Faucet and Sink Repair in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Faucets and sinks are the most used plumbing in the house. Most problems trace to a worn cartridge, a clogged aerator, a failed supply line or a corroded shutoff valve.
Faucet leaking or valve stuck?
Close the valve under the sink. If it will not turn, close the house main and call.
(754) 320-541224/7 emergency lineCommon faucet problems and fixes
| Symptom | Likely cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Drip from the spout | Worn cartridge, washer or seat | Replace the cartridge or washer |
| Low flow at one faucet | Clogged aerator or cartridge | Clean or replace |
| Leak at the handle | Worn O-ring or loose handle | Replace O-rings |
| Leak under the sink | Supply line, P-trap or compression nut | Tighten or replace |
| Handle will not turn | Mineral scale or seized stem | Clean, replace parts |
| Shutoff valve does not close | Corroded or old valve | Replace the valve |
Mineral scale is a frequent cause. Minerals harden on aerators, cartridges and inside valves, and the effect depends on local water. If you see white crust on the faucet each month, ask about a water softener.
Leaks under the sink
Open the cabinet and look. Place a dry paper towel under each joint and see which one gets wet. Supply lines run up to the faucet, the drain trap sits below the sink, and a garbage disposal or dishwasher line may share the space.
A leak under the sink is often slow, so it can rot the cabinet floor before it is noticed. If you find damp wood or a musty smell, shut off the water, dry the area and call. A leak that persists after tightening may need parts replaced.
Why an S-trap should be replaced
Some older sinks use an S-shaped trap that can siphon water out of the seal when the sink drains. That lets sewer gas into the room and gurgles in the pipe. Modern code does not allow S-traps. A plumber can replace one with a P-trap and a vent connection, which fixes the siphon.
Shut the house main and call. The dispatcher will explain valve replacement.
Shutoff valves deserve attention
The small valve under a sink is called an angle stop. If it is stuck or drips, you cannot isolate the sink for a repair. Old valves seize with scale. Replace them as part of a repair, since forcing a stiff valve can break the stem and start a leak. Shutoff valves also exist at toilets and washing machines, and they fail in the same way.
Valves, spigots and tub faucets
Fixture calls cover more than kitchen faucets. The following jobs come up often and have their own causes.
Shower and tub faucets
A dripping tub spout or a shower that will not shut off usually has a worn cartridge. If the leak shows on the other side of the wall, the problem may be a connection behind the valve. A cross-threaded fitting can leak at the wall even when the valve is new.
Outdoor spigots
A spigot that drips from the handle needs a washer or packing. One that leaks inside the wall when the hose is on needs a closer look. Add a quick check of any shutoff inside the house.
Washer and refrigerator lines
Small valves behind the washer and the refrigerator wear out and leak slowly. Replace them when the appliance moves. A hose that bulges or sweats should go too.
Replacement versus repair
A faucet with a worn cartridge is usually repairable. A faucet that is pitted, corroded or leaking from the body is cheaper to replace. Check the finish and the mounting. Single-handle, widespread and wall-mounted models need different holes. Bring the old faucet model number if you have it, and ask the plumber whether you or they supply the new one.
Salt air along the coast corrodes outdoor fixtures quickly, including hose bibs. A leaking hose bib can run for a long time unseen, so check the outside wall when you look for the source of a high bill. If a drain is slow at the same time, see drain cleaning.
What changes the price of faucet and sink work
- Repair or replace
- A cartridge costs far less than a new faucet.
- Fixture style
- Kitchen pull-down, bar and bath widespread models differ.
- Valve condition
- Stuck valves add work.
- Sink type
- Undermount and granite tops need care.
- Number of fixtures
- Several in one visit can reduce trip costs.
Ask whether the quote includes parts and whether the plumber guarantees the repair. No price is listed because it depends on the fixture.
Questions people ask before they call
A worn cartridge, washer or seat is the usual cause. Replacing the part normally stops the drip.
Yes. A drop per second wastes thousands of gallons a year. A drip is worth fixing.
It is the small shutoff valve under a sink. It lets you turn off water to one fixture without shutting the house main.
The aerator or cartridge may be clogged with scale. Cleaning or replacing them usually restores flow.
Yes. Decide on the model first, and tell the dispatcher the number of sink holes.
A slow drip can wait for a scheduled visit. A steady stream calls for closing the valve and calling right away.
Often a new cartridge fixes the drip. If the valve body is damaged, the wall may need to be opened.
Handle leaks usually need a washer or packing. Leaks inside the wall need inspection. Close the shutoff inside if you can find one.
Yes, those valves wear and drip. Tell the dispatcher whether the valve is stuck or leaking.
Cost depends on the fixture, the part and access. Ask whether a repair or replacement fits better before you approve work.
Faucet or sink leaking?
Call and describe where the water appears. A dispatcher will match the visit.