The direct answer
A faucet that drips after being closed may have a worn cartridge, washer, seal or valve seat. Water under the sink may instead come from the supply or drain connections.
Locate the water first
Dry accessible surfaces and observe whether water appears at the spout, around the handle or inside the cabinet. A spout drip and a leak at the base need different diagnosis. Water seen only while the sink drains can come from the basket or trap rather than the faucet. Protect the cabinet from continued moisture.
Match the fixture components
Photograph the fixture and find model information if available. Modern cartridges are not interchangeable across every brand. Obtain the correct service instructions and isolate the water before a permitted minor task. A removable aerator with deposits may affect flow but is not generally the cause of a closed-valve drip.
Know when to stop a DIY attempt
Do not force a corroded shutoff or over-tighten a handle to stop a leak. A seized valve, damaged mounting, inaccessible connections or continued cabinet wetness calls for professional assessment. Discuss whether a component repair is practical or whether the fixture condition makes replacement a better use of the cost.
When professional help makes sense
Stop owner troubleshooting if the source remains unclear, the symptom returns or the work involves gas, live electricity, sewage or concealed piping. For this issue, explore the checks and repair options for faucet & sink repair. A provider should explain the diagnosis, scope and price before you authorize work.
For an active uncontrolled leak, use an accessible shutoff only from a safe dry location. If you suspect a gas leak, leave without operating switches and contact the gas utility or emergency services from a safe place. Do not keep using a fixture that sends wastewater into the home.
What to tell the provider
- Where the symptom appears and when it began.
- Which fixtures are affected and any recent changes or work.
- Any visible leak, error code or unusual sound.
- What you have safely checked and whether any chemicals were used.
Ask about a diagnostic fee, current availability, the proposed repair and any access or restoration work. Independent providers set their own terms. This website may receive referral compensation; read how the referral relationship works.
For general leak and fixture maintenance, see EPA WaterSense home maintenance. For heater selection, see the U.S. Department of Energy water heater selection guide. Always follow the specific equipment manual. These resources do not verify local provider coverage.