Urgent steps when a faucet or sink supply fails
Look under the sink for the two small valves on the supply lines and turn each clockwise. If they spin freely or do not stop the water, close the main valve for the house instead.
Then empty the cabinet, put a bowl or bucket under the leak and dry the area so you can see where it comes from. Call our emergency line if water is still running, the cabinet floor is soaked or a shower valve will not shut off. A faucet that only drips can wait for a scheduled visit.
Faucet problems we see most often
Steady drip from the spout
A worn cartridge, washer or seat lets water past a closed handle. It wastes water and stains the basin.
Water under the sink
A loose supply nut, a cracked line or a leaking body shows up as damp cabinet wood or a musty smell.
Handle stiff or loose
Mineral scale or a worn set screw makes the handle hard to turn or lets it wobble.
Low flow from one faucet
A clogged aerator or debris in a cartridge cuts flow even when the rest of the house runs fine.
Shower will not turn off
A failed cartridge or a damaged shower valve behind the wall keeps water running into the tub.
Outdoor spigot leaks inside
Water that appears behind the wall when the hose bib is on points to a cracked stem or a frozen section.
Where the leak shows and what usually fixes it
| Where you see it | Likely failure | Usual repair |
|---|---|---|
| Spout drips when closed. | Cartridge or seat. | Cartridge swap or faucet replacement. |
| Base of faucet wet. | O-ring or loose body. | Reseal or tighten the body. |
| Under sink, lines wet. | Supply line or stop valve. | New line, or new stop valve if it will not close. |
| Tub spout runs after shutoff. | Shower cartridge or valve. | Cartridge replacement, or valve work if the body is damaged. |
| Wall behind the faucet is damp. | Concealed pipe or valve joint. | Open the access and see leak detection. |
Cannot stop the water at the fixture?
Shut the main valve and call the 24/7 line. A stuck shower valve is worth a quick visit.
How we work through a faucet call
- Confirm the shutoffWe test the stop valves first, because a seized valve changes how the repair is done.
- Identify the faucetBrand, age and cartridge type decide if we repair it or recommend a replacement.
- Repair or replace on the spotWe carry common cartridges, supply lines and stop valves. If your faucet is a specialty model, we tell you before ordering a part.
- Test under pressureWe run hot and cold, check each connection with a dry paper towel and leave the cabinet dry.
Mineral scale and old fixtures in Maple Heights
Cleveland Water draws from Lake Erie and reports an average total hardness of 117 on its 2025 water quality report, about 6.8 grains per gallon by simple conversion. Hot water leaves scale faster than cold, so aerators and cartridges in older Maple Heights homes can clog or stiffen over the years.
About 68 percent of the housing was built before 1960, based on older survey data, so some kitchens and baths still have original stop valves. We replace seized ones during the visit so the next repair is simple.
Source type: Utility reportWhat changes the cost of faucet and sink repair
The price depends on whether the faucet can be repaired or should be replaced. We quote clearly before work begins.
Before we arrive, and what to leave alone
Closing stop valves, clearing the cabinet and unscrewing a clogged aerator are safe. Soak an aerator in vinegar to clear scale, and keep the washers and screens in order.
Please do not pry at a shower handle or force a seized stop valve. A snapped stem turns a small repair into an open line. If you bought a faucet already, keep the box so we can check the cartridge and mounting parts.
Sink problems that are really something else
A wet cabinet is not always the faucet. A slow sink drain or a leaking trap is a drain problem, and our drain cleaning crews handle that. If the kitchen sink also has a disposal, see garbage disposal repair. We also serve homes in Garfield Heights, Bedford and Warrensville Heights.
Fixture repairs keep to the Ohio Plumbing Code, OAC 4101:3, which is why we check for a working stop valve and backflow protection on faucets with sprayers.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The 24/7 line answers day and night, and we send a plumber when a line is spraying or a shower valve will not shut off.
Usually yes. A drip wastes water every day and stains the basin. A cartridge or seat repair is often the cheapest fix.
Yes. Keep the box and the parts, and tell us the type of sink so we can plan for the mounting.
We can replace it during the visit. If the house shutoff must be used, we will plan the job around that.
Often yes. It may need an access opening in the wall, and we explain that and the repair price before cutting.
Yes. You get a clear price on the phone or on site before work starts.