That drip, drip, drip at 2am is not just annoying. A faucet leaking one drop per second wastes about 3,000 gallons a year. My bathroom faucet did that for months because I was afraid to take it apart.

Turns out most drips are a 20 minute fix and a $5 part.

Turn Off the Water First

Before touching anything, shut off the water supply valves under the sink. Turn them clockwise until they stop. If your sink has no shutoff valves, shut off the main water valve.

Open the faucet to release any water left in the line. Then lay down a towel because there will be a little more.

Know Your Faucet Type

Most modern faucets are cartridge style. Older ones are compression style with rubber washers. Cartridge faucets usually need a new cartridge, compression faucets need a new washer.

Look for a brand name on the base or handle. That tells you which cartridge to buy. I found the brand stamped right on the base plate of mine.

Take It Apart Carefully

Pop off the handle cap with a flathead screwdriver. Under it you will find a screw. Remove the screw and lift the handle off. Some handles have a small Allen screw on the side instead.

Once the handle is off, you will see a retaining nut or clip holding the cartridge. Remove it and pull the cartridge straight up with pliers if needed.

Replace the Part

Bring the old cartridge to the hardware store and match it, or order the same part online. A new cartridge costs $5 to $15 and fixes 90 percent of drips.

For compression faucets, replace the rubber washer and the O-rings while you are in there. They are a couple of dollars for a pack.

Before reassembling, clean any mineral buildup off the valve seat with a bit of vinegar on a cloth. That gunk is often the real reason the seal leaks.

Put It Back and Test

Reassemble in reverse order. Turn the water back on slowly and check for leaks at each connection before you tighten everything up fully.

I turned mine on, saw a tiny weep at the base, tightened the nut a half turn, and it was dry. Total cost: $6 and about 25 minutes. The 2am drip is gone and my water bill is back to normal.