How to Fix a Leaking Faucet in a Rental Property

A dripping faucet might seem minor, but it wastes hundreds of gallons of water per year, drives up utility bills, and frustrates tenants. For landlords, the good news is that most faucet leaks are simple to fix yourself in under 30 minutes—and you'll save $150-300 compared to calling a plumber. This guide walks you through the tools, parts, and steps you need to stop the drip and keep your rental in good shape.

What You'll Need

Tools

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Adjustable wrench (or basin wrench for tight spaces)
Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
Needle-nose pliers
Old towel or rag
Small bucket or container for drips

Parts

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Faucet cartridge (for single-handle/mixing valves)
Washer and O-ring kit (for compression faucets)
Plumber's grease (optional, helps seals last longer)

Tip: Take a photo of your faucet and the old parts to a hardware store—staff can help you match the right replacement.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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Turn Off the Water Supply

Locate the shut-off valves under the sink—one for hot, one for cold. Turn both clockwise (right) until they're fully closed. If there are no valves under the sink, turn off the main water supply to the unit. Open the faucet to relieve any pressure and drain remaining water into a bucket.

DIY vs Pro Cost Comparison

Option	Cost	Time
DIY (cartridge or washer replacement)	$15–50	20–45 min
Plumber (same repair)	$150–300	1–2 hours (incl. travel)
Full faucet replacement (plumber)	$200–500	1–2 hours

For a typical dripping faucet, DIY repair saves $150–250 per call. Over multiple units and years, that adds up quickly.

When to Call a Plumber

Most drips are fixable with a cartridge or washer swap. Call a plumber if: the leak is coming from the supply lines or connections under the sink, the faucet body is cracked or severely corroded, you've replaced the cartridge and it still leaks (possible valve seat damage), or water is spraying or pooling in ways that suggest a bigger problem. When in doubt, a $100 service call is cheaper than water damage from a failed DIY attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fix a leaking faucet yourself vs. hiring a plumber?

DIY repair typically costs $15-50 for parts (cartridge, washers, or O-rings) and takes 20-45 minutes. A plumber charges $150-300 for the same job, including labor and markup on parts. Most landlords save $150-250 per repair by doing it themselves.

What type of faucet do I have, and does it matter?

The three main types are cartridge (single handle, most common in newer rentals), compression (two handles, older style with washers), and ball-type (single handle with a ball inside). Identifying your type matters because each uses different replacement parts. Look at the handle count and brand—many cartridges have the model number printed on them.

When should I call a plumber instead of fixing it myself?

Call a plumber if: the leak is coming from the pipes under the sink or behind the wall, the faucet body is cracked or corroded, you've replaced the cartridge and it still leaks, or you're uncomfortable with plumbing. A small drip is usually DIY; water spraying or pooling suggests a bigger issue.

Can I deduct faucet repair costs from the tenant's security deposit?

Generally no. Normal wear and tear—including worn washers and cartridges from everyday use—is the landlord's responsibility. You can only deduct for tenant negligence or misuse (e.g., overtightening until it breaks, physical damage). Document the cause before making any deductions.

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