Faucet emergency: shut the water off now
A faucet that will not stop running, or a supply line spraying under the sink, is an emergency in Lynn Haven, FL, and the faucet repair dispatch line is open 24/7. While you wait, turn the two small angle stops under the sink clockwise, or close the home's main shutoff if those are seized.
Put a bucket under the leak, wipe the cabinet floor, and take photos for your records. A stuck valve is exactly what the plumber needs to know about before arriving, so say so on the call.
Which faucet problem do you have?
The location of the water tells most of the story. Here is how the common faucet and valve complaints break down.
| Where the water shows up | Usual culprit | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Drip from the spout. | Worn cartridge, washer or ceramic disc. | Replace the cartridge or seats and springs. |
| Pool at the handle base. | Failed O-ring or loose packing nut. | Replace O-rings, snug the nut. |
| Wet cabinet under the sink. | Cracked supply line or loose compression nut. | Install new braided lines. |
| Spray from the head. | Torn diverter or clogged aerator. | Clean or replace the sprayer parts. |
| Leak behind the shutoff handle. | Worn valve stem or packing. | Replace the angle stop. |
| Drip at the tub spout. | Bad cartridge or diverter. | Replace the tub or shower cartridge. |
Valve will not close?
Shut the home's main valve, then call. Same-day and after-hours visits are booked through the dispatcher.
Shutoff valves that fail when you need them
Many complaints start when the valve that should stop the water does not. Angle stops under a sink sit unmoved for years, and the internal washer or stem can seize or weep once you finally turn them.
If a stop valve leaks, the plumber may shut the main, replace the valve, and test the line before leaving. Good practice is to exercise every fixture stop once a year so you know which ones work.
On an older home with galvanized supply lines, a worn valve can sometimes signal wider corrosion. In that case, ask whether repiping is worth discussing.
Repair or replace the faucet
Many faucets are worth repairing, particularly when the body is sound and only a cartridge has worn out. Replacement makes more sense in the cases below.
Corroded body
Green or white crust around the base, or a body that leaks from the casting, cannot be sealed by new parts.
Parts no longer sold
Older single-brand models can be harder to source than a new faucet is to install.
Low flow
Mineral buildup inside the spout can restrict flow even after cleaning the aerator.
Finish wear
Peeling plating shows the base metal is going, and leaks often follow.
How the repair visit runs
Call and describe
Tell the dispatcher the fixture, the brand if you know it, and how the water behaves.
Shutoff and diagnosis
The plumber closes the line, removes the handle and inspects the cartridge, seats and supply.
Repair or swap
Parts are replaced, or a new faucet is mounted with fresh supply lines and a tight drain connection.
Test under pressure
Water is turned back on and the base, handles and lines are checked dry with a paper towel.
What drives the cost of faucet repair
- Cartridge or trim kit repair versus a full faucet replacement.
- Whether the shutoff valves under the sink must be replaced too.
- Sink type: drop-in, undermount, or a vessel sink with a tall faucet.
- Hidden damage to the cabinet floor or drain.
- Time of day, since nights and weekends carry a premium.
Homeowners insurance often responds to sudden, accidental water release but not slow, long-term seepage, so check your policy before assuming. For your real number, call the 24/7 line and describe the fixture. A cracked trap under the same sink is covered on the drain cleaning page.
Standards for replacement parts
Faucets and fittings sold for drinking water use must meet lead-free requirements under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, and faucet performance is tested to standards such as ASME A112.18.1. A plumber can match a cartridge to your model and confirm the part is rated for potable water.
What to do before the plumber arrives
- Close the shutoff valves under the sink by turning them clockwise.
- Put a bucket under the trap and dry the cabinet floor.
- Do not force a seized handle, because a cracked body means a full replacement.
- Take a photo of the brand name and any model number on the faucet.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The 24/7 line books same-day and after-hours calls for faucets that will not shut off, sprays under a sink, and failed shutoff valves, depending on plumber availability.
Close the angle stop under the sink. If a single handle valve is the problem, closing the stop stops the drip completely.
A clogged aerator is the most common cause. Unscrew the tip, rinse out the grit, and reinstall. If it stays weak, the cartridge or supply line may be restricted.
Yes in most cases. Tell the dispatcher the number of holes in your sink and the style so the right supply lines are brought.
Yes. Outdoor spigots and hose bibbs are handled the same way, with a packing or washer repair, or a replacement valve.
A damp cabinet can grow mold within days. Dry it, find the source, and have a plumber inspect the lines.