A dripping faucet is one of the most common plumbing problems in South Palm Beach County homes. Learn what causes it, how to diagnose the issue, and whether you can fix it yourself or need a licensed plumber. The EPA WaterSense on household leaks notes how much water common household leaks waste each year.
A dripping faucet in your Boca Raton home is usually caused by a worn washer, damaged valve seat, or mineral buildup from hard water. As of July 2026, a single dripping faucet wastes approximately 3,000 gallons per year — easily fixable with a simple DIY replacement or a quick pro service call. For background on water quality standards, see the EPA drinking water resources.
A dripping faucet typically indicates a worn washer, corroded valve seat, or mineral deposits from hard water — all common in Boca Raton homes. Most DIY-handy homeowners can replace a washer in minutes; if the valve seat is damaged, a licensed plumber will swap the cartridge or recommend replacing the entire faucet.
What causes a dripping faucet?
A faucet drips when water leaks from the spout even when the valve is fully closed. This happens because the valve mechanism — specifically the washer or cartridge that seals the spout shut — is no longer creating a watertight seal. Here are the most common culprits:
- Worn washers. The rubber washer sits inside the valve body and creates a seal when you turn the handle off. Over time, constant friction and mineral-laden water wear it down, allowing drips to escape.
- Corroded valve seat. The valve seat is the part where the washer presses to seal the faucet. Hard water deposits and corrosion can roughen the seat, preventing a tight seal even with a new washer.
- Mineral buildup (lime and calcium). South Palm Beach County water is notoriously hard — averaging 250–400 mg/L of dissolved minerals. This buildup clogs valve passages and prevents washers from seating properly.
- Damaged cartridge or O-ring. In cartridge or ceramic-disk faucets (common in newer homes), internal seals wear out, causing leaks that no washer replacement will fix.
- Coastal corrosion. Homes within a few miles of the Atlantic often experience accelerated corrosion of brass and steel faucet components, especially in salt-treated water supply lines or after saltwater intrusion events.
How to diagnose where your faucet is dripping
Before you panic or call a plumber, do a quick diagnostic check. This is a safe homeowner task and costs nothing but a few minutes.
- Listen and observe. Is the drip coming from the spout (the faucet opening)? Or is water pooling under the handle? Drips from the spout suggest a worn washer; water under the handle means the seal around the base is compromised.
- Test the handle position. Try tightening the handle. If the drip stops, it’s likely a worn washer. If it continues no matter how tight you turn the handle, the valve seat or cartridge is damaged.
- Check for slow leaks under the sink. Look beneath the faucet at the cabinet or counter. A slow leak under the sink often indicates a corroded valve seat or damaged cartridge, not a simple washer issue.
- Measure the drip rate (optional but helpful). Place a cup under the faucet and count the drips for one minute. A fast drip means the washer is gone; a slow drip might be a partially worn washer or mineral clog. This information helps a plumber diagnose faster.
| Repair Method | DIY Washer Replacement | Professional Repair or Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Simple single-handle faucet with obvious drip from spout | Corroded seat, cartridge damage, or multi-handle faucets |
| Cost | $5–$15 in washers and tools | $150–$350 for service call + cartridge or faucet swap |
| Time to complete | 10–30 minutes | 30–60 minutes, plus parts availability |
| Risk of error | Low (reversible if you reassemble wrong) | None (warranty on labor + parts) |
| Requires special tools? | Adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, flashlight | Specialized tools for tough corrosion |
| Stops the leak? | Yes, if washer is the issue | Yes, always (repair or replace entire faucet) |
Key takeaway — DIY washer replacement works for straightforward, obvious cases; if you find a corroded seat, damaged cartridge, or leak under the sink, professional repair ensures a permanent fix and avoids water damage to your home.
Can you fix a dripping faucet yourself?
For a straightforward single-handle compression faucet (the old-style faucets with separate hot and cold handles), replacing the washer is a beginner DIY task that takes about 30 minutes. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Turn off the water supply. Look under the sink for the shutoff valve (a small oval knob). Turn it clockwise to stop water flow. This is non-negotiable — never work on a faucet with water pressure still on.
