Dripping kitchen faucet in a Port St. Lucie home that needs faucet repair

Plumbing Tips

Why Is My Faucet Dripping? Common Causes for Port St. Lucie Homes

August 6, 2026 5 Min Read Treasure Coast, FL

A Dripping Faucet Is More Than Just Annoying

A faucet that will not stop dripping is one of the most common plumbing complaints in Port St. Lucie homes. Beyond the irritating sound, a dripping faucet wastes hundreds of gallons of water per month and can noticeably increase your water bill. Understanding why your faucet is dripping can help you decide whether a simple repair will fix it or whether it is time to replace the fixture entirely.

Common Causes of a Dripping Faucet

Worn O-Rings or Washers

Inside most faucets, small rubber O-rings and washers create a watertight seal when the handle is turned off. Over time, these components wear out, crack, or lose their flexibility. When the seal fails, water seeps through and drips from the spout. Replacing a worn O-ring or washer is one of the most common and affordable faucet repairs.

Failed Cartridge

Many modern faucets use a cartridge instead of traditional washers. The cartridge controls both the flow and temperature of the water. When the cartridge wears out or becomes damaged by mineral buildup, the faucet may drip continuously or become difficult to turn. Cartridge replacement is a straightforward repair for a licensed plumber but requires matching the exact cartridge model to your faucet.

Corroded Valve Seat

The valve seat is the connection point between the faucet and the spout. Sediment and mineral deposits from Florida's hard water can accumulate on the valve seat over time, causing corrosion that prevents a proper seal. If the valve seat is corroded, the faucet will drip even after replacing washers or cartridges. A plumber can clean or replace the valve seat depending on the extent of the corrosion.

Mineral Buildup

Port St. Lucie has notoriously hard water. Calcium and magnesium minerals accumulate inside faucet components, restricting movement and preventing valves from closing fully. If your faucet handle is stiff or the spout drips after you turn it off, mineral buildup may be the culprit. Descaling the internal components can restore proper function, but if the buildup is severe, replacing the faucet may be more practical.

Worn Seals and Gaskets

In addition to O-rings and washers, faucets contain inlet seals and gaskets that prevent water from leaking around the base and handles. When these seals deteriorate, water can leak from areas other than the spout, such as around the handle or the base of the faucet. These leaks are often mistaken for drips but indicate a different internal problem.

High Water Pressure

If your home's water pressure is too high, it can force water past the faucet's internal seals even when the handle is fully closed. A plumber can test your water pressure and, if necessary, adjust or replace your pressure-reducing valve to protect your fixtures and pipes from excessive pressure.

How Much Water Does a Dripping Faucet Waste?

A single faucet dripping once per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year. That is not just an environmental concern—it is money down the drain. If you have multiple dripping faucets, the waste multiplies quickly. Fixing a leaky faucet is one of the most cost-effective plumbing repairs you can make.

Repair vs. Replacement: Which Is Right?

In many cases, a dripping faucet can be repaired by replacing a worn cartridge, O-ring, or washer. However, if your faucet is old, heavily corroded, has been repaired multiple times, or replacement parts are hard to find, installing a new fixture is often the better long-term investment. A new water-efficient faucet can also improve the look of your kitchen or bathroom while reducing water usage.

When to Call a Plumber

If your faucet is dripping and you are not sure of the cause, or if a previous repair did not solve the problem, it is time to call a professional. Reliance Plumbing Solutions provides expert faucet and fixture repair in Port St. Lucie. We diagnose the issue, provide upfront pricing, and help you decide whether a repair or a replacement makes the most sense for your home.

Written by Reliance Plumbing Solutions

The local experts at Reliance Plumbing Solutions have been serving the Treasure Coast for over 20 years. We share our knowledge to help homeowners protect their property and save money.

About Our Team

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