If a faucet or its supply line will not shut off, close the shutoff valve under the sink. If that valve will not turn or is leaking, close the main water valve for the house, then call. Our 24/7 dispatch handles faucet and valve emergencies at any hour, and the plumber brings common cartridges and valves to the visit.
Repair or replace the faucet?
Not every drip needs a new faucet. The parts inside a faucet wear out first, and a plumber can swap them. A faucet that is corroded, discontinued or more than twenty years old may not be worth saving.
| Problem | Common cause | Usual fix |
|---|---|---|
| Constant drip from spout | Worn cartridge, washer or seat | Replace the cartridge or valve seat |
| Leak around the handle | Worn O-ring or packing | Replace seals |
| Low flow | Clogged aerator or supply valve | Clean the aerator, check the valve |
| Handle stiff or loose | Mineral buildup or loose screw | Clean or replace the handle parts |
| Faucet loose on the sink | Mounting nut loose | Tighten or replace the mounting hardware |
| Leaking supply line | Worn flexible hose | Replace the line |
Shutoff valves that will not close
The small valves under sinks and behind toilets are called angle stops. They may sit unused for years and then seize. If one will not turn or leaks when you try, do not force it. Close the main and have a plumber replace the valve.
Replacing a shutoff valve is more than a minor repair under the state's consumer fact sheet from the plumbing board. A licensed plumber handles the work and any permit question. While we are there, we often add new shutoffs where they are missing.
Kitchen, bathroom and utility sink faucets
- Kitchen faucets with pull-down sprayers and diverters that fail
- Bathroom faucets with pop-up drains that leak
- Utility sinks in basements and garages
- Bathtub and shower valves
- Outdoor spigots that drip or freeze
Outdoor spigots in Hingham and nearby towns can freeze if the hose is left on or the house valve is not shut off for winter. A cracked spigot may not show until spring. If you suspect that, see burst pipe repair.
Hard water, old fittings and sink drains
The Weir River Water System lists water quality results in its annual report, but it does not report hardness in the 2023 report. We suggest testing your tap if you see mineral crust on fixtures. In Norwell, where private wells are common, mineral crust around aerators is a clue to test your supply.
A slow bathroom sink can be a separate problem from the faucet. See drain cleaning for blocked drains, and the garbage disposal page for kitchen units.
What faucet repair costs
Faucet costs depend on the fixture and the valve behind it.
What moves the price
- Cartridge or partCommon parts are inexpensive, while premium brands cost more.
- Faucet typeSingle-handle, two-handle and touchless models differ.
- Valve conditionA seized shutoff may need replacing.
- Fixture supplyIf you provide the faucet, we install it. If we supply it, the price varies by model.
- AccessTight cabinets and old pipe take longer.
Insurance generally does not cover worn faucets. If a failed supply line floods a cabinet and damages flooring, that water damage may be covered, so photograph it.
Want the number for your house? Call (339) 216-9771 and describe what you see.
We repair faucets in ZIP codes 02043, 02044, 02025, 02188 through 02191, 02061 and 02045. Older houses near Hingham Square often have unusual fittings, so tell us the age of your house and the faucet brand when you call our 24/7 line.
What to do while a faucet leaks
- Close the shutoff valves under the sink
- Place a bowl under any drip and keep the cabinet floor dry
- Do not force a stuck valve, which can snap the stem
- Do not use a faucet that sprays near an outlet until it is fixed
- Call if the shutoff will not close
According to the Massachusetts plumbers and gas fitters consumer fact sheet, fixing a leaky faucet is a minor repair, but replacing or relocating a faucet or valve is not, so a new faucet install can need a permit.
Questions homeowners ask
A worn cartridge, washer or valve seat is the usual cause. Replacing the part usually stops it.
Yes. We repair faucets and shutoff valves 24/7, including nights and weekends. If water will not shut off, close the main valve and call.
Yes, if water cannot be shut off. Dispatch is 24/7, and a plumber can replace the valve or supply line.
Do not force it. Close the main water valve and call. A plumber can replace the valve.
If it is still in good shape, a new cartridge can last years. A corroded or discontinued model may be better replaced.
A leaky faucet repair is considered minor, but replacing a valve or working part is not. Ask your plumber for your case.