Symptoms
- Wet spot around the base of the handle
- Water appears when the faucet is running, not when off
- Handle feels slippery or loose
- Water pools at the base of a swivel spout
Likely causes
- CommonWorn O-ring at the handle or spout baseO-rings dry out and crack, especially on faucets over 5–10 years old.
- PossibleLoose handle or retaining nutVibration and use can back nuts out over time.
- Less commonCracked faucet bodyMore likely on older plastic-bodied faucets.
- PossibleFailed cartridge sealSome cartridge designs leak at the top rather than the spout when worn.
What to do
- Turn off the water at the shutoff valves under the sink.
- Remove the handle to expose the O-ring(s) around the stem or spout base.
- Inspect the O-rings for flattening, cracking, or a groove worn into them.
- Replace any worn O-rings with same-size replacements, lightly greased with plumber's silicone grease.
- Tighten any retaining nut that had backed off, but avoid overtightening plastic parts.
- Reassemble the handle and turn the water back on slowly.
- Run the faucet and check the handle area closely for any remaining seepage.
Tools and parts
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Plumber's grease
Faucet O-ring assortmentSearch: “faucet O-ring kit”
When to call a pro
Call a plumber if the faucet body itself is cracked or the leak returns quickly after new O-rings.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.