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Plumbing Guide

Leaking Faucet? Find the Source Before It Gets Worse

A dripping or leaking faucet may waste water and can sometimes leak from more than the spout. Start by identifying exactly where fresh water appears.

General homeowner guidance•Updated Sep 3, 2026
Close view of a residential faucet for a leaking-faucet guidePlumbing
Overview

Faucet leaks commonly involve worn internal seals, washers, cartridges, connections, or supply components. A leak at the handle or base can behave differently from a simple drip at the spout, and water beneath the sink may point to a connection rather than the faucet outlet itself.

Start here

What You Can Check

These are basic observations or simple checks. If anything feels unsafe or uncertain, stop and seek appropriate professional help.

  • Dry the faucet and sink area, then watch where the first fresh drop appears.
  • Check whether the leak is from the spout, handle, faucet base, or beneath the sink.
  • Look at accessible supply lines and shutoff valves for visible moisture without loosening fittings.
  • If the leak is increasing, stop using the fixture and use the local shutoff valve only if it is accessible and you are comfortable operating it.
Pay attention

Warning Signs

  • Water is spreading into cabinets, walls, or flooring.
  • Water is near an outlet, disposal, dishwasher connection, or other electrical equipment.
  • The shutoff valve is leaking, stuck, or will not stop the water.
  • Visible corrosion, cracked parts, or a rapidly worsening leak.
Next step

When Professional Help May Make Sense

If the source is not obvious, the faucet or supply connection is damaged, or the leak continues after simple observations, a plumber can identify the failed component and repair it properly.

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Be prepared

What to Have Ready Before You Call

  • Where the first fresh water appears.
  • Whether the leak happens only when the faucet is on or also when it is off.
  • Faucet brand/model if known.
  • Photos of the faucet and under-sink connections.
This content provides general homeowner guidance and is not a diagnosis of a specific home problem. For urgent, dangerous, or uncertain situations, contact an appropriate qualified professional or emergency service.