Bathroom Faucet Leaking: Reasons, Signs, Impacts and Fixing

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

A bathroom faucet leaking is a common plumbing issue where water drips continuously from the tap even when it’s turned off. The bathroom faucet is leaking due to worn-out rubber washers, cracked O-rings, or corroded brass valve stems. You can observe a faucet leaking at the spout, cartridge, or valve seat of fixtures such as single-handle mixers, two-handle taps, or sensor-operated faucets.

You can observe the bathroom faucet leaking from dripping from the spout, water pooling around the base, mineral stains or white crust in the faucet, squeaky or loose handle movement, and the sound of water dripping. Prolonged bathroom faucet leaking causes waste the water, builds stain marks on the surface, grows mold under the sink, increases water bills, and damages the organic fixtures in the bathroom.

To prevent this serious water damage in the bathroom, you should waterproof the countertop and sink area properly. As well as you should replace worn washers, tighten loose fittings, and clean mineral buildups in the faucet.

In some cases, there is a faucet leaking; you can fix it by referring to the step-by-step guide. Aqviz experts have prepared this guide to fix/repair the bathroom faucet leaking. We have prepared this to do it in DIY. So if there is any problem, don’t hesitate to reach out to Aqviz support.

What is a Leaky Faucet in the Bathroom?

A leaky faucet in the bathroom is a common plumbing issue where water drips continuously from the tap even when it’s turned off. Leaky faucet in the bathroom often results from worn-out rubber washers, cracked O-rings, or corroded brass valve stems. It causes water stains, loosens silicone seals, and promotes mineral buildup from hard water. This typically occurs at the spout, cartridge, or valve seat of fixtures such as single-handle mixers, two-handle taps, or sensor-operated faucets.

Over time, even a small drip can damage the bathroom area and its fixtures seriously. So Aqviz experts recommend installing a waterproofing membrane in the bathroom and fixing faucet leaks immediately. Installing compression-resistant membranes under countertops and around plumbing holes ensures that moisture from a leaky faucet doesn’t seep into structural layers or backing boards.

What are the Reasons for a Faucet Leaking in the Bathroom?

There are 4 reasons for a faucet leaking in the bathroom: worn washers, damaged O-rings, corroded valve seats, and loose or faulty cartridges.

Worn washers: The rubber washers in the faucet wear down, harden, or become misshapen. This allows water to drip from the faucet spout even when turned off.
Damaged O-rings: The O-ring can crack, dry out, or loosen due to friction or mineral buildup. This causes to leak around the faucet base or handle area.
Corroded valve seats: The valve seat can be corroded by hard water or debris. This causes an uneven seal and continuous dripping from the faucet spout outlet.
Loose or faulty cartridges: When the cartridge is cracked, misaligned, or not seated properly, it results in intermittent leaks or dripping from the faucet head.

How to Detect a Bathroom Faucet Leaking?

Bathroom faucet leaking can be identified by these 5 signs: dripping from the spout, water pooling around the base, mineral stains or white crust, squeaky or loose handle movement and sound of water dripping.

Dripping from the spout : If you observe a steady or occasional drip from the faucet spout even when the handle is fully closed, it is strong evidence of a worn washer, cartridge, or valve that’s failing to seal properly.
Water pooling around the base : When you see water collecting around the faucet base or on the countertop after each use, that is a strong signal that an internal O-ring or seal is leaking under the handle or faucet body.
Mineral stains or white crust : If you observe chalky buildup or discoloration on or around the faucet head or joints, it indicates a slow, continuous leak that allows hard water to evaporate and leave deposits behind.
Squeaky or loose handle movement : When you feel resistance or looseness while turning the faucet handle, it strongly suggests internal wear or a failing cartridge that may allow water to leak past the control valve.
Sound of dripping at night : If you occasionally hear faint dripping sounds in a quiet bathroom, it’s a reliable sign of a faucet leak, especially when the house is silent and the noise becomes more noticeable.

What are the Problems of a Faucet Leaking in the Bathroom?

There are 5 problems due to a faucet leaking in the bathroom, such as water wastage, fixture staining, mold formation, increased utility costs, and damage to cabinets or countertops. Continuous leaks negatively impact water efficiency, hygiene, and surface durability.

