That slow, steady drip coming from a bathroom or kitchen faucet in your Holly Springs or Cary home might seem like a minor annoyance. But according to the EPA, a faucet that drips once per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water per year — and what feels minor now can signal a problem that gets worse and more expensive the longer it goes unaddressed.
As a local handyman who has repaired dozens of dripping faucets across Raleigh, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, and the surrounding area, here’s what I’ve learned about what causes them, what homeowners can check themselves, and when it’s time to call for help.
What Causes a Faucet to Drip?
The root cause depends on the type of faucet. The most common culprits in Wake County homes:
- Worn-out washers or O-rings — the most frequent cause in older, compression-style faucets
- Corroded valve seat — the valve seat connects the faucet and the spout; sediment in NC’s water supply can corrode it over time
- Loose packing nut — the stem screw may have loosened from regular use
- Damaged cartridge — cartridge faucets (very common in newer Raleigh-area homes) can develop cracks or mineral buildup
What a Homeowner Can Do First
Before calling a handyman, a few things are worth checking:
- Identify where the drip is coming from — the spout, the base, or around the handle — as this narrows down the cause significantly
- Turn off the water supply valve under the sink and confirm the drip stops — if it doesn’t, the issue may be with the supply line rather than the faucet itself
- Check if the faucet is under a manufacturer’s warranty — many fixtures installed in newer Holly Springs or Apex builds still have active warranties
💡 MCKS Tip: Before opening up a faucet yourself, take a photo of the brand and model name on the fixture. When a handyman comes out, that information saves time and ensures the right replacement parts get ordered on the first trip.
When to Call a Handyman
Call MCKS — or any trusted handyman in the Raleigh/Durham area — when:
- The drip doesn’t stop after tightening any accessible connections
- You notice water staining, softness in the cabinet floor below the sink, or any musty smell (potential early signs of hidden water damage)
- The faucet is more than 10–15 years old and has been showing other signs of wear
- You’re simply not comfortable taking apart a plumbing fixture — that’s completely reasonable, and a quick faucet replacement is a fast, affordable job
The Cost of Waiting
The math on a dripping faucet is pretty clear. At Raleigh’s average water rates, that 3,000+ gallons per year adds real money to your utility bill — and if the drip worsens into a slow leak behind the wall or under the sink, you’re looking at potential water damage, mold remediation, and cabinet replacement. A faucet repair typically takes one to two hours and costs a fraction of what deferred maintenance ends up costing.
MCKS Handyman Services handles plumbing fixture installation and repair throughout Holly Springs, Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding Wake County communities. Book a time online or call Mark directly at 919-893-2298.
Written by Mark Faust, owner of MCKS Handyman Services — trusted local handyman in Holly Springs, NC and the greater Raleigh/Durham Triangle area.