Faucet Repair
A faucet that won’t stop dripping is one of the most common plumbing annoyances, and usually one of the least expensive to actually fix.
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What Usually Causes a Leaking Faucet?
Faucet repair almost always comes down to a worn internal part, a cartridge, washer, or O-ring that’s degraded enough to let water seep past the handle even when it’s fully closed. Modern faucets typically use a cartridge system, while older designs rely on a rubber washer, and knowing which type you have determines the fix. A constant drip from the spout usually points to the cartridge or washer, while a leak at the base of the faucet, around the handle itself, is more often an O-ring issue. Either way, the parts involved are inexpensive, which is why a dripping faucet is one of the most cost-effective plumbing repairs there is, as long as it’s diagnosed correctly the first time instead of guessing at parts.
That drip you’ve learned to tune out is still costing you money every single day it continues.
Signs Your Faucet Needs Repair
Faucet problems are usually easy to notice, even if they’re easy to ignore.
- A constant drip from the spout, even with the handle fully off
- Water leaking from around the base of the faucet handle
- A handle that’s become loose, stiff, or hard to turn
- Noticeably reduced water flow or a spraying, uneven stream
- Mineral buildup or corrosion visible around the fixture
What You Can Try Before Calling a Plumber
Faucet repair is one of the more approachable weekend fixes for homeowners comfortable with basic tools.
- Turn off the faucet’s local shutoff valves under the sink before starting any work
- Clean the aerator first, mineral buildup there is often mistaken for a bigger problem
- Replace the cartridge or washer, matched to your faucet’s brand and model, a common and inexpensive fix
- Check O-rings for wear if the leak is at the base rather than the spout
- If the leak persists after a part replacement, or you’re unsure of your faucet’s internal design, that’s a sign to compare quotes instead
Why Compare Quotes Instead of Calling Just One Plumber
Here’s what actually matters when a faucet won’t stop dripping:
- Matched with up to three licensed, insured plumbers who handle faucet repair and replacement
- Compare pricing before deciding between a repair and a full faucet swap
- Free to use, with zero obligation to hire anyone you're matched with
A dripping faucet rarely feels urgent, which is exactly why it tends to get ignored for months. Comparing a couple of quotes takes just a few minutes and usually confirms it’s a quick, affordable fix once it’s actually addressed.
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Everything You Need to Know About Faucet Repair.
Why is my faucet dripping even when it's fully turned off?
A persistent drip almost always comes down to a worn-out washer, O-ring, or cartridge inside the faucet body that no longer seals tightly against the valve seat. Compression faucets typically wear out a rubber washer, while modern cartridge and ceramic-disc faucets fail when the internal cartridge scores or a disc chips. A drip that seems to come from the base rather than the spout usually points to an O-ring instead. Left alone, a slow drip can waste thousands of gallons a year and stain the fixture, so it’s worth having it looked at through licensed plumber quotes rather than letting it run. If the drip is at the base of the sink itself rather than the faucet, it could point to a broader sink seal issue worth checking too.
Can I fix a leaking faucet myself?
Yes, for many faucets, replacing a washer, O-ring, or cartridge is a manageable weekend project if you shut off the water supply, note the faucet brand and model, and get the matching replacement part. The tricky part is disassembly, since some faucet handles hide the set screw under a decorative cap, and reassembling a cartridge-style faucet incorrectly can cause hot and cold water to mix or leak elsewhere. If the leak is coming from inside the wall, at a supply line connection, or you’re not sure which part has failed, it’s a better use of time to compare quotes from licensed plumbers instead of guessing at parts. A related shutoff valve replacement is often worth doing at the same time if the valve under the sink is original and stiff.
How much does faucet repair usually cost?
Faucet repair pricing depends on the part needed and the faucet’s design, with a simple washer or cartridge swap on the lower end and repairs involving supply line replacement or corroded shutoff valves costing more. High-end or touchless faucets with electronic components can also run higher due to specialized parts. Getting multiple quotes helps you avoid paying a flat “service call” rate that doesn’t reflect the actual repair complexity. You can compare quotes from licensed plumbers in your area, including Orange County and Riverside County.
