July 10, 2025
A dripping faucet, whether it's your kitchen, bathroom, tub, or sink, means water is leaking from the spout even when the handle is turned off. It's one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners in Atlanta face, and it can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time. If you've been wondering why your faucet is dripping, you're not alone, and you're right to be concerned.
In this article, we'll explain the most common reasons your faucet won't stop dripping, what type of faucet you might have, how to spot the source of the problem, and when to call in the pros at Total Mechanical Care. Whether it's your bathtub, kitchen sink, or bathroom faucet causing the issue, this guide will help you better understand what's going on and what to do next.
Why Is My Faucet Dripping?
A dripping faucet is typically caused by worn-out parts or internal corrosion. The exact reason depends on the faucet type and where the leak is coming from. In many cases, the cause is one of the following:
Worn washers
Faulty O-rings
Damaged cartridges
Corroded valve seats
Unstable water pressure
Ignoring a slow drip can lead to higher water bills and larger plumbing issues over time. Even a minor leak, like one drop per second, can waste over 3,000 gallons of water a year. That's why it's important to understand what's behind the problem and act quickly.
Let's break down the most common causes of dripping faucets and how they might apply to your kitchen, bathroom, or tub.
1. Worn-Out Washers
Washers are small rubber or silicone discs that help seal the valve seat, preventing water from passing through. Over time, the repeated friction wears them down.
This is one of the most common reasons why your bathroom or sink faucet is dripping. You might notice the drip increases after turning off the water or appears steadily overnight.
2. Damaged Cartridge
Cartridge faucets, often found in bathrooms or kitchens with separate hot and cold handles, have a cartridge inside that controls water flow. If it cracks or becomes misaligned, water can leak through even when it's shut off.
If your newer dual-handle kitchen faucet has started dripping, a faulty cartridge is likely to blame.
3. Malfunctioning O-Ring
An O-ring is a small rubber ring that seals the faucet handle and keeps it from leaking around the base. It's especially common in single-handle faucets.
If the drip seems to come from the handle rather than the spout, this could be why your tub faucet is dripping or why the handle on your sink faucet is always damp.
4. Corroded Valve Seat
The valve seat connects the faucet to the spout. If sediment builds up, which is common with Atlanta's mineral-heavy water, it can corrode the seat and create a gap for water to leak through.
This is often the hidden culprit when your tub faucet is dripping even when off. The corrosion acts like a tiny crack that continues to let water escape.
5. Water Pressure Problems
If your faucet only drips at certain times, like at night or only when the handle is at a specific angle, it may not be a mechanical issue at all. Instead, inconsistent water pressure could be forcing water past internal seals.
This issue can affect multiple fixtures at once and is more likely in multi-story homes or properties with older plumbing systems.
Which Faucet Is Dripping?
Understanding the type of faucet you have helps narrow down the possible cause:
| Faucet Type | Common Location | Likely Problem |
|---|---|---|
| Compression (2 handles) | Older homes, bathrooms | Worn washer or valve seat corrosion |
Cartridge (2 handles) |
Kitchens, bathrooms | Cracked or damaged cartridge |
| Ball (1 handle) | Kitchens | O-ring failure or sediment buildup |
| Disc (1 handle, modern) | High-end sinks or tubs | Hard water sediment or internal cracking |
Why Is My Faucet Dripping? Final Thoughts
A dripping faucet isn't just a minor annoyance. It's a sign that something inside your plumbing system isn't working the way it should. Whether it's your kitchen sink, bathtub, or bathroom faucet, pinpointing the issue early can prevent bigger headaches later.
If you've tried to fix it and the faucet keeps dripping, or you'd rather not risk causing more damage, call the team at Total Mechanical Care in Atlanta. We offer fast, reliable plumbing repairs for leaky faucets, worn-out fixtures, and much more.
Don't ignore that drip. Contact Total Mechanical Care today and let us fix it before it becomes a bigger and more expensive problem.
Need help with a dripping faucet in Atlanta?
Reach out to Total Mechanical Care today. Our experienced plumbers will diagnose the issue and provide a long-lasting fix so you can stop wasting water and get back to your day. Call us at 404-907-1924 or schedule online now.