Faucet Leaks When Turned Off
Updated February 25, 2026
Faucet drips from the spout after being turned off -- caused by a worn cartridge, damaged valve seat, fatigued spring, or deteriorated O-ring inside the valve body. This is typically a diy fix. Estimated cost: $5 - $25 for replacement parts.
Overview
A faucet that drips after you turn it off is not sealing internally. The handle is in the off position but water still squeezes past a worn component inside the valve body. At one drip per second, that is 5 gallons per day -- 1,800 gallons per year. The fix depends on the faucet type: cartridge replacement for single-handle Moen, Kohler, or Pfister; ball assembly replacement for Delta ball-type; or washer and seat replacement for two-handle compression faucets. Each fix costs $5-$25 and takes under an hour.
Symptoms
- Steady drip from the spout after the handle is turned fully off
- Drip rate increases over time as the internal component wears further
- Drip may be hot, cold, or both depending on which side is leaking
- Handle feels normal to operate -- no unusual resistance or looseness
- Drip stops temporarily if you push the handle harder past the off position
Common Causes
- Worn cartridge -- the rubber seals inside the cartridge have degraded and no longer block water flow in the off position
- Damaged valve seat -- the brass seat that the cartridge or washer presses against is pitted or corroded, preventing a clean seal
- Fatigued springs and seats (Delta ball-type) -- the small rubber seats and springs under the ball wear out and lose their seal
- Deteriorated O-rings -- the rings around the cartridge or valve stem allow water to bypass the sealing surface
- Cracked ceramic disc (disc-type faucets) -- rare but possible from sediment impact or thermal shock
What You'll Need
How to Fix It
- Identify the Faucet Type and Brand
Turn off both supply valves under the sink. Remove the handle (pry off decorative cap, remove Phillips or Allen screw, pull handle off). What you see determines the fix: a cylindrical cartridge (Moen, Kohler, Pfister) means cartridge replacement. A metal ball with a stem (Delta) means ball/spring/seat replacement. A large flat disc assembly (Kohler, American Standard) means ceramic disc inspection. Two-handle with a threaded stem and washer at the bottom means compression washer replacement.
- Replace the Cartridge (Cartridge-Type)
Remove the retaining clip or nut holding the cartridge. Pull the cartridge straight out with cartridge pliers or a Moen cartridge puller. Take it to the hardware store and match it. Common replacements: Moen 1225 ($15-$20, fits most Moen single-handle), Kohler GP77006 ($15-$25), Pfister 974-044 ($12-$18). Insert the new cartridge in the same orientation. Replace the retaining clip. Reassemble.
- Replace the Ball, Springs, and Seats (Ball-Type)
Remove the handle, cap, cam, cam washer, and ball. Pull out the rubber seats and springs from the two holes in the valve body (use a small screwdriver or needle-nose pliers). Replace all of them with a Delta ball repair kit ($10-$15, RP3614). Press new seats and springs into the holes. Set the ball on top with the tab aligned to the slot. Reassemble cam, cap, and handle.
- Replace the Washer and Resurface the Seat (Compression-Type)
Remove the handle and packing nut. Unscrew the stem assembly. The rubber washer at the bottom is held by a brass screw. Remove the screw, pry off the old washer, press on the new one (same size). Before reinstalling, check the valve seat in the faucet body -- run your finger across it. Rough, pitted, or grooved? The seat needs resurfacing with a seat grinder ($10) or replacement. A damaged seat chews through new washers in weeks.
When to Call a Pro
Call a plumber if the valve seat is severely damaged and a seat grinder cannot restore it (faucet body may need replacement), if the cartridge housing inside the faucet body is corroded and the new cartridge will not seat properly, or if the shut-off valves under the sink do not close and you cannot isolate the faucet for repair.
Prevention Tips
- Do not crank the handle past the off position trying to stop a drip. Excessive force damages the valve seat and makes the problem worse.
- Hard water accelerates cartridge and seat wear. A water softener extends the life of all faucet internals.
- Replace cartridges every 5-8 years as preventive maintenance. They are cheap and degradation is gradual -- you adapt to the slow increase in dripping until it becomes obvious.
- Keep the brand and model number of every faucet in your house written down. When a cartridge fails, you can order the exact part immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of a faucet leaks when turned off?
Steady drip from the spout after the handle is turned fully off Drip rate increases over time as the internal component wears further Drip may be hot, cold, or both depending on which side is leaking Handle feels normal to operate -- no unusual resistance or looseness Drip stops temporarily if you push the handle harder past the off position
What causes a faucet leaks when turned off?
Worn cartridge -- the rubber seals inside the cartridge have degraded and no longer block water flow in the off position Damaged valve seat -- the brass seat that the cartridge or washer presses against is pitted or corroded, preventing a clean seal Fatigued springs and seats (Delta ball-type) -- the small rubber seats and springs under the ball wear out and lose their seal Deteriorated O-rings -- the rings around the cartridge or valve stem allow water to bypass the sealing surface Cracked ceramic disc (disc-type faucets) -- rare but possible from sediment impact or thermal shock
When should I call a plumber for a faucet leaks when turned off?
Call a plumber if the valve seat is severely damaged and a seat grinder cannot restore it (faucet body may need replacement), if the cartridge housing inside the faucet body is corroded and the new cartridge will not seat properly, or if the shut-off valves under the sink do not close and you cannot isolate the faucet for repair.
How do I prevent a faucet leaks when turned off?
Do not crank the handle past the off position trying to stop a drip. Excessive force damages the valve seat and makes the problem worse. Hard water accelerates cartridge and seat wear. A water softener extends the life of all faucet internals. Replace cartridges every 5-8 years as preventive maintenance. They are cheap and degradation is gradual -- you adapt to the slow increase in dripping until it becomes obvious. Keep the brand and model number of every faucet in your house written down. When a cartridge fails, you can order the exact part immediately.
When should I call a plumber for faucet leaks when turned off?
Call a plumber if the valve seat is severely damaged and a seat grinder cannot restore it (faucet body may need replacement), if the cartridge housing inside the faucet body is corroded and the new cartridge will not seat properly, or if the shut-off valves under the sink do not close and you cannot isolate the faucet for repair.
Can I fix faucet leaks when turned off myself?
This problem is rated "DIY". Most homeowners can handle this with basic tools and patience.
How serious is faucet leaks when turned off?
This is a medium-severity issue. Fix it soon to prevent it from getting worse.
How much does it cost to fix faucet leaks when turned off?
The estimated repair cost is $5 - $25 for replacement parts. Costs vary by location, severity, and whether you hire a professional.
How can I prevent faucet leaks when turned off?
Key prevention tips: Do not crank the handle past the off position trying to stop a drip. Excessive force damages the valve seat and makes the problem worse.. Hard water accelerates cartridge and seat wear. A water softener extends the life of all faucet internals.. Replace cartridges every 5-8 years as preventive maintenance. They are cheap and degradation is gradual -- you adapt to the slow increase in dripping until it becomes obvious..