What causes a faucet to drip or leak
Inside most faucets is a cartridge, ball, or set of washers and seals that control the flow of water. When those parts wear down or collect mineral scale, water slips past them and the faucet drips from the spout.
A leak at the handle usually means a worn seal or O-ring. A leak under the sink often means a loose supply line or a failed connection, not the faucet itself. We find the actual source before replacing parts, so you do not pay for the wrong fix.
Faucet problems we fix
Most are quick once we know which part has failed.
- A steady drip from the spout that continues after the handle is off.
- A leak around the base or the handles.
- Low flow or uneven spray, often from a clogged aerator or cartridge.
- Hot and cold that mix wrong or a handle that is stiff or loose.
- An outdoor hose bib that drips or leaks inside the wall when you turn it on.
Repair or replace the faucet
Age, finish, and parts availability decide.
| Situation | Better choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Newer faucet, one worn part | Repair | A cartridge or seal is inexpensive |
| Old faucet, parts hard to find | Replace | Time spent hunting parts costs more than a new faucet |
| Pitted or corroded finish | Replace | Surface damage cannot be repaired |
| Want a different style or features | Replace | Pull-down, touchless, or filtered models |
| Hose bib leaking in the wall | Repair or replace | See burst pipe repair if water is inside the wall |
Kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor faucets
Kitchen faucets take the most use and the most abuse. Pull-down sprayers and hoses wear at the connections, and cartridges fail from daily use. Bathroom faucets are simpler but often have pop-up drains and supply lines that also need attention.
Outdoor hose bibs matter in southern Arizona because a cold night can crack an exposed one. If a bib drips only when the hose is attached, the vacuum breaker may have failed. If water appears inside the wall when the bib is on, shut it off and call.
Choosing a new faucet
Choose a faucet with a solid brass body and a ceramic disc cartridge if you can. These parts resist wear and mineral scale better than cheaper alternatives. The look of the finish matters less than what is inside.
Check the number of holes in your sink or countertop before you buy, since a faucet has to match. You can bring us a model you like, or we can help you pick one. Either way, we check the supply lines and shutoff valves while the work is open and replace anything that looks tired.
What affects the price of faucet work
You get a clear price before work starts.
- Repair or replaceA cartridge swap is a small job and a new faucet is a larger one.
- Faucet typePull-down, touchless, and wall-mounted models take longer.
- Shutoff valvesOld valves that will not close may need replacing first.
- AccessTight sink cabinets add time.
- Time of callSame-day service may differ from a scheduled visit.
If a leak has damaged a cabinet or floor, your policy may cover the damage but not the faucet. Call (855) 575-2890 for your real number.
Mineral scale and faucets in southern Arizona
Water in much of southern Arizona carries minerals, and those minerals build up inside aerators, cartridges, and spouts. Hardness varies by provider and neighborhood, so the best check is a simple test of your own tap. If white crust forms quickly on fixtures, scale is shortening the life of your faucets.
Cleaning aerators every few months helps. A whole-house approach is on our softener and filtration page, and we can tell you honestly whether it is worth it for your home.
What the EPA says about dripping faucets
According to the EPA's WaterSense program, the average household's leaks can account for more than 9,300 gallons of water wasted every year, and dripping faucets are one common source. A repair that stops a drip is one of the cheapest ways to save water.
Replacement cartridges should match the manufacturer's part number, since a close fit can still leak.
Faucet questions from Sahuarita homeowners
How much water does a dripping faucet waste?
More than most people expect. A steady drip adds up over a month, and the repair is usually inexpensive.
Can you repair a faucet or do I need a new one?
We repair when parts are available and the faucet is in good shape. We replace when it is old, pitted, or hard to source.
Why is my faucet pressure low?
A clogged aerator or cartridge is the usual cause. If the whole house is low, see leak detection.
Do you install faucets I buy myself?
Yes. We check that the model fits your sink and replace the supply lines as needed.
My outdoor faucet drips inside the wall. What do I do?
Shut it off at the interior valve if you have one, and call. A leak in the wall can damage drywall.
Do you serve Green Valley?
Yes. See the Green Valley page.