Faucet emergency: what to do first
A broken faucet or a supply line failure can flood a vanity in minutes.
- Close the small angle stop valve under the sink, turning clockwise.
- If it will not turn, close the main water shutoff.
- Empty the cabinet and mop up before the water reaches the floor.
- Open another faucet to drain the pressure.
- Take photos if water reached cabinets or flooring.
Then call (973) 488-5410. We dispatch 24/7 and give you a clear price before work starts.
Faucet problems and fixes
The type of faucet decides the repair.
| Faucet type | Common failure | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Compression (two handles) | Worn washers and seats | Replace the washer or seat. |
| Ball or cartridge | Worn seals or cartridge | Replace the cartridge. |
| Ceramic disc | Cracked disc or seals | Replace the cartridge. |
| Pull-down kitchen faucet | Hose or spray head leaks | Replace the hose or head. |
| Outdoor hose bib | Frost damage or worn stem | Repair or replace the bib. |
Tell us the brand if you know it. It helps us bring the right part.
A drip is not harmless
A faucet that drips once a second can waste thousands of gallons in a year. It also stains the sink and wears the seat further.
The fix is usually inexpensive if you do it early. Waiting until the faucet fails completely means a bigger repair and sometimes a wet cabinet.
Shutoff valves under the sink
The small valves under a sink should turn off water to the faucet. Old valves seize, drip at the stem, or fail when turned. When that happens, nothing can be repaired without shutting off the whole house.
We replace failed stops as part of the visit, so the next repair is quick. A quarter-turn valve is a good upgrade in older Belleville homes.
Outdoor faucets and frost
Hose bibs that are left connected in winter can freeze and crack inside the wall. The break often goes unnoticed until the spring, when the faucet is turned on and water floods the wall cavity.
Disconnect hoses before the first hard freeze, and close and drain any shutoff to outdoor lines. If you find a leak inside the wall, see burst pipe repair.
How a faucet repair goes
Most are done within an hour or two.
- IdentifyWe confirm the faucet type, the supply lines and the shutoffs.
- Repair or replaceWe fix the part if it is sound, and recommend replacement if it is worn out.
- Check the supplyWe check braided lines and valves for leaks.
- TestWe run hot and cold and look for drips under the sink.
Code points for faucets and shutoffs
New Jersey's plumbing subcode adopts the National Standard Plumbing Code Illustrated, 2021 edition, through N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.15. It requires accessible shutoff valves at fixtures and backflow protection on hose connections. When we replace a failed stop valve or add a vacuum breaker, that is the code we are following.
What changes faucet repair pricing
We quote before work starts.
- Repair or replaceA cartridge swap costs less than a new faucet.
- Faucet quality and brandParts for some brands are harder to find.
- Shutoff valve conditionA seized valve adds work.
- AccessA cramped vanity takes longer.
- After-hours dispatchNight and weekend calls cost more, and we say so first.
Insurance note: sudden water damage from a failed faucet may be covered, while gradual leaks may not. Check your policy and photograph the damage.
Need it fixed? Call (973) 488-5410 and tell us the faucet type.
Questions Belleville homeowners ask about faucet repair
Yes. Our line is open 24/7. If water is spraying or pooling, we tell you what to close and dispatch.
If the faucet is sound and parts are easy to find, repair. If the finish is worn or parts are hard to find, replacement is often better.
Yes. We install customer-supplied faucets, though we cannot warrant the product itself.
A clogged aerator is the common cause. Sediment or a failing cartridge can also be to blame, and we check both.
Yes. See garbage disposal repair if the disposal needs work during the same visit.
Yes. See Bloomfield for details on our coverage there.