What faucet repair involves
Faucet repair is the fixing of a leak, drip, weak flow or stuck handle by replacing worn parts or the faucet itself. Faucets have a handful of moving parts. A cartridge, ball or washer controls flow, seals keep water inside, and an aerator shapes the stream at the spout.
A drip often means a worn seat or washer, and a leak at the base often means worn O-rings. Many faucets can be repaired for far less than a replacement, though cheap fixtures sometimes are not worth fixing.
When a faucet problem is an emergency
Call at any hour if a faucet is spraying and will not stop, if a handle has snapped and water runs, or if a leak under the sink is soaking the cabinet. We answer 24/7, including nights and weekends.
Close the angle stops under the sink by turning them clockwise. If they are stuck or leaking, close the main water valve, then open another faucet to relieve pressure. Move items out of the cabinet and put a bowl under any drip.
A same-day appointment is offered when available, and a clear price comes before any parts are ordered.
Faucet types and their usual failures
Knowing the type helps a plumber bring the right part.
| Type | How it works | Common failure |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Rubber washer presses on a seat | Worn washer, pitted seat |
| Ball | A single handle moves a slotted ball | Worn seals and springs |
| Cartridge | A cylinder controls flow and temperature | Worn O-rings, mineral buildup |
| Ceramic disc | Two discs slide to open and close | Cracked disc, debris |
If the faucet is more than fifteen years old or the finish is peeling, replacement can be a better use of money than repair.
Common faucet complaints and fixes
These come up most often:
- Drip from the spout: replace the cartridge, washer or seat.
- Leak at the handle: replace the O-rings or cartridge.
- Leak under the sink: tighten or replace the supply line, or the valve.
- Weak flow: clean or replace the aerator, check the supply valves.
- Hot and cold swapped: reverse the cartridge or the supply lines.
- Stiff or squeaky handle: clean and lubricate, or replace the cartridge.
A clogged aerator is the cheapest fix of all. Unscrew the spout tip, rinse out the screen and reattach it. Sediment collects there after any disturbance to the water system.
Replacing or installing a faucet
A replacement faucet needs to match the number of holes in the sink or counter. Single-hole, three-hole and widespread sinks each have their own faucet designs. Check the spout reach and height against the basin so the stream lands in the drain and not on the rim.
New supply lines and shutoff valves are worth installing with a new faucet. Old rubber lines and corroded valves fail without warning, and the labor is small while the faucet is already out.
Osceola County's permit page lists swapping faucets with no rerouting as work that does not need a permit. If the work changes the plumbing layout, a permit may apply, so ask the building department that covers your address.
What decides the price of a faucet repair
We quote before work begins:
- Repair or replace. A cartridge costs less than a faucet. A cheap faucet may not be worth the repair.
- Faucet brand. Some brands use parts that must be ordered.
- Valve condition. Old shutoff valves that will not close properly need replacing.
- Number of fixtures. Repairing several at once is more efficient than separate visits.
- Timing. After-hours dispatch may be priced differently, and we tell you first.
Insurance may help with water damage from a sudden failure but not the faucet. For a price, call (321) 463-9969.
Shower, tub and showerhead leaks
The same wear that makes a kitchen faucet drip also shows up in the bathroom. A tub spout that runs after the handle is off, a showerhead that dribbles and a valve that is hard to turn usually trace back to a worn cartridge or seat. The handle and trim come off with a screw or two, and the part inside is the thing that wears out.
A shower valve sits inside the wall, so replacing it may mean opening the wall from behind or through the trim. Ask your plumber what access the job needs, and whether a repair kit for your brand exists before a full replacement is quoted. A clogged shower or tub drain is a separate job, and the plumber can clear it on the same visit.
Flow standards for faucets
Under federal standards, bathroom faucets are limited in flow, and EPA WaterSense labels models at 1.5 gallons per minute or less. Swapping a faucet without rerouting pipes is listed as not requiring a permit on Osceola County's permit page.
What to do when a faucet will not shut off
A faucet that runs on its own can waste water and damage a cabinet. While you wait for a plumber:
- Close the small stop valves under the sink by turning them clockwise.
- Put a bucket or towel under any drip and check the cabinet floor for soft spots.
- Do not force a stuck handle, because a cracked body is a larger repair.
Related plumbing work
For under-sink disposal problems, see garbage disposal repair. We cover Harmony, Kissimmee and the Saint Cloud ZIP codes 34769, 34771, 34772 and 34773.
Questions we hear from Saint Cloud callers
Do you handle faucet emergencies at night or on weekends in Saint Cloud?
Yes. The line is answered around the clock. Close the angle stops under the sink and call, and we book the first open appointment.
Why does my faucet drip even when it is off?
A worn washer, seat, O-ring or cartridge lets water pass. It is a small leak that wastes water and raises your bill.
Is it worth repairing an old faucet?
If the faucet is in good shape and the part is available, repair is cheaper. If it is corroded, peeling or has no parts available, replacement is better.
Why is the water pressure low at one faucet?
The aerator or the cartridge is the usual cause. If every faucet is low, the problem is elsewhere, such as the pressure regulator or a partly closed valve.
Does a faucet replacement need a permit in Osceola County?
Osceola County's permit page says swapping faucets without plumbing rerouting does not require a permit. If the work changes pipe layout, ask the building department that covers your address.