How to Fix a Leaky Faucet in Your Michigan Home

A leaky faucet might seem like a small issue. But over time, that constant drip-drip-drip can waste gallons of water, hike up your utility bill, and slowly drive you crazy. What’s the good news? In most cases, you can fix it without replacing the whole faucet — or flooding your kitchen.

Whether you live in a ranch home in Warren or a colonial in Ann Arbor, faucet issues are common across Michigan homes. This blog will walk you through why faucets leak, how to fix them, and when it’s time to call a professional plumber.

Why Is My Faucet Leaking?

First, let’s break down the common causes of a leaky faucet. Knowing the source helps you fix the issue properly — and avoid causing more damage.

Here are the main culprits:

• Worn-out washers – The rubber washers inside your faucet wear down over time. This is one of the most common causes of dripping.
• Damaged cartridges – For cartridge-style faucets, a bad cartridge can cause leaks near the handle or spout.
• Corroded valve seat – If the valve seat (where the spout connects to the base) becomes corroded, it can create a slow drip.
• O-ring problems – A loose or cracked O-ring can cause leaks near the handle.
• High water pressure – Sometimes the leak isn’t your faucet’s fault. If your water pressure is too high, it may cause dripping or spraying.

Now that you know why it’s happening, let’s get into how to fix it.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you start pulling apart your faucet, make sure you’ve got the right tools. Here’s a basic list:

• Adjustable wrench
• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
• Replacement parts (washer, cartridge, or O-ring)
• Plumber’s grease
• Towels or rags
• Bucket (to catch water)

You can find replacement parts at your local Michigan hardware store — just make sure they match your faucet model.

Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

Let’s break this down in a way that’s easy to follow, even if you’re not a plumbing expert.

1. Turn Off the Water

First and foremost, shut off the water supply under the sink. Look for the two small valves (hot and cold) and twist them clockwise until they stop. Then open the faucet to release any leftover pressure.

2. Plug the Drain

Use a sink stopper or a rag to block the drain. Trust us — you don’t want a tiny screw or washer slipping down there mid-repair.

3. Disassemble the Faucet

Depending on your faucet type (compression, cartridge, ball, or ceramic disk), you’ll need to remove different parts:

• For compression faucets: Unscrew the handle to access the washer.
• For cartridge faucets: You may need a hex key to remove the handle and pull the cartridge.
• For ball faucets: These are more complex — use a ball faucet repair kit.
• For ceramic disk faucets: Remove the escutcheon cap and unscrew the disk cylinder.

Snap a few photos during disassembly so you can put everything back in the right order.

4. Inspect and Replace the Parts

Take a close look at the washer, O-ring, and cartridge. If they’re cracked, hardened, or worn out, they need to be replaced.

Use plumber’s grease on new parts before reinstalling them. This helps ensure a tight seal and longer lifespan.

5. Reassemble the Faucet

Put everything back together, tighten the fittings (not too hard!), and turn the water back on slowly. Watch for any signs of leaking.

If everything looks good — congrats! You just fixed your faucet.

When to Call a Michigan Plumber Instead

Even though many faucet repairs are DIY-friendly, there are times when it makes more sense to bring in a pro.

Here’s when you should call:

• The leak is coming from multiple places
• You’ve replaced parts but the leak keeps coming back
• There’s rust, corrosion, or mold under the sink
• Your faucet is old and outdated, and you’re considering a full replacement
• You have low water pressure, which could signal a bigger issue in your plumbing system

How Much Water (and Money) Is That Drip Costing You?

You might think a slow drip isn’t a big deal — but it adds up. The U.S. EPA estimates that a single faucet dripping once per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year.

In Michigan, where water bills are on the rise in cities like Flint and Detroit, that’s money down the drain. And if the leak worsens, you could face:

• Cabinet water damage
• Mold or mildew growth
• Higher utility bills
• Possible damage to nearby plumbing

Bottom line: it’s cheaper to fix it now.

Michigan Homeowners: Choose the Right Faucet

If you end up needing to replace your faucet, here are some tips for picking the right one:

• Match your sink style – Widespread faucets look great in bathrooms, while pull-down sprayers are perfect for busy kitchens.
• Go for quality – Michigan winters are tough on plumbing. Avoid cheap, plastic fixtures.
• Consider water-saving features – Look for WaterSense-labeled faucets to cut down on waste.
• Hire a licensed plumber – Especially if you’re switching from one faucet type to another.

Not sure what fits your needs or budget? We can help with that, too.

Get Trusted Faucet Repair Help in Michigan

From Detroit to Grand Rapids, homeowners across Michigan deal with leaky faucets every day. Whether it’s a dripping kitchen spout or a bathroom handle that won’t shut off, don’t let it linger.

We offer same-day service, up-front pricing, and expert-level workmanship. Our team has worked in homes of all sizes — from lakefront cabins to downtown condos — and we know how to fix plumbing problems the right way.

Final Thoughts

Fixing a leaky faucet isn’t just about saving water — it’s about protecting your home. With the right tools and a little patience, many homeowners in Michigan can tackle simple faucet repairs themselves.

But if things get complicated — or you just don’t want to deal with it — we’re here to help.

Call 313-351-8635 today and say goodbye to that drip — for good.