Why does my faucet have low water pressure or a weak stream?
A weak stream is usually caused by mineral buildup clogging the aerator screen at the tip of the spout, which is a five-minute fix by unscrewing the aerator and soaking it in vinegar or replacing it outright. If cleaning the aerator doesn’t help, the problem could be a partially closed shutoff valve, sediment inside the cartridge, or a broader household water pressure issue affecting multiple fixtures. A sudden pressure drop after other plumbing work can also mean debris got knocked loose into the line. If cleaning the aerator doesn’t solve it, compare quotes from licensed plumbers to check further upstream.
What does it mean when hot and cold water mix or won't adjust properly?
Temperature control problems in a single-handle faucet almost always trace back to a failing cartridge, since that’s the part that regulates the hot and cold mix as you turn the handle. Over time, mineral deposits or worn seals inside the cartridge cause it to stick or blend water unevenly, and no amount of aerator cleaning will fix it. Replacing the cartridge with the correct manufacturer part usually resolves it completely. If you’re unsure which cartridge your faucet uses or the fix doesn’t hold, licensed plumbers can diagnose and repair it in one visit, often alongside a check of nearby shower valve hardware if it’s acting up too.
How long does a faucet repair take?
A straightforward cartridge, washer, or O-ring replacement usually takes a plumber 30 to 45 minutes once they have the correct part on hand. Repairs that involve replacing the supply lines, the shutoff valves under the sink, or diagnosing a leak that has traveled behind the wall can take an hour or more. Bringing in the faucet’s brand and model number ahead of time can speed up the visit since it avoids a second trip for parts. You can ask about typical timelines when you compare quotes from licensed plumbers near you. Bundling in a plumbing inspection of nearby fixtures is a reasonable way to make the most of a single visit.
What warning signs mean a faucet needs repair soon, not eventually?
A drip that’s gotten more frequent, water pooling under the sink cabinet, a handle that’s gotten harder to turn, discolored or metallic-tasting water, and visible corrosion at the base or supply connections are all signs worth acting on before they turn into a bigger repair. Water damage inside a cabinet is a particularly costly consequence of ignoring a slow leak, since it can rot the cabinet base and promote mold. Catching these early usually means a cheaper, faster fix. If you spot any of these, compare quotes from licensed plumbers and consider a broader plumbing inspection if multiple fixtures show similar wear.
How can I extend the life of my kitchen or bathroom faucet?
Cleaning the aerator every few months, avoiding excessive force when turning handles, and wiping down the faucet body to prevent mineral crust buildup all extend a faucet’s functional life well past its typical 15-to-20-year range. In hard-water areas, scale builds up inside the cartridge faster and shortens its lifespan, so a water softener or periodic descaling can meaningfully help. Turning off the shutoff valve under the sink occasionally and checking that it still moves freely also prevents a stuck valve from complicating a future repair. For anything beyond routine cleaning, licensed plumbers are a quote away.
Should I repair my old faucet or just replace it?
If the faucet is more than 15 to 20 years old, has needed multiple repairs, or replacement cartridges are hard to find because the model is discontinued, installing a new faucet is usually more cost-effective than repeatedly patching an aging one. A newer faucet also typically offers better water efficiency and more reliable ceramic-disc valves. If the faucet is relatively new and the issue is a single worn part, repair is almost always the cheaper and faster route. A plumber can give you an honest read on which makes sense, whether that’s faucet repair or a faucet installation quote.
Why is my faucet leaking from underneath the handle?
A leak from around the base of the handle rather than the spout is typically an O-ring or gasket failure where the handle assembly meets the faucet body. It can look alarming because water tends to run down the faucet neck and pool at the base, but it’s usually a contained, fixable issue rather than a sign of a bigger plumbing problem. Tightening the handle screw first is worth trying, but if water keeps escaping, the O-ring needs replacing. If the leak persists after a DIY attempt, compare quotes from licensed plumbers to get it resolved correctly the first time. If you notice similar wear on other fixtures, it may be worth pairing the repair with a plumbing repair visit to check the rest of the kitchen or bathroom.