Short answer: Faucet repair usually means replacing a worn cartridge, washer, or O-ring inside the fixture, which resolves most drips and handle issues without needing to replace the entire faucet.
A dripping faucet is one of the most common plumbing complaints, and also one of the most fixable. In most cases the culprit is a worn internal part — a cartridge, washer, or O-ring — rather than a problem with the fixture as a whole.
Faucets that are older or have already been repaired more than once may be better candidates for replacement, which is covered separately.
Signs You May Need This Service
- A faucet that drips steadily even when fully closed
- Handles that feel loose, stiff, or spin without stopping the water
- Low water pressure from a specific faucet
- Water pooling at the base of the fixture
What the Service Typically Involves
- Checking the cartridge, O-rings, and washers for wear
- Testing the shutoff valves feeding the fixture
- Repairing or swapping the fixture depending on its age and condition