Faucet and Sink Repair in North Highlands, CA
Most drips and leaks come from one worn part. Finding it is faster than replacing the whole fixture.
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Faucet problems and what usually causes them
The symptom points at the part. Knowing which one saves money.
| Symptom | Usual cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Drip from the spout when off | Worn cartridge, washer or valve seat | Replace the cartridge or seat |
| Leak at the base of the handle | Worn O-ring or loose packing | Replace the O-ring |
| Weak or uneven flow | Clogged aerator or mineral buildup in the cartridge | Clean or replace the aerator or cartridge |
| Water under the sink | Loose or cracked supply line, or a leaking drain slip nut | Tighten or replace the line or nut |
| Handle turns hard or wobbles | Worn cartridge or loose set screw | Replace the cartridge or tighten |
| Sink drains slowly | Clog in the trap or branch line | Clear the trap, see drain cleaning |
A drip is not just a nuisance
A faucet that drips once a second wastes a noticeable amount of water over a month, and the drip usually gets worse as the worn part fails further. It also leaves mineral stains in the basin. The EPA's WaterSense program points out that a leaky faucet that drips at one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons a year.
A cartridge or washer is a small part. Replacing it early is cheaper than replacing the whole faucet later after the valve seat has been cut by the leak.
What you can do before a plumber arrives
- Close the two small valves under the sink, turning them clockwise, if the leak is from the supply lines or the faucet body
- If the valves will not turn or still leak, close the main water valve for the house
- Empty the cabinet and put a bowl or towel under the leak
- Note whether the leak is constant or only when the tap is running
- Photograph the faucet brand and any label, since it helps in finding the right part
- Do not force a stuck valve, since a snapped valve is a bigger problem
Repair or replace the faucet
A faucet that is in good shape and only needs a cartridge is worth repairing. A faucet with a corroded body, a discontinued cartridge or a finish that is pitting is often better replaced. Newer faucets are also limited in flow. WaterSense-labeled bathroom faucets flow at 1.5 gallons per minute or less, which saves water without changing how the tap works.
What a faucet or sink job depends on
A cartridge swap is short and simple. Anything involving corroded valves or a sink replacement adds time.
- Whether the repair is a small part, a whole faucet or the supply and drain fittings
- The faucet brand and how easy its parts are to find
- Condition of the shutoff valves under the sink
- Sink type, since a pedestal, undermount or vessel sink changes the work
- Any cabinet or countertop damage the leak has caused
Shutoff valves that do not shut off
The small valves under a sink are meant to let you stop the water without shutting the whole house down. Old ones often seize, drip at the stem or fail to close all the way when they are finally needed. Replacing them at the same visit as a faucet repair is inexpensive and prevents a panic later.
If you cannot close the valve under a leaking sink, you have to shut off the main, which is why a working shutoff is worth having.
Kitchen and bathroom sinks that drain slowly
A slow sink is a drain problem, not a faucet problem. Hair and soap in a bathroom sink, and grease and food in a kitchen sink, build up in the trap. If the same sink slows down again a few weeks after clearing, the line past the trap may have buildup, which is where hydro jetting fits.
Questions about faucet and sink repair
The cartridge, washer or valve seat inside has worn. Replacing that part usually stops the drip without replacing the faucet.
Many people do, but stuck valves, corroded nuts and tight cabinets make it harder than it looks. If a valve fails during the job, the whole house may lose water.
If water is actively spreading, call whatever the hour after closing the valves under the sink. A plain drip can be scheduled for daytime.
Often yes, though some cartridges are hard to find. Ask when you call, and have the brand and model handy.
The two supply lines, the drain trap and the slip nuts that connect it are the usual sources. A wet cabinet floor with a dry faucet points to those.
A cartridge swap or supply line replacement is often done within an hour or so. Replacing a faucet or a sink takes longer.
Faucet dripping or water under the sink?
Close the small valves under the sink, then call. Tell us the faucet brand and where the water shows up.
(916) 555-0100