A faucet that drips, sputters or wobbles is almost always telling you about one small worn part. The skill is finding which part, getting the correct replacement for that brand, and knowing when the faucet body itself has reached the end of its life.
The causeWhy it happens
Inside nearly every modern faucet is a cartridge or a pair of valve stems with rubber seals. Each time the handle moves, those seals slide against hard surfaces. Over years the rubber flattens, mineral grit scores the ceramic discs, and the faucet starts to drip from the spout or weep from under the handle. Weak or uneven flow is a different issue: the aerator screen at the tip of the spout fills with scale and debris and chokes the stream.
DiagnosisWhat we check first
- 01Where the water appears
- A drip from the spout points to the cartridge or seats. Water at the base of the handle points to O-rings. Water inside the cabinet means a supply or hose connection.
- 02Brand and model
- Cartridges are not interchangeable. We identify the faucet so the correct part goes in and the handle stops where it should.
- 03Aerator and screens
- We unscrew the aerator and look for scale and debris, which often explains weak flow by itself.
- 04Body condition
- Pitting, cracks or a corroded base can mean a new cartridge will not seal for long.
The optionsWhich repair fits, and when
We lay out the choices plainly, explain what each involves and leave the decision with you.
Cartridge or stem rebuild
The faucet body is solid and parts are available. The drip stops and the handle feels firm again.
Aerator cleaning or replacement
Flow is weak or spraying sideways, and the valve itself is fine.
Replacement faucet
Parts are discontinued, the body is corroded, or the repair cost would approach a new faucet. We say so plainly when that is the case.
Local conditionsFaucet Repair on the west side of San Antonio
Hard water here shortens the life of faucet cartridges. Calcium deposits make the ceramic discs grind and stick, and a handle that feels gritty is usually a sign of it. If you have no softener and the faucet is in a busy kitchen, expect to see this sooner than the manufacturer suggests.
From the jobKitchen sink with a newly installed gold faucet
A few things that help
Note the brand name on the faucet if you can find it, and tell us whether the drip is constant or only after the handle is used. Do not overtighten the handle to stop a drip, as that crushes the seals further.
QuestionsCommon questions about faucet repair
Is a slow drip really worth fixing?
Yes. A steady drip adds up to a lot of wasted water over a month, and the same wear that causes it usually gets worse.
Can you repair an older faucet with no brand name?
Often. We can match many older stems and seats by measuring them. If no match exists, we will show you replacement options.
Why did my faucet start spraying in odd directions?
That is nearly always a clogged aerator. Cleaning or replacing it is a quick fix.
Related workServices that often go with it
Talk it through with usOpen 7 AM to 11 PM every day. Se habla español.
(210) 761-4788