Two problems that tend to show up together
Faucets drip when the part that stops the water wears out. Older two-handle faucets use rubber washers that compress over time. Newer single-handle faucets use cartridges or ceramic discs that can be scored by grit or coated by mineral deposits from hard water.
To repair any faucet, the water has to be shut off at the angle stops, the small valves on the supply lines under the sink. In many older Golden Hills homes those valves are original or decades old, and turning one for the first time in years can cause it to seep at the stem or refuse to close.
Faucet types and what fails
| Faucet type | How to recognize it | Part that usually wears |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Two handles that tighten down to close | Rubber washers and seats |
| Cartridge | One or two handles that move smoothly | Cartridge and O-rings |
| Ball | Single handle over a rounded cap, common on older kitchens | Ball, springs and seats |
| Ceramic disc | Single lever with a wide cylinder body | Disc assembly or seals |
Signs a shutoff valve needs replacing
- The handle will not turn, or turns without stopping the water
- Water seeps around the stem when you turn it
- Green or white crust on the valve body or connection
- Old multi-turn valves with no clear stopping point
- Braided or plastic supply lines that look kinked, swollen or corroded
Before you touch an old valve
- Know where the main shutoff is.If an under-sink valve leaks when you turn it, you need to be able to stop the water to the whole house quickly.
- Turn gently.Turn the valve clockwise slowly. If it resists, stop rather than forcing it.
- Check the stem.If water seeps from the stem after turning, place a towel and container under it and plan a replacement.
- Open the faucet.Confirm the water is actually off before removing any faucet parts.
Questions to ask
- Can this faucet be repaired, or are parts hard to find for it?
- Should the angle stops and supply lines be replaced while you are here?
- Are the existing valves compression or soldered, and does that change the job?
- Is there mineral buildup that suggests the aerators and other fixtures need cleaning too?
Common questions
Is a slow drip worth fixing?
Yes. A steady drip wastes water over time, can stain fixtures in hard-water areas, and usually gets worse rather than better.
What is the difference between an angle stop and a straight stop?
An angle stop comes out of the wall and turns upward at a right angle; a straight stop comes up through the floor or cabinet in a straight line. Both shut off water to one fixture.
My shutoff valve broke while I was turning it. What now?
Close the main water shutoff to the house, contain the water, and call a plumber to replace the valve.
General information for Golden Hills, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.