- Remove the handle. Most handles have a small set screw hidden under a decorative cap. Pry off the cap with a flathead screwdriver, unscrew the set screw, and lift off the handle.
- Unscrew the packing nut. Use an adjustable wrench to turn the packing nut (the large nut below the handle) counterclockwise. Remove it carefully — don’t force it if it’s stuck.
- Remove the stem. Pull the stem (the long rod inside the valve body) straight up. It should come out easily once the packing nut is loose.
- Replace the washer. At the base of the stem, you’ll find a small flat washer held by a brass screw. Unscrew it, pop out the old washer, and install a new one (hardware store, $1–$3). Make sure the new washer sits flat and flush in its seat.
- Inspect the valve seat. Look into the valve body where the stem was sitting. If you see white crusty buildup, use a damp cloth to wipe it clean. If the seat feels rough or pitted, don’t reassemble — call a licensed plumber (see “When to Call a Professional” below).
- Reassemble the faucet. Push the stem back in, tighten the packing nut firmly but not forcefully, reinstall the handle, and screw on the decorative cap.
- Turn the water back on. Slowly turn the shutoff valve counterclockwise and test the faucet. The drip should stop completely.
Important safety note: This task is safe for a homeowner with basic plumbing comfort. If you encounter corrosion that won’t budge, mineral deposits you can’t clean, or a stem that won’t pull out, stop and call a professional. Do not force anything — forcing a corroded stem can snap it inside the valve body, creating a much more expensive repair.
How much does it cost to fix a dripping faucet in Boca Raton?
The cost depends entirely on the root cause and your approach.
DIY washer replacement: If the drip is caused by a worn washer and you have basic tools, the cost is just the hardware — a pack of assorted washers costs $5–$15 at a local hardware store.
Professional diagnosis and repair (Boca Raton): Typically $150–$350. This includes the service call, diagnosis, cartridge or valve-seat repair, parts, and labor. Most licensed plumbers in South Palm Beach County charge $75–$150 per hour, plus the cost of cartridges ($20–$80) or valve-seat repair tools ($50–$100). This is the fastest, safest route if you’re unsure of the cause.
Faucet replacement: If the faucet is old, corroded, or cosmetically worn, a new corrosion-resistant faucet plus professional installation typically runs $300–$800 depending on the faucet quality and complexity. In Boca Raton’s coastal environment, upgrading to a brass or stainless-steel faucet with coastal-rated finishes is a smart long-term investment.
Why prices vary: The issue isn’t always the washer. Corroded seats, mineral-clogged cartridges, and damaged valve bodies all require different repairs. A licensed plumber will diagnose on-site to give you an exact quote — never a guessimate.
Why do Boca Raton faucets drip so often?
If you’ve lived in South Palm Beach County for any time, you’ve noticed that our faucets seem to wear out faster than those in inland Florida. There are three local reasons for this:
"In 25 years of work here, I've seen homeowners ignore drips that cost them thousands in water damage. A $10 washer now saves money and prevents headaches later."Master Plumber, West Boca Water Heaters
Hard water and mineral buildup. Our municipal water supply typically contains 250–400 mg/L of dissolved minerals (primarily calcium and magnesium). Compared to national averages of 100–150 mg/L, this is aggressive. Over time, these minerals form white deposits (called scale) inside faucet valves, preventing washers from seating properly and creating a breeding ground for corrosion. Installing a water softener significantly reduces this wear for new faucets and extends the life of your entire plumbing system.
Coastal salt exposure. Homes within 2–3 miles of the Atlantic Ocean experience saltwater intrusion in the air and occasionally in stormwater lines. This accelerates corrosion of brass, copper, and steel components. Older homes built in the 1970s–1990s slab-on-grade construction in Boca Raton often have faucets and supply lines that are particularly vulnerable to this corrosion.
Humidity and thermal stress. South Florida’s year-round humidity and seasonal temperature swings (hot summers, occasional cold snaps) cause faucet bodies and seals to expand and contract constantly. This flexing accelerates washer wear and valve-seat damage. Replacing a dripping faucet in late spring (June–July) is extremely common in our service area.
