Leaking faucet? 5 things to check before it gets worse
Figure out where the leak is coming from, shut off local supply if needed, and stop treating a pressurized leak like a harmless drip.
What to do, in order
Identify the leak location
Is the water coming from the spout? The handle area? The base of the faucet? Under the sink? A supply-line connection?
Those are different problems, and they don't all carry the same urgency.
Dry everything and watch carefully
Wipe the area dry, then watch where moisture returns first. This is often the fastest way to stop guessing.
A drip from the spout is different from a wet cabinet floor or a supply-line seep.
Shut off local supply if the leak is active
If the leak is more than a small drip, or if water is collecting under the sink, turn off the local shutoff valves if you can do so safely.
If the valve itself looks unstable or starts leaking, stop there.
Check for obvious looseness without forcing anything
If a visible connection under the sink is clearly loose and easy to assess, you can inspect it carefully. The keyword is carefully.
This isn't the moment to overtighten every visible fitting and hope one of them is the answer.
Book repair if the leak persists or is under pressure
A persistent faucet drip may be a repair job. A spray leak, cabinet leak, or supply-line leak is a bigger concern — escalate when the leak is under the sink, the cabinet is getting wet, the faucet base is leaking into the counter or cabinet, or the leak is more than a slow drip.
What not to do
- Don't ignore moisture under the sink.
- Don't overtighten random fittings.
- Don't assume "small leak" means "no damage."
- Don't keep using the fixture normally if the leak is under pressure.
When it becomes urgent
- The leak is spraying.
- The cabinet is flooding.
- Water is getting into flooring or walls.
- The shutoff valve isn't controlling the leak.
Edmonton context
Even a "small" plumbing leak can become expensive if it sits unnoticed inside cabinetry or flooring. Faucet issues are often less about drama and more about catching damage early.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a dripping faucet an emergency?
- Usually not. A pressurized or under-sink leak is much more urgent than a slow spout drip.
- Should I replace the faucet myself?
- That depends on the leak location and your comfort level. If supply lines, shutoffs, or under-sink fittings are involved, many homeowners prefer not to improvise.
- Can a leaking faucet damage cabinets?
- Yes. Slow hidden leaks often do more damage than obvious drips because they go unnoticed.
- What if the leak stopped after I tightened something?
- Watch it closely. Temporary improvement doesn't always mean a lasting fix.