Faucet repair: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What faucet repair is

Faucet repair fixes a dripping, loose or low-flow faucet by replacing the worn cartridge, seals or aerator instead of the whole fixture. Many faucet problems come from a few small parts that wear out, so a repair is often the right first step.

Signs you need it

  • The faucet drips from the spout even after the handle is fully closed
  • The handle is loose, wobbles, or is hard to turn
  • Water flow is weak, or the spray pattern is uneven, which often means a clogged aerator
  • Water leaks at the base of the spout or from around the handle
  • Hot and cold are reversed, or the temperature cannot be set in the middle

What the pro does

  • Shut off the supply under the sink and open the faucet to release pressure, then identify the faucet type from the handle and spout
  • Remove the handle and the cap, and pull the cartridge or the ball and seats, depending on the faucet design
  • Check the cartridge or valve seats for wear, mineral crust and torn O-rings, and replace the part the manufacturer specifies
  • Clean or replace the aerator at the spout, and flush the supply lines to clear debris
  • Tighten the base nut and check the spout O-rings for leaks at the base
  • Reassemble, turn the water on slowly, and check hot and cold for drips and correct direction

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Faucet type: a cartridge, a ball faucet, a compression faucet and a disc faucet each use different parts
  • Whether the brand's parts are still available, or the valve must be replaced with a universal part
  • Mineral build-up that has seized the cartridge or the stem and needs to be cut free
  • Condition of the shutoff valves under the sink, since a valve that will not close adds work
  • Access under the sink and at the back of the faucet
  • Whether the leak is from the base, which may point to a deeper seal problem

What a written quote should spell out

  • Faucet brand and type, and the part being replaced
  • Whether the cartridge, O-rings and seats are replaced, or only the aerator
  • Shutoff valve condition and whether it is repaired or replaced
  • Test method, such as a check for drips under pressure
  • Whether the full faucet should be replaced instead, and the reason

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What type of faucet is this, and are the parts still available for it?
  • Is the drip from the spout or from the base, and how did you find it?
  • Will you replace the cartridge or only the seals?
  • If the parts are no longer made, will you recommend replacement and show me why?
  • Will you check the shutoff valves before you take the faucet apart?
  • Do you flush the supply lines when you finish?

Red flags

  • Pro who replaces the whole faucet for a worn cartridge without showing the part
  • Pro who forces a stuck handle or cartridge, which can crack the faucet body
  • Pro who does not check the shutoff valves before opening the faucet
  • Pro who leaves a drip and says it will settle down

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can clean or replace an aerator, tighten a loose handle screw, and replace a cartridge if the faucet brand provides a matching kit. Call a pro if a shutoff valve will not close, if the base leaks, or if the cartridge is seized, since forcing it can crack the body and flood the cabinet.

Licenses and permits

Faucet repair is commonly done by licensed plumbers, although replacing a cartridge or aerator is often handled by a general contractor or the homeowner. Check with your state or local licensing agency about what applies to the work.

Faucet repair questions

How do I know if a faucet needs a cartridge or a whole new faucet?

If the faucet is a common brand and the cartridge is still made, replacing the cartridge is usually the right fix. If the faucet is old, the parts are gone, or the body is corroded, a new faucet is the better choice.

Why does my faucet drip even when it is off?

A worn cartridge, a worn seat, or a torn O-ring lets water pass the seal. The drip is usually from the seal, not from the handle, and the pro should find which one.

Why is the water pressure low from one faucet?

A clogged aerator or a debris-filled cartridge is the most common cause. Clean or replace the aerator first and check whether the flow returns.

Can I use a universal cartridge?

Sometimes. A universal cartridge only fits if the stem, the spline and the mounting match the faucet. The pro should check the match before any part is ordered.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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