Many dripping faucets can be repaired by replacing worn internal parts, such as a cartridge, washer, O-ring, or seal. Replacement may be the better option if the faucet is corroded, outdated, difficult to find parts for, leaking from multiple areas, or has been repaired several times already. A plumber can inspect the faucet and let you know whether repair or replacement makes more sense.

A faucet that leaks around the handle often has a worn O-ring, cartridge, packing nut, or seal. Sometimes the fix is simple, but leaks around the handle can also point to internal wear inside the fixture. If water is pooling around the base of the faucet or leaking under the sink, it should be checked before it causes cabinet or countertop damage.

A faucet leak at the base may be caused by a worn O-ring, loose connection, deteriorated gasket, or internal cartridge issue. This type of leak is easy to overlook because the water may only appear when the faucet is running. If water is collecting around the sink deck or dripping into the cabinet below, the faucet should be repaired before it damages wood, flooring, or stored items.

Water under the sink may come from the faucet, supply lines, shutoff valves, drain assembly, garbage disposal, or sink connections. If the leak appears when the faucet is turned on, it may be coming from the faucet body, sprayer hose, or drain. If it leaks all the time, it may be from the water supply side. A plumber can trace the leak and repair the right part instead of guessing.

Low water pressure at one faucet may be caused by a clogged aerator, mineral buildup, a failing cartridge, a partially closed shutoff valve, or debris in the supply line. If low pressure is happening throughout the house, the issue may be bigger than the faucet. Pittsburgh homes with older plumbing may also have pipe buildup or aging supply lines that affect flow.

A noisy faucet can be caused by loose parts, worn washers, high water pressure, air in the line, a failing cartridge, or vibration in the supply lines. Whistling, squealing, banging, or rattling sounds are signs that something is not working smoothly. If the noise is new or getting worse, it is worth having the faucet and nearby plumbing checked.

Repair may be the right choice if the faucet is in good condition and only needs a simple part replaced. Replacement may be better if the faucet is corroded, outdated, loose, leaking from several areas, hard to operate, or no longer matches how you use the sink. W.J. McNabb Plumbing offers both faucet repair and installation, so homeowners can choose the option that makes the most sense for the fixture and budget.

Call W.J. McNabb Plumbing if your faucet is dripping, leaking around the handle, leaking under the sink, hard to turn, making noise, losing pressure, or not shutting off. You should also call if you want to replace an old faucet or install a new kitchen, bathroom, tub, shower, laundry, or utility sink faucet. W.J. McNabb Plumbing provides faucet repair and installation for Pittsburgh homeowners, with same-day service noted on their faucet repair page.