Repair and replacement
Faucet repair, from a drip to a full replacement
A plumber identifies whether a worn cartridge, seal or O-ring is behind a drip or leak, replaces the specific part where possible, and swaps the whole fixture, supply lines included, when the faucet itself has reached the end of its life.
- Specific worn parts diagnosed before a full replacement is suggested
- Kitchen and bathroom fixtures, any brand already installed
My faucet still drips no matter how tight I turn it off. Why?
A drip that persists no matter how tight the handle is turned is almost always a worn internal part: a cartridge, washer or O-ring that has degraded and no longer seals completely, not something a firmer twist of the handle can fix. Continuing to force the handle can actually damage the fixture further over time. The specific part depends on the faucet type: compression, ball, cartridge or ceramic disc faucets each fail in their own way and need their own matching replacement part.
If the faucet is older or the same part has already been replaced once, a full fixture replacement is often more practical than repeatedly repairing an aging faucet, and that is a judgment call a plumber can make on-site once the faucet type and its condition are checked, and it is explained plainly before any decision is made. Supply line condition gets checked at the same time, since a fixture swap is the easiest moment to replace a line already showing its age.
Signs to watch for
What usually brings a faucet call
These cover most of what shows up in a kitchen or bathroom faucet. Most of what shows up is a worn internal part rather than a sign the whole fixture has failed.
A persistent drip
Water dripping from the spout even with the handle fully closed.
Low or uneven water pressure
Noticeably weaker flow than the rest of the house, sometimes just from one handle.
A loose or wobbly handle
The handle moves more than it should or has become hard to turn smoothly.
Leaking at the base
Water pooling around where the faucet meets the sink or countertop.
A spray head that no longer seals
A kitchen sprayer that continues to run or drip after being docked usually needs a specific internal part rather than a full fixture replacement.
Corrosion visible at the base or supply lines
Green or white residue where the faucet meets the sink is worth having checked before it becomes an active leak.
Questions
What people ask before booking
Can you fix any brand of faucet?
Yes, most residential brands use one of a handful of standard mechanisms, and a plumber carries common replacement parts.
Should I repair or just replace the faucet?
It depends on age and history: a young faucet with one worn part is usually worth repairing; an older one that has already been fixed once may be better replaced.
Do you install faucets I buy myself?
Yes, installation of a fixture you have already purchased is a common request; just confirm it is compatible with your existing plumbing when you call.
How long does a repair or swap take?
Most faucet repairs and replacements are completed within a single visit.
Can a single dripping handle mean the other handle will fail too?
Not necessarily, but if both handles are the same age and one has already failed, it is reasonable to have the other checked at the same visit rather than waiting for a second call.
Do you replace supply lines during a faucet repair?
If they are original to an older fixture and showing wear, yes, that is flagged and discussed as part of the same visit rather than treated as a separate job.
Drip driving you crazy?
Get the faucet fixed, or replaced right
Describe what the faucet is doing, whether dripping, loose, or low pressure, and we will tell you what it needs. Tell us which handle or spout is affected and what it is doing.
No obligation. Most faucet issues are a quick, straightforward visit.