Faucet & Fixture Repair — Stop the Drip, Replace the Part, Upgrade the Fixture

A faucet dripping at one drop per second wastes approximately 3,000 gallons per year. A faster drip — one that fills a cup in under a minute — wastes significantly more. At average residential water rates in Houston, Phoenix, Dallas, and Las Vegas, a single dripping faucet adds $20–$35 to the annual water bill at minimum. Homes with multiple dripping faucets can see $100 or more in wasted water annually.

The cause of a dripping faucet depends on the faucet type. Ball faucets drip because the rotating ball, springs, or seats have worn out. Cartridge faucets drip when the cartridge is worn or damaged — the cartridge is the single component that controls water flow and temperature. Ceramic disc faucets drip when the ceramic discs are cracked or the seals have deteriorated. Compression faucets — common in older homes — drip when the rubber washer at the stem wears out. The repair is always a component replacement, not a valve adjustment.

A straightforward faucet swap on an accessible sink with functional shut-off valves is a manageable DIY job for someone comfortable with basic plumbing. The complications arise when: the shut-off valves under the sink are corroded or won’t fully close, the supply lines are old and crack when disconnected, the sink deck holes don’t match the new faucet’s configuration, or the water supply lines need to be extended. NorTech handles the job cleanly including shutoff valve inspection, supply line replacement, and leak testing — and the work is covered by the 1-year labor warranty.

Faucet repair cost varies by faucet type and which component has failed. A cartridge replacement on a common single-handle faucet is less expensive than a full faucet swap. Faucet installation cost depends on accessibility, whether the shut-off valves need replacement, and whether new supply lines are required. NorTech provides upfront written estimates before any work begins — no billing surprises.

Shut-off valves under sinks and behind toilets are rarely operated. When they are turned — often during a repair or emergency — the packing inside the valve stem can crack or fail, causing a drip at the handle. Older compression-style valves are particularly prone to this. Ball valves are far more reliable and are the recommended replacement. A leaking shut-off valve should be replaced promptly — if it fails completely, there is no way to shut off water to that fixture without going to the main.

Low pressure at a single faucet almost always indicates a blocked aerator — the small screen at the tip of the spout that filters particles from the water. Mineral scale from hard water accumulates on the aerator mesh and restricts flow. Unscrewing the aerator, cleaning or replacing it, and reinstalling typically restores full pressure instantly. If cleaning the aerator doesn’t resolve it, the cartridge or valve seat may be partially obstructed. Low pressure at every fixture throughout the home indicates a main line, pressure regulator, or supply issue — not a faucet problem.

Repair makes sense when the faucet body is in good condition and the problem is a worn cartridge, O-ring, seat washer, or aerator. Replacement makes sense when: the faucet is over 15 years old with multiple issues, replacement parts are no longer available for the model, the faucet body is visibly corroded or the finish is severely deteriorated, or the customer wants to upgrade to a different style or feature set. NorTech carries common cartridges and repair components on every truck — if the part is available, repair is assessed and quoted before replacement is recommended.

Yes. Braided stainless supply lines under sinks have a failure lifespan — most manufacturers rate them for 10 years. After that, the inner rubber hose can crack under pressure, causing a sudden burst that releases the full water supply pressure into the cabinet below. Supply line failures are one of the most common causes of under-sink water damage. NorTech replaces supply lines as part of faucet installation and recommends replacement on any line over 10 years old during service calls.