Quick Answer:
If a new or returning drip starts with no clear active leak point, slowly check the nearby fittings and shutoff parts first. Often a loose packing nut, a disturbed cartridge seal, or a not-quite-closed stop valve is the cause. Work methodically: isolate, inspect, re-seat or tighten where safe, then test the repair.
Why This Happens
After a repair the system is disturbed: water pressure changes, parts are reassembled, and seals are flexed. Small gaps or misaligned parts can weep under pressure even if nothing visibly breaks. Two common patterns are loose faucet nuts that allow a slow weep and components that shift and let a trickle bypass a seal. Sometimes the result looks like other problems, such as Fixtures malfunction after water turned back on, because the symptom appears right after service even though the root is a small fitting or valve.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Stay calm and observe
- Look for where the water is appearing and whether it’s continuous or intermittent.
- Note if it appears when appliances run, when fixtures are used, or even when nothing is on.
2. Isolate supply if needed
- Turn off the local shutoff or the house main if the drip risks damage. Give yourself time to inspect without pressure.
- Open the fixture to relieve trapped pressure before doing work on a cartridge or packing nut.
3. Inspect packing nuts
- For stem-style faucets, check the packing nut just behind the handle. Finger-tighten, then give a small additional turn with an adjustable wrench—don’t overtighten.
- If the nut is corroded or the stem is damaged, you may need to replace the packing or the stem assembly.
4. Check cartridge seals
- For cartridge or ceramic-disk faucets, remove the handle and cartridge per the manufacturer’s guidance and inspect O-rings and seals for nicks or pinches.
- Clean the cartridge seat, re-lubricate O-rings with plumber’s grease, and reseat the cartridge. Replace seals if they look flattened or torn.
5. Examine stop valves
- Close the fixture’s stop valves and check for leaks around the valve body and compression fittings. A loose compression nut or worn seat can allow a slow drip.
- If closing the valve stops the drip, the valve is a likely cause. You can try tightening the packing or the compression nut slightly; if that fails, replace the valve.
6. Reassemble and test
- Restore water slowly and watch the area for a few minutes. Test the fixture through full range of motion to be sure seals seat correctly.
- Keep a dry towel under the repair while you test so you can see fresh drips.
7. Monitor for a while
- Even after the drip appears fixed, check back in a few hours and the next day. Some leaks only show up under certain pressure cycles.
What Not to Do
- Don’t chase drips blindly. Rushing from place to place or tightening random nuts can hide the real source and cause more damage.
- Don’t use excessive force—overtightening can crack fittings or tear seals.
- Don’t cut parts or disconnect with the water on unless you know how to safely isolate and depressurize the line.
When to Call a Professional
Call a plumber if the drip continues after you’ve checked packing nuts, seals, and stop valves, or if the leak is from inside a wall, under a slab, or at a gas appliance connection. If you see signs of larger failure like steadily increasing flow, visible corrosion, or damage to finishes, get help. Persistent issues may be related to systemic problems such as Valves failing shortly after repair, which often need a trained diagnosis and replacement parts.
Safety Notes
- Turn off water and relieve pressure before disassembling fittings. Even small lines can spray when pressurized.
- Avoid DIY electrical work near leaks. If water is near wiring or electrical fixtures, shut off power at the breaker and call a pro.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when handling old seals or chemically treating mineral buildup.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Q: How long should a repair last before I worry? A: If a leak returns within a few days, it likely wasn’t fully addressed; call a plumber.
- Q: Can I keep tightening a nut to stop a drip? A: No—overtightening can damage threads or seals; try a modest turn and inspect parts instead.
- Q: Is a slow drip an emergency? A: Not usually, but if it threatens finishes or grows worse, act quickly or shut the supply and call help.