A dripping faucet might be a simple fix—or it could be a symptom of a bigger plumbing problem. Either way, every drip wastes water, increases your utility costs, and can point to wear inside your plumbing system. In this post, you’ll learn how to calculate how much water a drip wastes, understand the most common causes of faucet leaks, explore easy DIY fixes, and know when it’s time to replace your faucet or call in a professional.
Faucet Drip Calculator: How Much Water Is Your Dripping Faucet Wasting?
Even a slow, steady drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water each year. Use our dripping faucet calculator to measure how much water you’re losing, discover the most common causes of faucet drips, and learn when it’s smarter to repair or replace your fixture.
Many homeowners underestimate the impact of a small leak. That rhythmic plink-plink-plink can easily waste gallons per day—turning a minor nuisance into higher bills and unnecessary strain on your plumbing system.
Use our free dripping faucet calculator to find out exactly how much water (and money) you’re losing. Just enter the number of drips per minute for each faucet in your home, and you’ll see the total water waste per day, month, and year—instantly. It’s an easy way to see how even a slow leak can add up to a surprising amount.
The Most Common Causes of a Dripping Faucet
Dripping faucets can stem from a few simple issues. Understanding the cause can help you decide whether you can fix it yourself or need professional help.
- Worn Washer or O-Ring
Over time, washers and O-rings wear out, allowing water to slip through the seal. This is one of the most common reasons for a dripping faucet and one of the easiest to fix. Shut off the water supply, disassemble the handle, and replace the washer or O-ring with a matching part from your local hardware store. - Corroded Valve Seat
The valve seat connects the faucet and spout, and it can corrode from mineral buildup. Cleaning or replacing the seat usually solves the problem, but if corrosion is extensive, a professional plumber may need to inspect it to prevent further damage. - Faulty Cartridge or Ceramic Disc
Many modern faucets use cartridges or ceramic discs to regulate water flow. When these components wear out, they can cause constant dripping even when the faucet is fully off. Since each faucet brand uses different replacement parts, this fix often requires either brand-specific parts or professional help.
Multiple Dripping Faucets Could Indicate High Water Pressure
If more than one faucet in your home is dripping—or you notice frequent leaks after recent plumbing work—your home may have high water pressure. Excessive water pressure forces too much force through pipes and fixtures, wearing out seals, washers, and valves faster than normal.
High pressure not only causes dripping faucets but can also stress appliances like water heaters and washing machines. It’s often measured with a simple water pressure gauge attached to an outdoor spigot.
If your reading is above 80 psi, it’s a good idea to have a plumber install or adjust a pressure-reducing valve (PRV). Keeping your home’s pressure balanced protects fixtures, prevents leaks, and extends the lifespan of your plumbing system.
Repair or Replace: Which Makes More Sense?
If your faucet is newer and from a known brand, replacing a small part is often all it takes. But if your fixture is old, corroded, or from an unknown manufacturer, it may be time to replace it altogether. Replacement is often more cost-effective in the long run and prevents future leaks or part failures. There’s no guarantee that a fix on an aging faucet will last, or that a new problem won’t pop up shortly after a repair.
Before deciding, check whether your faucet brand has had any past recalls. More reputable brands generally have less issues with production and materials. When they do find a problem, they’re more likely to handle resolution better than the lesser known manufacturers.
When replacement is the best choice, a professional plumber can help you find a faucet that fits your sink and water connections perfectly—and install it quickly and safely.
Choosing a Reputable Brand When Replacing a Dripping Faucet
Not all faucets are created equal. When you decide to replace your dripping faucet, it’s worth investing in a quality fixture that’s built to last. Reputable brands offer durable materials, dependable warranties, and readily available replacement parts—making future maintenance simple.
Here are a few trusted names in plumbing fixtures:
- Moen – Known for innovative designs and lifetime warranties.
- Price Pfister – Offers durable, affordable options with a variety of finishes.
- Delta – Popular for reliable performance and easy-to-find replacement cartridges.
A high-quality faucet can last for decades, and choosing a reputable brand ensures your next repair (if you ever need one) will be quick and straightforward.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
If you’ve replaced washers or tightened handles and your faucet still drips, it’s time to call in a professional. A licensed plumber can diagnose deeper issues, like high water pressure, worn valve seats, or internal corrosion that might not be visible.
At Aaron Services: Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, we help homeowners fix leaks quickly and prevent them from returning. Whether your faucet needs a simple repair or a full replacement, our experienced team will explain your options and provide efficient, lasting solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water does a dripping faucet waste per day?
It depends on the drip rate, but even a slow leak of 1 drip per minute can waste over 34 gallons a year. Faster leaks can waste hundreds of gallons per month. Use the calculator above to see your exact numbers.
How many drips are in a gallon of water?
On average, there are about 15,140 drips in one gallon of water. This number is based on a standard faucet drip being approximately 0.25 milliliters.
Is a dripping faucet a serious problem?
Yes. A dripping faucet may seem minor, but over time it leads to wasted water, higher utility bills, and possible fixture damage. It can also be a symptom of a worn-out washer, corroded valve seat, or high water pressure.
Can I fix a leaking faucet myself?
Many faucet leaks can be fixed with a simple washer or O-ring replacement, especially for compression faucets. However, if you’re not sure what’s causing the leak—or if it’s a cartridge or ceramic-disc faucet—it may be better to have a professional plumber take a look.
How do I measure drips per minute?
Grab a stopwatch or phone timer and count how many drips fall in one minute. If it’s too fast to count, count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4. Enter that number into the calculator above.
A dripping faucet might start as a small inconvenience, but over time it costs more than you think. Use our calculator to see how much water you’re losing and reach out to Aaron Services for expert faucet repair or replacement anywhere in Metro Atlanta.