A leaky faucet that drips one drip per second wastes 8.64 gal./day, so eliminating the problem promptly can help save you money and the environment. If both the hot and cold water are running slowly or dripping, the aerator is likely congested with sediment or hard water deposits. The aerator is the piece that screws onto the end of the faucet spout to introduce air into the water so it doesn't splash. On newer faucets, it also restricts the water flow to conserve water. You can remove the aerator by unscrewing it by hand or with a wrench being careful not to scratch the finish of your fixture. Disassemble all the parts, being especially careful to lay the parts out in the order they are removed. Clean the sediments/deposits from each part and reassemble in exact order.

If it is still dripping, you may need a new aerator or there could be another reason for the leak. The exact point where a leak appears on a faucet is a good clue to finding its cause: A spout drip is usually caused by a worn upper faucet washer or a corroded seat. Leaks at the stem result from a loose cap nut or worn cone or bonnet packing. A cap leak, or water oozing below the cap nut, indicates a worn bib or packing washer. A leak at the base of the faucet results from water seeping past a worn lower faucet washer. If you can't find and fix the problem, it could be the faucet or the plumbing piping system and that's when it's time to call a Sun Devil Plumbing professional.