Water wastage and inefficiency : A leaking faucet allows gallons of water to drip daily without use. This unnecessary loss reduces water conservation, increases utility bills, and puts extra load on water supply systems.
Fixture and surface staining : Leaky faucets cause standing water around the sink rim, leading to rust, mineral buildup, and hard water stains. These visible marks affect appearance and reduce surface lifespan.
Mold formation under sinks : Faucet leaks allow moisture to seep beneath countertops and inside vanity cabinets. This promotes mold and mildew growth in hidden zones, which negatively affects indoor air quality and hygiene.
Increased water bills : Bathroom faucet leaks may seem minor, but over time, they contribute to substantial water loss. This directly increases water utility costs, causing financial inefficiency.
Damage to wooden cabinetry and sealants : Faucet leaking leads to water pooling near cabinet joints, silicone seals, and particle boards. These materials absorb moisture, lose strength, and degrade, leading to premature bathroom repairs or replacements.

How to Minimize the Impact of a Bathroom Faucet Leaking?

To minimize the impact of a bathroom faucet leaking, you should waterproof the countertop area and follow proper maintenance practices. Here are 4 effective solutions to reduce damage from faucet leaks:

Waterproof the countertop and sink area : Applying waterproof sealants around the faucet base, sink edges, and backsplash helps to prevent water from seeping into cabinets and behind the vanity. It helps stop moisture accumulation that leads to mold, swelling, and material deterioration.
Replace worn washers and cartridges : Replacing old or damaged rubber washers, ceramic cartridges, or O-rings helps to stop internal faucet leaks. This prevents water from dripping continuously and helps maintain water efficiency.
Tighten loose fittings : Regularly checking and tightening faucet nuts, handles, and supply line connections helps to stop minor leaks before they become damaging. This helps to reduce the risk of water pooling around the fixture.
Clean mineral buildup : Removing limescale and hard water deposits from the faucet aerator and valves helps to maintain proper sealing. This prevents internal wear and helps reduce leaks caused by corrosion or clogging.

How to Fix a Bathroom Faucet Leaking?

To fix a bathroom faucet leaking, you should follow the 5-step gu ide below. Aqviz experts follow these steps in all service calls and bathroom repairs. These practical steps help you use the right tools efficiently and restore faucet function with lasting results.

Shut off the water supply : First, you should always turn off the close valves under the sink to prevent water flow. Then you should open the faucet to release any remaining pressure in the line. This step ensures a clean and safe working environment.
Disassemble the faucet: Then you should use a flathead screwdriver, Allen key, and adjustable wrench to remove the handle, retaining nut, and bonnet cap. Then you can observe the internal components like the cartridge, washer, or O-ring.
Inspect and replace worn parts: Next, you should check the rubber washers, ceramic cartridges, and O-rings for cracks, hardening, or deformation. You can use a needle-nose pliers or a cartridge puller. You should remove the damaged parts and replace them with brand-matched replacements to stop internal leaks.
Clean and lubricate the assembly: Before reassembly, we highly recommend that you clean all internal parts using white vinegar or lime remover to clear out mineral buildup. Then, you should apply plumber’s grease on O-rings and moving parts to ensure smooth operation and better sealing.
Reassemble and test the faucet: Finally, you should reinstall the faucet components in reverse order and turn the water supply back on. Using a tissue or a paper towel, you can check for drips at the base, spout, and handle area to confirm the leak has been eliminated.

Aqviz Experts have investigated all of the bathroom water damages and listed out the 8 most common water damage in the bathroom and prepared a complete guide for each water problem with including reasons, signs, problems, and how to fix it properly as an expert. So we highly recommend you to refer to all of these 8 bathroom problems.

What is the Most Damaged Faucet Part?

From our experience at Aqviz, the cartridge is the most commonly damaged faucet part. It controls water flow and temperature inside the faucet body. Over time, mineral buildup, friction, and heat from hot water cause the cartridge to wear out, leading to leaks, stiffness, or dripping even when turned off.

Read More About: How to Fix Leaky Faucet Single Handle?

How Long Can a Faucet Last?

A quality bathroom faucet typically lasts 10 to 15 years. But it depends on water quality, usage frequency, and maintenance of the faucet. To increase the faucet life, you should check internal parts every 3-5 years and change most worn components line washers, cartridges, and aerators, which are wearing out faster.

Should you Waterproof the Wall Near the Faucet?

Yes, you should always waterproof the wall near the faucet. You should apply a liquid waterproofing membrane or flexible sealant around wall-mounted faucets and behind tile backsplashes. It helps to prevent mold, plaster damage, and tile detachment in high-moisture zones in the bathroom.