You don't have to live with a dripping faucet — and ignoring it costs money.
In 25 years of hands-on plumbing work here in Boca Raton, I've seen homeowners put off fixing a simple drip for months. They think, "It's just water," but that single faucet wastes 3,000 gallons a year. On a typical water bill, that's $30–$50 in wasted water costs every year. A $10 washer or a $200 pro repair pays for itself fast.
What really surprises people is how often a drip is a warning sign of something bigger — a corroded valve seat, mineral-clogged pipes, or hard water that's attacking the whole system. I always tell clients: a drip is your plumbing's way of saying, "Hey, look at me." Don't ignore it. A quick diagnosis from a licensed plumber costs almost nothing, and it often saves you from a much larger repair down the road.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Dripping Faucets
Ignoring the drip because it's "just a little water"
A single faucet dripping at one drop per second wastes approximately 3,000 gallons per year. Over time, this adds up to wasted water, money on your bill, and risk of water damage if a leak develops under the sink. The sooner you address it, the sooner you stop the waste.
Tightening the handle instead of fixing the root cause
Many homeowners respond to a drip by cranking the handle tighter. This doesn't fix the problem — it only accelerates wear on the stem and valve seat. If the washer is worn, no amount of handle pressure will stop the drip. You're just making the problem worse.
Attempting DIY repair on a cartridge or ceramic faucet without knowing the design
Older compression faucets (with separate hot and cold handles) are easy DIY fixes. But single-handle cartridge faucets and ceramic-disk faucets have complex internal mechanisms. Forcing the wrong disassembly can snap internal seals or damage delicate components. If you're not sure what type you have, ask a professional before trying a fix.
Not replacing the entire faucet when it's old and corroded
In Boca Raton's coastal environment, faucets over 15–20 years old often show signs of internal and external corrosion. Replacing washers on a corroded faucet is like putting a bandage on a rusted pipe — temporary at best. An upgraded, corrosion-resistant faucet is a smarter long-term investment.
Forgetting to turn off the water before opening the faucet
This is a critical safety oversight. Never disassemble a faucet with the water supply on. Even if you've turned the handle off, there's still pressure in the lines. Always locate and close the shutoff valve under the sink (or at the main water meter) before taking apart any faucet.
Using duct tape or caulk as a "quick fix"
Duct tape and caulk are temporary cosmetic covers. They will not stop the leak and may trap moisture under the sink, promoting mold growth and rotting cabinet wood. Always repair the root cause (washer, cartridge, or faucet replacement) rather than bandaging the symptom.
The Bottom Line
It's an obvious washer issue on a single-handle compression faucet
If the faucet drips from the spout and you can see visible wear or mineral deposits, replacing the washer yourself is safe, cheap, and takes 10–30 minutes. This is the best outcome for a confident DIYer.
The valve seat is corroded, the faucet is old, or water is leaking under the sink
Corrosion, internal cartridge damage, and under-sink leaks require professional diagnosis and repair. A licensed plumber will identify the root cause, fix it permanently, and often catch secondary issues your eye would miss.
The faucet is 15+ years old, shows external corrosion, or drips keep returning
In Boca Raton's coastal environment, old faucets are money pits. Repeated repairs add up. A new, corrosion-resistant faucet with a warranty is a smarter investment than endless patch jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dripping faucet a plumbing emergency?
No. A dripping faucet is annoying and wasteful, but it's not an emergency. You have time to diagnose the issue, get a quote, and schedule a repair at your convenience. However, if you see water pooling under the sink or notice dampness in the cabinet, that indicates a leak in the supply line or valve body — call a plumber the same day to prevent mold and structural damage.
Does a dripping faucet affect water pressure on other fixtures?
No. A dripping faucet is a small, slow leak from a single fixture. It will not noticeably reduce water pressure elsewhere in your home. However, if you notice low pressure across multiple fixtures, that suggests a different issue — a main water line leak, a failing pressure regulator, or mineral buildup in the supply lines. That warrants a full leak inspection from a licensed plumber.
