Emergency Steps When A Faucet Will Not Stop
If water is spraying under a sink or a faucet will not turn off, act quickly. Look under the sink for the two small shutoff valves, also called angle stops, and turn them clockwise. That isolates the faucet in seconds. If a valve is stuck or leaking itself, shut off the main water supply to the house and call.
A running faucet that cannot be stopped pours water into a drain, but a failed supply line pours it into your cabinet and floor. Cabinet bases and flooring suffer quickly, so move fast.
If the valve will not turn
Do not force an old valve with a wrench. A stiff stop valve can snap and release a full flow of water. Shut off the house main instead and call us, and we will replace the valve as part of the repair.
What Is Usually Wrong With A Dripping Faucet
Faucets wear in predictable ways. The part that fails depends on the faucet design, and identifying the design is the first step of any repair.
| Faucet type | Typical failure | Repair |
|---|---|---|
| Compression, two handle | Worn washer or seat | Replace washers and dress the seat |
| Cartridge, single handle | Worn cartridge or O rings | Replace the cartridge |
| Ball type | Springs and seals wear | Rebuild kit or full replacement |
| Ceramic disc | Cracked disc or seals | Replace the cylinder |
| Pull down kitchen | Hose, spray head or diverter | Replace the part or the hose |
What to do before the plumber arrives
A leaking faucet is usually not an emergency, but a failed supply line can be. Here is what to do while you wait.
- Close the shutoff valve under the sink by turning it clockwise.
- Open the faucet to drain remaining water.
- Put a towel and bucket under the connections.
- Do not force a stuck handle or valve.
- If water is spraying, shut off the main valve and call right away.
Repair Or Replace Your Faucet?
A good faucet with a worn cartridge is worth repairing. An old chrome faucet with a pitted finish, corroded body and a hard to find part is usually worth replacing. We tell you which makes more sense and explain why, with the price stated before work begins.
If you prefer to upgrade, bring the model or tell us what you have in mind. We install new faucets and set up the supply lines and shutoff valves at the same visit.
Other Faucet Problems We Fix
Low flow
Clogged aerators and old supply lines restrict flow. A cleaned aerator often helps right away.
Leak at the handle or base
Water escaping around a handle or a faucet body points to worn O rings or a loose mounting.
Hot and cold mixed up
A reversed cartridge or a worn mixing valve causes unpredictable temperature.
Noisy pipes when the faucet runs
Banging or squealing can come from worn parts or loose supply lines.
Failed shutoff valve
A stop valve that drips or will not close is replaced so future repairs are easier.
Sandwich Water, Faucet Aerators And Flushing
The Sandwich Water District advises flushing a tap for 30 seconds to two minutes after water has sat for a long time. That is useful after a vacation or in a seasonal home, and it is a good moment to look at the faucet. If water sputters or sprays sideways, the aerator may be partly blocked.
The district's 2025 report lists a lead 90th percentile of 0 ppb and copper at 0.399 ppm across 30 sampled sites, and says lead in tap water comes mainly from service lines and household plumbing. If you want to know about your own taps, the district can explain testing, and replacing very old fixtures is one way to reduce what your plumbing can add.
Source: Sandwich Water District 2025 Water Quality Report and district FAQ.
How A Faucet Repair Visit Goes
Isolate the water
We close the stop valves or the main and check that they hold.
Identify the faucet
We determine the design and brand, which tells us the correct parts.
Repair or replace
We install the part or the new faucet, checking the supply lines and drain connection.
Test and clean up
We run hot and cold, check for drips under the sink and wipe the area.
When A Small Drip Is Not Small
A drip of one drop per second wastes thousands of gallons over a year. More importantly, a drip under the sink can hide a failing supply line. Cabinet bottoms stay damp, and damp wood grows mold. If your faucet has dripped for a while, check the cabinet floor for stains and softness.
If you find damage or you are not sure, leak detection can locate hidden moisture and tell you whether the water is coming from the faucet or from behind the wall.
What Drives The Price Of Faucet Repair
What drives the price
You get a clear price before work starts. A few factors decide what that number is.
Faucet type and brand
Common cartridges are inexpensive. Specialty brands and imported parts cost more.
Shutoff valves
If the stops are seized or leaking, replacing them adds a little but prevents future trouble.
Supply lines and fittings
Cracked or corroded lines are replaced as part of a good repair.
Repair or replacement
A new faucet adds the fixture itself. We can supply one or install yours.
After hours
Nights and weekends are quoted the same way with the price stated first.
Frequently asked questions
Look under the sink and turn both small valves clockwise. If they do not stop the flow or they will not turn, shut off the house main. Then call us. A licensed plumber answers around the clock.
The cartridge, washer or seat has worn. The fix depends on the faucet type, and we can usually do it in one visit.
If parts are available and the body is in good shape, repair is the economical choice. If the finish is failing or parts are discontinued, replacement is better. We tell you honestly.
Often yes. A clogged aerator, a worn cartridge or a kinked supply line may be the cause. If every fixture is low, the problem is elsewhere in the house.
Yes, including kitchen, bath and utility faucets. We replace the supply lines and stop valves when needed.
The district's report does not give hardness, so we will not guess. If you see white crust on aerators, tell us and we can talk about options. The district can answer questions about your supply.
Simple like for like swaps rarely do, but rules vary. The Sandwich Building Department can tell you. Plumbing permits are issued only to licensed plumbers.
Still have a question about your situation? The line is open around the clock.
Call (508) 389-4045Reference: fixture work in Massachusetts follows the state standard in 248 CMR 10.00. For permit questions, the Sandwich Building Department handles plumbing and gas.