Faucet repair addresses drips, leaks, low flow, stiff handles, and other issues caused by worn internal parts like washers, O-rings, cartridges, aerators, and valve seats. Fixing a leaky faucet can help control water bills and prevent moisture damage around sinks and counters.
Most faucet fixes involve diagnosing where the leak or performance issue starts and replacing a small part. Common culprits include worn washers or O-rings, clogged aerators, and damaged cartridges or valve seats. Identifying your faucet style and turning off the water supply are key first steps.
DIY may be reasonable for simple drips or a clogged aerator if you have the proper tools and parts. Call a pro if you see corrosion, persistent leaks, stiff or noisy operation, low or unsteady flow that is not just the aerator, or if shutoff valves will not close. Pros can source brand-specific parts and check for hidden issues.
Before booking, ask whether the technician services your faucet brand and type, what the diagnostic visit includes, if common parts are stocked on the truck, how pricing works for parts and labor, and what warranties cover the repair.
Minor issues like a worn washer, O-ring, aerator, or cartridge can often be repaired cost effectively. If parts are readily available and the faucet body is in good shape, a targeted repair is usually the fastest route.
Replacement may make more sense when the faucet has severe corrosion, cracks, frequent repeat leaks, hard-to-find parts, or when the repair cost approaches the cost of a new fixture. Upgrading can also improve long-term reliability and water efficiency, especially in areas with heavy mineral deposits that wear parts faster.
National guidance suggests simple repairs commonly fall in the low hundreds, with many jobs landing in the $100 to $400 range depending on faucet type and parts. Final price varies by issue, brand-specific parts, and labor.
Many homeowners can replace an aerator or a basic washer or cartridge if they can shut off water and have the right parts. Call a pro if the faucet is corroded, parts are unclear, handles are stuck, flow is weak after cleaning the aerator, or leaks persist after a basic fix.