What's the best faucet material for Boca Raton's coastal environment?
Solid brass with a protective chrome or stainless-steel finish resists coastal corrosion best. Avoid older chrome-plated steel faucets, which corrode quickly in salt air. When replacing, look for PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finishes — these are far more durable than standard chrome. A licensed plumber can recommend coastal-rated faucets matched to your budget and style.
Will installing a water softener stop my faucets from dripping?
A water softener prevents mineral buildup in new faucets going forward, but it won't repair a faucet that's already dripping due to existing mineral deposits or corrosion. However, if you've had multiple faucets fail due to hard water, a softener will significantly extend the life of your new fixtures and reduce future repairs — a worthwhile investment over time.
Can I use the faucet while waiting for a plumber to repair it?
Yes. A dripping faucet is safe to use. However, if the faucet is stuck (won't turn off completely), or if you notice water dripping from supply lines under the sink, stop using that fixture and call a plumber immediately. These signs indicate a more serious issue that could lead to water damage.
How long does it take a plumber to fix a dripping faucet?
If it's a simple washer replacement on an accessible faucet, typically 30–45 minutes including diagnosis. If the valve seat is corroded or the cartridge needs replacement, plan for 45–90 minutes. If you're replacing the faucet entirely, 60–120 minutes depending on old faucet removal difficulty and new faucet installation complexity. A licensed plumber will provide a time estimate during the initial call.
How often should I have my faucets professionally inspected?
In Boca Raton, a professional plumbing inspection every 2–3 years catches early wear and corrosion before they become costly leaks. If you have older faucets (15+ years), annual inspections are recommended. For homes with hard water, consider adding a water softener inspection to your annual maintenance routine to stay ahead of mineral-related failures.
What should I do if the faucet stem won't come out?
A stuck stem typically means corrosion or mineral deposits have bonded it to the valve body. Stop immediately — forcing it can snap the stem inside and cause significant damage requiring a full faucet replacement. Apply a penetrating oil (like WD-40) and wait 30 minutes, then try gently rocking the stem. If it still won't budge, call a trusted local plumber who can extract it safely.
Homeowner Checklist: Fixing and Preventing Dripping Faucets
Before You Reach for Tools
Use this checklist to diagnose your dripping faucet and decide whether to DIY or call a pro.
- Locate the shutoff valve. Look under the sink and turn the shutoff valve clockwise before touching anything. If you can't find it or it won't turn, stop and call a plumber immediately.
- Identify your faucet type. Single handle? Two handles? If it's a modern cartridge or ceramic faucet, DIY repair is risky — call a pro. Older compression faucets (two separate handles) are more DIY-friendly.
- Check for leaks under the sink. If water is pooling or dripping from the supply line, don't DIY — the issue is likely corroded pipes or cartridge damage that requires professional repair.
- Test how tight the handle is. If the handle is already cranked hard and the faucet still drips, it's not a simple washer issue. Call a licensed plumber for diagnosis.
- Gather DIY tools if attempting repair. Adjustable wrench, flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, flashlight, bucket, assortment washer kit ($10–$15 from hardware store), damp cloth for cleaning.
- Inspect the valve seat after removing the stem. If it looks white, crusty, or pitted, don't reassemble — call a plumber to avoid reassembling a damaged faucet that will leak again.
- Test the water flow after reassembly. Turn the shutoff valve back on slowly. Check that both hot and cold water flow normally and the drip has stopped completely.
- Schedule a professional inspection if the drip returns within 6 months. This indicates a corroded valve seat or hard-water buildup that DIY repair can't fix. A licensed plumber can assess whether repair or faucet replacement makes sense.
- Consider water softener evaluation for hard water. If multiple faucets in your home are failing due to mineral deposits, a water softener will prevent this problem in future fixtures and protect your entire plumbing system.
- Keep a record of plumbing repairs. Note when your faucet was repaired and what the issue was. This helps you spot patterns (e.g., frequent mineral buildup) and informs future maintenance decisions.
