Most dripping faucets need a new washer, cartridge or set of seals, not a whole new faucet. If the water is under the sink instead of at the spout, the supply line or a fitting is the more likely source. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Raleigh.

First, shut the water off
Turn the valves under the sink clockwise to stop the flow to that faucet. These small valves can go years without being touched and sometimes won't close all the way, or start to drip once moved. If that happens, close the main shutoff and let the plumber know, because the valves may need replacing along with the faucet parts.
Match the leak to the part
| Where you see water | Likely worn part |
|---|---|
| Spout drips with the handle off | Washer and seat on a two-handle compression faucet; cartridge or seals on a single-handle model |
| Around the handle or base | O-rings or packing |
| Inside the sink cabinet | Supply line, shutoff valve or drain connection |
| Sputtering or weak stream | Debris in the aerator or cartridge |
| Stiff handle or won't fully close | Worn cartridge or stem |
Why a drip is worth fixing now
According to EPA's WaterSense program, a faucet that drips once per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons a year. The longer it drips, the more the seat or cartridge wears, so a small parts job can grow if it's put off.
How Raleigh's water affects faucets
Raleigh's 2025 water quality report lists total hardness at about 25 ppm, which is soft. That means less scale on aerators and cartridges than in hard-water towns, so a leak here usually traces back to worn rubber rather than mineral crust. If the stream suddenly weakens, unscrew the aerator and rinse it. Grit is more common right after the City flushes mains, and each spring, when the system switches from chloramine to chlorine for several weeks, some customers notice temporary discoloration.
The same report found no lead above the action level at any of the 85 sites sampled in 2025. In older homes, an original faucet is still a reasonable thing to replace rather than rebuild, since current fixtures are made to tighter lead limits.
Rebuild or replace?
A drip from a well-made faucet is normally a parts job. Replacement makes more sense if the finish is pitted, parts can't be found for an older or off-brand model, the body is cracked, or you simply want a new style.
What sets the cost
Price depends on the faucet brand and type, part availability, the condition of the shutoff valves and supply lines, and whether you're providing a new faucet.
Faucet Repair questions from Raleigh homeowners
Why does my faucet keep dripping after I turn it off?
How much water does a dripping faucet waste?
Does Raleigh water leave buildup on faucets?
Why did my water look off for a few weeks in spring?
Related plumbing services in Raleigh
Helpful guides
Faucet Repair in nearby cities and towns
Wake County
Johnston County
Harnett County
Lee County
Nash County
Wilson County
Wayne County
Sources
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