What to do when a faucet failure is urgent
If water is spraying from the faucet body, a supply line has split under the sink or the handle will not shut the flow, close the valves under the sink by turning them clockwise. If there are no valves, or they do not hold, close the main valve.
Empty the cabinet under the sink and dry it. Water sitting in a cabinet swells particleboard and starts mold. Then call and tell the dispatcher what you shut off.
What causes faucet trouble
Most faucet problems come down to a few parts. Washers and seats wear in compression faucets. Cartridges fail in single-handle models. O-rings dry out and leak around handles and spouts. Mineral buildup clogs aerators and reduces flow.
- A drip from the spout when the faucet is off usually points to a worn cartridge, washer or seat.
- A leak around the handle points to an O-ring or packing.
- Low flow from one faucet usually points to a clogged aerator.
- A leak under the sink points to a supply line, a shutoff valve or a drain connection.
Fix it or replace it
A basic repair on a quality faucet is cheap and often the right call. Replacement makes sense for an older faucet that is pitted or corroded, when parts are hard to find or when you want a different style or a touchless unit.
- Shut off and diagnose. The plumber closes the supply and identifies which part has failed.
- Repair or swap. Cartridges, seats and seals are replaced, or the faucet is removed and a new one installed.
- Replace worn supply lines and valves. If the shutoff valves under the sink are stuck or leaking, replacing them now saves a second call.
- Test. The plumber checks for leaks under pressure before leaving.
Faucet spraying or will not shut off? Call the 24/7 line.
Call (650) 860-1670| Condition | Repair | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Drip, quality faucet | Yes | Not needed |
| Leak at handle | Yes | If body is corroded |
| Pitted finish or mineral damage | No | Yes |
| Parts discontinued | No | Yes |
| Want a different style | Not applicable | Yes |
What affects the price of faucet work
- Repair versus replacement. A cartridge is cheap. A new faucet adds the fixture cost.
- The faucet type. Kitchen pull-down, bath widespread and touchless units differ.
- Valves and lines. Worn shutoff valves or supply lines add parts.
- Access. Tight cabinets and wall-mounted faucets take longer.
- Time of call. Emergency dispatch costs more.
Ask the plumber for the repair price and the replacement price if both are options. You choose before work starts.
Kitchen and bath faucets are not the same job
Kitchen faucets run harder and carry more parts. Pull-down sprayers add hoses and weights. Wall-mounted pot fillers add long runs of pipe. Bath faucets are simpler, but widespread sets have separate handles and a spout that each needs sealing.
The type tells the plumber what to bring. A van stocked with common cartridges and supply lines fixes most faucets in one visit. A rare or imported model may need a part ordered, and you hear that on the first visit.
Quick fixes you can try while you wait
- Close the shutoff valves under the sink if the faucet is leaking badly.
- Unscrew the aerator and rinse out sediment if flow is weak.
- Tighten a loose handle screw if the handle wobbles.
- Place a bowl under a drip and keep the cabinet dry.
If any of these does not work or the valves will not close, stop and call. Forcing a stuck valve can break it.
What comes out of the tap
The City of Mountain View reports that its 2024 inventory found no lead service lines. That says nothing about older solder or fixtures inside a house, so if you are replacing a faucet in an older home, ask the plumber to install a lead-free fixture and tell you what the supply lines are made of. The City's water quality page and annual report give the supply details.
A replacement faucet and its supply stops, installed by a licensed plumber, are fitted to the California Plumbing Code, Part 5 of Title 24.
Faucet Repair questions
Is emergency faucet repair available at night in Mountain View?
Yes. Call (650) 860-1670 at any hour. Close the shutoff valves under the sink first and a licensed plumber is dispatched.
Why does my faucet drip?
Usually a worn washer, seat or cartridge. It is a simple repair on most faucets.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a faucet?
A repair is cheaper when the faucet is sound. If the finish is damaged or parts are unavailable, replacement is better.
What if the valves under the sink are stuck?
The plumber can replace them. It is a good time to do it since they are already open.
Can you install a faucet I bought?
Yes. The plumber installs it and replaces supply lines if needed.