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Why Does My Kitchen Faucet Drip After Turning It Off?

A kitchen faucet that keeps dripping after you close the handle is usually caused by a worn-out cartridge or O-ring. This guide shows how to replace them.

Category:Plumbing
Difficulty:Moderate
Time:30 min
Success:50%
Updated:May 29, 2026

quick_referenceQuick Answer

For Why Does My Kitchen Faucet Drip After Turning It Off?, start with "Turn off water supply and drain lines": Close the shutoff valves under the sink. Open the faucet handle to release any pressure and residual water. Stop DIY if the faucet body is cracked or corroded. This is listed as a moderate recovery and usually takes about 30 min.

verifiedGuide Snapshot

Repair areaPlumbing
Estimated time30 min
DifficultyModerate
Stop conditions3

Last updated May 29, 2026. Review the stop conditions before continuing.

account_treeRecovery State

DeviceKitchen Faucet
Current stateDripping
Specific statePost Shutoff Drip
Failed stepCartridge Wear
Likely failure typeWorn Part
DIY boundaryDIY recovery first
paymentsCost decision

help1. Understand the Problem

When you turn off the faucet, water continues to drip from the spout. This generally means the internal cartridge or rubber seals have worn out, allowing water to bypass the closed valve. Mineral buildup can also prevent the cartridge from seating fully.

build_circle2. Try This First

Best First Step
Turn off water supply and drain lines

Turn off water supply and drain lines

Close the shutoff valves under the sink. Open the faucet handle to release any pressure and residual water.

visibility3. Visual Guidance

See what's happening and how to try the first recovery step.

1
Remove the faucet handle
Remove the faucet handlePry off the decorative cap on the handle, then unscrew the handle screw and lift the handle off.
2
Extract the old cartridge
Extract the old cartridgeUse pliers to pull the cartridge straight out. Note the orientation for reinstallation.
3
Install the new cartridge
Install the new cartridgeInsert the new cartridge in the same orientation as the old one. Press it firmly into place.
4
Reassemble and test
Reassemble and testReplace the handle and screw. Turn on the water supply and check for drips.

autorenew4. If That Doesn't Work

Try the next recovery options.

Tighten the faucet handle set screwSometimes a loose handle prevents full closure. Tightening the set screw can stop the drip temporarily.
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Clean the aeratorRemove the aerator at the spout tip and soak it in vinegar to clear mineral debris that can cause residual dripping.
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Frequently Asked Questions

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warning5. Stop DIY If

Don't continue if any of these apply.

reportThe faucet body is cracked or corroded
reportWater does not stop after turning off supply valves
reportYou cannot identify the cartridge model
Still stuck?Get personalized help with AI Recovery.

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Faucet head wobblesA wobbly faucet head or loose pivot point usually means a failed O-ring inside the neck or a loose mounting nut. Neither requires a plumber to fix.
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Slow hot waterWaiting a full minute for hot water wastes gallons and tests your patience. Trace the delay to the right cause before calling a plumber for a fix you can do.
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Stiff faucet handleA kitchen faucet handle that takes two hands to turn is gummed up with mineral deposits. Disassemble, clean the cartridge, and get one-finger operation back.

Similar Failure Pattern

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This page provides general DIY guidance.
If you're unsure, it's always best to consult a professional.