Fixing a Bathroom Sink Faucet Leak
Is your bathroom sink dripping under the handle? Learn why faucets leak from underneath and how to fix or replace them the right way.
A leaking bathroom sink can be frustrating, especially when the source is not the pipes but the faucet itself. In many cases, water can drip from the underside of a faucet handle. This problem is common with older faucets, like American Standard models installed more than a decade ago.
In this situation, the leak comes from the underside of the cold-water handle, even after the supply lines were replaced. The drip occurs whenever water is running, whether hot or cold, when the water is turned on.
Question:
Why is my bathroom faucet leaking from under the handle, and do I need to replace the faucet?
Answer:
A leak under the handle usually means a worn cartridge, O-ring, or gasket. On older American Standard faucets, these internal parts wear down with age. Replacing the cartridge or O-ring may fix the leak if you can identify the model and buy replacement parts. If the model number is unknown or parts are unavailable, replacing the faucet is the easiest solution.
If you decide to replace the faucet, widespread and centerset bathroom faucets are the most common types. Measure the hole spacing on your sink before buying. Many brands, including American Standard, Moen, and Delta, offer reliable models with easy replacement parts.
For a step-by-step installation video, check this bathroom faucet installation guide. You may also want to see the Home Depot faucet replacement tutorial.
Replacing a faucet is a beginner-friendly DIY job. Most homeowners can complete the work with basic tools in less than an hour.
I’m Chris Mayer, writing for Plumbing 101.
