When a faucet or sink leak is an emergency
A supply line that has burst under a sink, a faucet body that cracked or a shutoff valve that will not close can put a lot of water on the floor quickly. Turn the angle stops under the sink clockwise to close them. If they do not close, shut the main water valve for the house.
Empty the cabinet, soak up standing water and take photos. Call (714) 750-8637. The line is open 24/7, and we offer same-day appointments when available.
Why faucets drip and leak
Compression faucets drip when the rubber washer or seat wears out. Cartridge and ceramic disk faucets drip when the cartridge wears or sediment scratches the seal. Leaks at the base of the spout come from worn O-rings. Leaks under the sink usually come from supply lines, drain connections or a corroded shutoff.
A small drip can waste a surprising amount of water over a month, and it stains sinks with mineral deposits.
Signs it needs a plumber
Some symptoms go beyond a quick DIY fix.
Handle will not shut off
The cartridge or valve stem is worn through or stuck.
Low flow from one faucet
Mineral buildup in the aerator or a failing cartridge.
Wet cabinet floor
A leaking supply, drain or shutoff valve under the sink.
Stiff or loose handle
Worn parts or a mineral-clogged stem.
Fix the faucet or replace it?
Cost and condition decide.
| Situation | Usually repair | Usually replace |
|---|---|---|
| Simple drip | New cartridge or washer | Corroded body |
| Spout leak | New O-rings | Cracked spout |
| Poor finish or old style | Cosmetic only | You want a new fixture |
| Parts availability | Common brand | Discontinued model without parts |
Faucet won't shut off?
Close the valves under the sink and call the 24/7 line.
Hard water and fixtures
Fountain Valley's 2026 water quality report lists an average hardness of 217 milligrams per liter, about 13 grains per gallon. Hard water leaves white scale at the aerator and inside cartridges, which reduces flow and wears seals. Soaking the aerator in vinegar helps, and a cartridge replacement helps when the scale is inside.
Persistent scale across several fixtures is a reason to look at a water softener.
Sink drains and shutoff valves
A leak under a sink is often at the p-trap, the slip nuts or the shutoff valve itself. Old shutoff valves can seize or weep when turned, and a plumber replaces them with quarter-turn valves that last longer. Doing this during a faucet repair avoids a second visit.
If the sink is slow to drain as well, see our drain cleaning page.
What faucet repair costs
A cartridge swap and a new fixture install differ widely. You hear a clear price before the plumber begins.
What moves the final number
If you buy a faucet yourself, show it to the plumber before the visit so fit and parts are confirmed. Call (714) 750-8637.
Flow limits on new faucets
California's CalGreen building standards cap flow on new bathroom faucets at 1.2 gallons per minute and on kitchen faucets at 1.8. A replacement faucet will meet those, which is why a new aerator can feel gentler than an old one. Installation follows the California Plumbing Code, based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
Outdoor spigots and laundry hookups
A hose bib that leaks at the handle or inside the wall is a common call. A dripping spigot can run unseen into a crawlspace or a wall cavity. The plumber can replace the bib and check the connection behind it.
Laundry supply valves and washer hoses are worth inspecting at the same visit, since braided hoses age.
Common Questions
Yes. Call (714) 750-8637 at any hour if a faucet will not shut off or a sink line is leaking. Close the valves under the sink first.
A worn washer, cartridge or seat is the usual cause. Hard water speeds that wear.
Yes. We often do it during a faucet repair, since old valves can fail when turned.
A simple drip is usually a repair. A corroded body, cracked spout or discontinued model points to replacement.
Yes. Show the plumber the fixture ahead of time so the right parts are on the truck.
A clogged aerator or cartridge is the usual cause. Scale from hard water is common here.