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That constant drip, drip, drip from your kitchen or bathroom faucet isn't just annoying—it's costing you money every single day. A single leaking faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons of water annually, adding unnecessary dollars to your utility bill while keeping you awake at night.
Most homeowners feel frustrated when dealing with leaking faucets because they're unsure whether it's something they can fix themselves or if they need professional help. The good news is that many common faucet leaks can be resolved with basic tools and a little know-how.
At First Class Plumbing, we believe every homeowner deserves to understand their plumbing systems. After fixing thousands of leaking faucets across Minnesota, we've identified the five most common causes and when you can tackle them yourself versus when it's time to call in the professionals.
What it is: The small rubber ring that creates a watertight seal
DIY Fix: Turn off water supply, remove the faucet handle, replace the O-ring with an identical size from your hardware store
Cost: $2-5 for replacement O-ringsTime: 15-30 minutes
What it is: The connection point between the faucet and spout where mineral deposits accumulate
DIY Fix: Clean mineral buildup with white vinegar, or use a valve seat dresser tool to smooth rough surfaces
Cost: $10-15 for cleaning supplies or seat dresser
Time: 30-45 minutes
What it is: The internal mechanism that controls water flow in single-handle faucets
DIY Fix: Remove old cartridge with pliers, install identical replacement cartridge from manufacturer
Cost: $15-40 for replacement cartridge
Time: 45-60 minutes
What it is: The rotating mechanism inside ball-type faucets that controls water mixing
DIY Fix: Replace entire ball assembly kit including springs, seats, and O-rings
Cost: $20-30 for complete kit
Time: 1-2 hours
What it is: The large nut that holds the faucet stem in place
DIY Fix: Tighten with appropriate wrench, or replace packing if threads are damaged
Cost: $5-10 for new packing material
Time: 20-30 minutes
While many faucet repairs are DIY-friendly, some situations require professional expertise to avoid costly damage:
One critical mistake we see homeowners make is using cheap replacement parts that fail within months. At First Class Plumbing, we only install quality materials because we understand that doing the job right the first time saves you money and frustration in the long run.
When you attempt DIY repairs, invest in manufacturer-original parts rather than generic alternatives. The few extra dollars spent upfront prevent repeat failures and additional repair costs.
If you've tried these solutions and your faucet is still leaking, or if you'd prefer to have the repair done right the first time by Minnesota-licensed professionals, First Class Plumbing is here to help.
Our technicians are trained to diagnose the root cause quickly and install only quality materials that last. We provide transparent pricing with three options so you can select the solution that fits your needs and budget.
Ready to stop that annoying drip for good? Contact us to schedule your same-day service appointment. Our technicians will contact you when they're en route, and you'll only be invoiced after the work is completed to your satisfaction.