A faucet that drips all night is more than a small annoyance. It can waste water, leave mineral buildup around the sink, and point to a worn cartridge or another failing part. Many single-handle faucets can be addressed with a careful cartridge replacement, but the right part depends on the faucet make and model. Northwest Plumbing Services offers practical help for homeowners throughout Columbia County, whether you want to prepare for a repair or would rather have a professional diagnose it. Before taking anything apart, protect the sink, work slowly, and stop if the shutoff valve or faucet assembly will not cooperate.
Gather the right tools and replacement part
For a typical single-handle faucet, keep an Allen key or hex wrench, an adjustable wrench, faucet lubricant, a towel, and a container for small hardware nearby. You will also need a replacement cartridge. Do not guess at the part: take a clear photo of the faucet and the removed cartridge, and note the brand or model if it is visible. A plumbing or hardware counter may be able to match it, but an exact match is important for proper temperature control and sealing. For fixture-specific next steps, review our Faucet Repair, Installation & Replacement guidance.
- Place a towel over the drain so a set screw or clip cannot disappear.
- Use only lubricant made for faucet cartridges and plumbing components.
- Keep the old cartridge until the new one has been confirmed to fit.
Shut off water before opening the faucet
Close the hot and cold shutoff valves beneath the sink, then open the faucet to release pressure. Test both temperature sides and confirm that water has stopped before loosening the handle. If the valves are stuck, corroded, or missing, do not force them. A failed shutoff can turn a small fixture repair into a larger leak, so contact a plumber for safer isolation.
Replace the cartridge carefully
Loosen the handle set screw with the hex key and lift the handle away. Use the adjustable wrench to remove the bonnet nut or retaining piece, keeping track of the order and orientation of each part. Pull the cartridge straight out when possible. Before installing the replacement, compare its tabs, notches, and stem position with the original. Apply a light coat of faucet lubricant, align the cartridge with the faucet body, and reinstall the retaining hardware and handle without overtightening.
- Photograph each stage so you can restore the original orientation.
- Never pry aggressively against the faucet body; a stuck cartridge may need professional extraction.
- Turn the shutoffs on gradually, then check underneath and around the handle for leaks.
Know when to call Northwest Plumbing Services
A drip can come from a cartridge, but it can also involve damaged seals, a cracked faucet body, supply connections, or water pressure concerns. Call Northwest Plumbing Services if the replacement does not stop the leak, the faucet will not come apart, or water is leaking inside the cabinet or wall. The family-owned company can help with faucets and other plumbing repairs in Oregon. Contact the office to describe the fixture and confirm the best next step. For fixture planning and repair context, review our Plumbing Fixture Services guidance.
Questions about this topic
Should I repair or replace a leaking faucet cartridge?
In many single-handle faucets, replacing the worn cartridge is more practical than rebuilding it. Identify the faucet and compare the old and new parts before installation.
What if the faucet still drips after a cartridge replacement?
Recheck cartridge alignment, retaining hardware, and the hot and cold shutoffs. If the drip continues, another seal, valve component, connection, or the faucet body may be involved; contact a plumber for diagnosis.
Who can help with a leaky faucet in Oregon?
Northwest Plumbing Services serves Columbia County. Call (503) 366-1323 or email office@nwplumbingservices.com to discuss the repair.