A dripping faucet is an annoyance. A faucet that will not shut off, a supply line that is spraying or a shower valve that leaks into the wall is an emergency. Shut the angle stop under the sink, or the house main if the stop is stuck, and call. Our 24/7 line answers every day and night, and a plumber can often visit the same day.
Faucet repair means finding the failed part and replacing it. Most faucets use a cartridge, a ball, ceramic discs or a compression washer, and each wears out differently. If the fixture is old or the finish is gone, replacement may beat repair, and the work overlaps with plumbing installation.
Urgent signs.
When a faucet leak is urgent.
Handle will not shut off water.
A worn cartridge or seat lets water flow past a closed handle.
Water under the sink.
A failed supply line or a loose connection can spray a cabinet in minutes.
Wet wall behind the shower.
A leaking shower valve or cartridge leaks inside the wall, and the damage is hidden.
Drip that raises the bill.
A faucet leaking one drop a second can waste thousands of gallons in a year.
Faucet leaking or stuck on?.
Close the shutoff, then call the 24/7 line.
Repair options.
How faucets fail and how they get fixed.
| Faucet type | Typical failure | Repair |
|---|---|---|
| Cartridge. | Worn seals, mineral build-up. | Replace the cartridge. |
| Ceramic disc. | Cracked disc, debris. | Replace the disc cartridge. |
| Ball. | Worn seats and springs. | Rebuild kit. |
| Compression. | Worn washer and seat. | Replace washer, resurface or replace seat. |
| Shower mixing valve. | Worn cartridge or failed stops. | Replace the cartridge or valve body. |
A tub spout that drips when the shower is on usually means the diverter is worn. A shower that runs hot or cold with pressure changes can have a failed pressure balancing cartridge. These are replaceable parts, but the valve body behind the wall may need to be opened. A plumber can tell you which.
Local notes.
Salem water and fixture wear.
The Salem and Beverly Water Supply Board's report does not list hardness, so we do not assume it. What we see in Salem fixtures is a mix of old brass and chrome in houses that have changed owners many times, and mineral buildup in aerators and cartridges. Sediment and manganese stirred by hydrant flushing can also clog aerators and cartridges, and a clean-out of the aerator is the first thing to try.
Houses near Salem Common and in the Chestnut Street district often keep original-style fixtures. A plumber can usually source seats and stems for older faucets, but sometimes a modern equivalent saves time. We explain both options. If the supply line itself leaks, leak detection may be worth a look to check the rest.
Standards.
Code, permits and safety for faucet repair.
Fixture work follows 248 CMR 10.00, the Massachusetts plumbing code, and repairs that only replace parts typically do not need a permit. Ask Salem Inspectional Services at 978-619-5641 if you are unsure.
What to do before we arrive.
- Close the small valve under the fixture if water is leaking.
- Do not run the disposal or flush a clogged toilet repeatedly.
- Put a towel and a pan under the leak and keep the area dry.
Pricing.
What faucet repair costs.
Faucet repair is priced by fault and fixture. These factors set the price.
Homeowner insurance often covers sudden water damage from a failed supply line but not the faucet itself or long-term drips. You get a clear price before work starts. For your real number, call (339) 216-9771.
FAQs.
Faucet repair questions from Salem homeowners.
Yes. The 24/7 line is answered every day. Close the shutoff under the sink or the main and call.
If the faucet is otherwise sound and parts are available, repair is cheaper. If the finish is worn or parts are discontinued, replacement is better.
A worn cartridge or seals in the valve body. A plumber can replace the cartridge, and may need access to the valve.
Often it is a clogged aerator or cartridge. Sediment from hydrant flushing or main work can do it. Unscrew the aerator and rinse it first.
All of Salem, including Downtown, Salem Neck, North and South Salem, Salem Willows and the Highland Avenue area, in ZIP codes 01970 and 01971, plus nearby Beverly.