Each time I use my bathroom vanity sink faucet, and then turn it off, there is a steady stream that will linger for a while and then taper off to a steady drip before finally stopping after about 5 minutes or so. If I fool around with the faucet's handle I can get the drip to stop sooner. Where do I begin to troubleshoot this issue? I have little to no plumbing experience. You may notice my name from a previous vanity post this weekend, but this FYI, this is a different bathroom.

Thanks a lot!

Do you know the brand name of the faucet? Does it have a cartridge or a stem and washer? Most modern bathroom faucets use cartrridges and they can be disassembled and rebuilt or replaced. A stem can also be repaired with a new washer and a seat. Any chance of a picture?

It is a Valley brand, and is pretty old. It has a stem and washer system. Any ideas? It only leaks really when uses the cold water.

To order the stem and washer assembly click on; VALLEY brand faucet parts, handles and cartridges (http://www.plumbingsupply.com/valley.html)
This is how a typical stem and washer faucer will look.(see image) I realize this is not what you may have but they all follow pretty much the same pattern. Shut the water off and unscrew the large bonnet packing nut. Unscrew the stem out counter clockwise. Now, feel around the seat, if it's nicked or has rough spots it must be replaced also or it will just tear up the new washer. Reassemble, turn on the water and test. Good luck, Tom