Faucet Repair
Updated November 6, 2026
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Safety
Shut off the water supply valves under the sink before any inspection, and open the faucet to release remaining pressure. Place a towel in the basin to catch dropped parts, and unplug any garbage disposal or nearby appliance before reaching into the cabinet. If the shutoff valves are stuck, corroded, or leak when turned, stop and wait for a technician rather than forcing them.
Before the visit
Clear out the cabinet under the sink so the supply lines and shutoff valves are easy to reach. Note the faucet brand, model, and finish if visible, and take photos of the drip or leak location. Have a bucket, towels, and good lighting available, and mention whether the fixture is a compression, cartridge, ball, or ceramic disc faucet if known.
Repair vs replace
Repair is usually the right call when the leak comes from a worn washer, O-ring, cartridge, or valve seat, when handles feel loose or wobbly, or when water flow is reduced by mineral buildup. If the faucet is relatively new, a quality fixture, or still under warranty, replacing a single component often restores full function at a fraction of the cost of a new unit.
When to replace
Replacement makes sense when the faucet body is cracked or heavily corroded, when multiple parts fail at once, when repair parts are discontinued or cost more than a new fixture, or when an older faucet wastes water compared to modern low-flow models. Persistent leaks around the base after a repair attempt also point toward replacement.
Common issues
| Symptom | Likely causes | Safe check | Stop when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constant dripping from the spout | Worn washer, deteriorated O-ring, damaged cartridge, or a corroded valve seat | Shut off the supply valves, dry the spout, and watch for a few minutes to confirm the drip source and rate | Water keeps flowing after both shutoff valves are closed, or the valve stems will not turn |
| Water pooling around the base of the faucet | Failed base O-ring, cracked mounting gasket, loose retaining nut, or corrosion around the body | Dry the area, run the faucet briefly, and check whether water appears at the base or from the supply connections below | Water drips onto electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring inside the cabinet |
| Low or uneven water pressure from one faucet | Mineral buildup in the aerator, a partially closed shutoff valve, a clogged cartridge, or a kinked supply line | Unscrew the aerator by hand, rinse out debris, and run the water to see whether flow improves | The aerator is seized, the supply line shows bulges or cracks, or pressure problems affect the whole house |
| Handle that squeaks, sticks, or will not shut off fully | Worn handle threads, a failing cartridge, mineral deposits on the stem, or a loose packing nut | With the water off, gently move the handle through its range and check for visible looseness at the packing nut | The handle spins freely without engaging the valve, or forcing it causes the stem to leak |
| Sprayer or pull-down head that leaks or will not retract | Cracked spray hose, worn diverter valve, clogged spray face, or a failed hose weight | Extend the hose fully and inspect for kinks, cracks, or drips along its length while the water runs briefly | The hose sprays from a connection fitting or water reaches the countertop or cabinet interior |
| Rattling, humming, or banging when the faucet runs | Loose mounting hardware, a worn washer vibrating against the seat, high water pressure, or trapped air in the lines | Hand-tighten visible mounting nuts under the sink and run the faucet briefly to hear whether the noise changes | Pipes shake violently, the noise spreads to other fixtures, or a joint begins to weep during the check |
| Discolored water or visible corrosion at the fixture | Internal rust in an aging faucet body, deteriorating supply lines, or pipe corrosion upstream | Fill a white cup with cold water from the faucet, inspect for particles or tint, and compare with a nearby fixture | Water is brown or rusty from multiple fixtures, or flaking corrosion is visible on the faucet body |