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The first step is to shut off the water valve before anything else, or you'll have water running down while you're working inside. I agree that usually it's just the seal that needs replacing (that disk or rubber piece), but there are cases where the problem is mineral buildup clogging the aerator or even the valve stem stuck - those two can be fixed with cleaning. If you've already tried closing it tight and it's still dripping, then it's worth taking it apart to see how the rubber's doing, because replacing just that part is way cheaper and easier than buying a new faucet.
A dripping faucet usually fixes itself without needing to replace the entire cartridge. The problem is usually the internal seal - generally it's the disc or the rubber that gets worn down over time and lets water leak through. If you replace just that piece (it's cheap and easy to find), you might solve everything. It's worth trying before messing with anything else.
To check if it's really the seal, turn the faucet off all the way and see if the water stops dripping after a few minutes. If it stops, it's just normal wear. If it keeps dripping, then the seat (the base where the seal sits) might be damaged or corroded, and that can get trickier - but even then you don't necessarily have to replace the whole thing.
If you decide to take it apart, look up the exact model of your faucet on YouTube. Most of them have screws or washers that are easy to access. Take the old piece to the hardware or plumbing supply store to compare and make sure you get the right one. If you're unsure along the way, a plumber can fix it in minutes, but honestly it's one of the simplest repairs there is.
Most of the time it really is just the seal that goes bad, but there's a detail people sometimes forget: if the faucet keeps dripping for a long time, it can damage the valve seat (that surface where the disc presses down), and then yeah, you'll need a whole new cartridge, not just replacing the internal part 🚰 So it's good to fix it quickly when you notice the drip, otherwise a small problem turns into a bigger headache.
It's true that usually it's just replacing the seal, but here's the thing nobody's mentioning: sometimes the cartridge itself gets damaged (it corrodes or the threads wear out) and then just slapping in a new seal won't cut it - it'll still drip the same way. It's worth taking it apart to have a look before you go buying parts.
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