Why fixtures start to drip
Inside every faucet and shower valve is a part that opens and closes the water: a rubber washer on older compression faucets, or a cartridge or ceramic disc on newer ones. Each time the handle turns, those surfaces rub. Add mineral scale from hard water and they eventually stop sealing completely.
Shower valves are a special case because the valve body sits inside the wall. Replacing the cartridge is usually done from the front through the trim, while replacing the whole valve can mean opening tile or drywall, or working from an access panel on the other side of the wall.
Terms you may hear
- Compression faucet
- An older style with separate hot and cold handles that tighten down onto a rubber washer.
- Cartridge
- A replaceable insert that controls flow and temperature in many single-handle faucets and showers.
- Valve seat
- The surface a washer presses against. If pitted, a new washer may not stop the drip.
- Pressure-balancing valve
- A shower valve that helps keep temperature steady when other fixtures are used.
- Trim kit
- The visible handle and plate on a shower valve, separate from the valve body in the wall.
Repairing the part versus replacing the fixture
Replace cartridge or washer
- Keeps the existing faucet and finish.
- Depends on finding the matching part.
- Usually the least disruptive option for showers.
- Good choice when the body is in sound condition.
Replace the faucet or valve
- Makes sense when parts are unavailable or the body is corroded.
- Lets you update style or function.
- Shower valve replacement can involve opening the wall.
- May involve new stop valves or supply lines.
Before the plumber arrives
- Note which handle drips.Hot side, cold side, or the single lever, and whether it drips from the spout or around the handle.
- Look for a brand mark.A logo on the handle or plate helps the plumber find the right cartridge.
- Find the stop valves.Sink faucets have them below; many showers rely on the main shutoff, so know where it is.
- Check for an access panel.Some showers have a panel in a closet or hallway behind the valve.
What usually drives the cost
- Part availability
- Common cartridges are easier than discontinued ones
- Access
- A shower with an access panel is simpler than one behind tile
- Condition
- Seized or scaled parts take longer to remove
- Scope
- One cartridge versus a full valve and trim
Common questions
Is a dripping faucet worth fixing quickly?
It wastes water and the wear tends to get worse. It is not usually urgent, but closing the stop valve and scheduling a repair is sensible.
Why does my shower drip for a minute after I turn it off?
Some water left in the showerhead and pipe can drain out briefly. A drip that continues for a long time points to a worn cartridge.
Do I need a permit to replace a faucet?
Simple fixture replacement often does not, but rules vary. Check with the city or ask the contractor to confirm for your job.
General information for Sunny Hills, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.