Why Faucets Drip at the Handle
Modern single-handle faucets use a cartridge — a removable mechanism that controls both temperature mixing and flow shutoff. When a faucet drips with the handle fully closed, the cartridge is typically worn and no longer sealing properly. Tightening the handle or packing nut will not resolve a failed cartridge because the cartridge body itself is the sealing component, not the mechanical connection of the handle.
The Difference Between Cartridge Replacement and Tightening
Faucet handles become loose over time, but a loose handle and a dripping faucet are separate issues. A handle that wobbles can often be secured by tightening the set screw at its base. A faucet that drips from the spout with the handle fully closed needs the internal cartridge replaced. Overtightening the handle to stop a drip can damage the cartridge seat and make the eventual cartridge replacement more involved.
Single-Handle vs. Two-Handle Faucets
Single-handle faucets use one cartridge for both hot and cold control. Two-handle faucets have a separate cartridge or valve seat assembly for each side — a drip that appears only when running cold water usually points to the cold-side cartridge. Finding the correct replacement cartridge requires matching the brand and model number, which is typically on a tag attached to the supply line at installation. A plumbing technician familiar with common Alexandria-area fixture brands can source and replace the correct part in a single visit.
When a Dripping Faucet Points to a Wider Problem
A faucet that drips after cartridge replacement may indicate corrosion or scoring on the valve seat — the surface the cartridge seals against. A shutoff valve under the sink that will not fully close is a secondary problem that can complicate any repair. Supply lines with visible corrosion at the braided exterior or with age-related brittleness should be replaced during a faucet repair rather than left in place until they fail separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a dripping faucet significantly increase a water bill? A slow but persistent drip can waste a meaningful amount of water over a billing cycle; the larger cost is often secondary — mineral staining, corrosion, and mold risk from persistent moisture under the sink. Q: How do I know which cartridge my faucet uses? The faucet brand and model number on the supply line tag is the fastest route; a plumbing technician can often identify the cartridge type on sight. Q: Is it worth repairing an older faucet or replacing it? A functional faucet with a single dripping problem is a reasonable repair target. A faucet with a corroded body, persistent mineral clogging, or multiple concurrent problems may be more cost-effective to replace.
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