parts are unavailable, replacement may be more practical than disassembly that risks damaging the sink or connections.
Repair Or Replacement
The decision depends on the faucet design, part availability, condition of the connections, and whether the fixture is worth keeping. A small internal repair can preserve a good faucet, while a heavily corroded fixture may create repeated leaks. Matching a replacement to the sink holes, reach, height, and supply connections prevents surprises.
When The Problem Is Urgent
Turn off the appropriate shutoffs only if they work normally, and place a container or towel beneath the connections. Do not use excessive force on a handle or fitting. If water cannot be stopped, the cabinet is filling, or a connection is actively spraying, close the main water supply if necessary and seek prompt assistance.
What To Explain
Tell the provider what was observed, when it occurs, and whether the issue began after another plumbing change. Ask whether the cause is the faucet, the supply connection, or the shutoff. This helps avoid replacing a faucet when the actual problem is elsewhere under the sink.