HOW TO FIX A LEAKING FAUCET IN QUINLAN, TX
- Jeff Whitworth
- Mar 13
- 7 min read
Got a faucet that won't stop leaking in your Quinlan, TX home or business? The good news is that this is a plumbing issue you can usually fix yourself. Even a slow drip can waste a surprising amount of water over time and increase your utility bill, so this is a job you'll want to prioritize.
In this guide, we're explaining how to fix a leaking faucet step-by-step, as well as advising on when you should call a professional plumber.
Why trust what we have to say? We're licensed plumbers based in the Quinlan, TX area, and we've fixed literally thousands of faucets over our decades of experience. We're confident that our knowledge of faucet repairs and other plumbing services far surpasses the average person's!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Most leaking faucets are caused by worn washers, cartridges, or seals.
To repair a leaking faucet, turn off the water supply and replace the worn part, then reassemble the faucet.
If the leak continues or you suspect it might involve hidden plumbing, contact a licensed plumber.
Read on for a step-by-step guide to DIY repairing a leaking faucet in your Quinlan home or business.
STEP 1: IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF FAUCET
Before you get started with the repairs, you'll first need to determine which type of faucet you have. We've found that most homes in Quinlan use one of these common styles:
Compression faucets – Older two-handle faucets with rubber washers.
Cartridge faucets – Modern single-handle faucets with internal cartridges.
Ball faucets – Often found in kitchen sinks.
Ceramic disc faucets – Newer, durable faucet designs.
Why is this necessary to know? Because it determines the repair method you'll need to use based on the internal parts of the faucet.
STEP 2: TURN OFF THE WATER SUPPLY
You should always shut off the water as a precaution before you get started with any plumbing repairs, even smaller ones like fixing a leaky faucet. Here's how to do it:
Look under the sink for the hot and cold shut-off valves.
Turn both valves clockwise until they're fully closed.
Turn the faucet on to release any remaining water pressure.
If you can't find any shut-off valves under the sink, the next-best alternative is to shut off the main water supply to your house. Just make sure you're not running any water-using appliances and no one needs to take a shower!
STEP 3: REMOVE THE FAUCET HANDLE
Next, remove the faucet handle so you can access the internal components. This exact process depends on the type of faucet you have, but it typically looks something like this:
Remove the decorative cap on the handle.
Unscrew the handle or mounting screw.
Lift the handle off the faucet assembly.
There are plenty of YouTube videos you can watch for your specific faucet type if you want a visual of what the handle-removal process looks like.
Once you've got the handle off, you'll be able to see the cartridge or washer assembly.
STEP 4: INSPECT THE COMPONENTS
The most common cause of faucet leaks is a damaged or worn-out small internal part, like the rubber washer, the o-ring, the valve seat, or the cartridge. Mineral buildup on the internal components is likely if you have hard water (Quinlan water is classed as hard to very hard according to data from the most recent Water Quality Report), and can also lead to faucet leaks.
Once you've identified the issue, remove the worn part and compare it to a replacement at a hardware or plumbing supply store. If you're not sure what needs replacing, you might want to replace the washer, o-ring, and cartridge together, especially if your faucet is old and you haven't ever replaced them before.
Don't know what replacement parts to buy? If you want to triple-check that you're getting the right components that fit in your faucet, take your old parts to your local plumbing supply retailer and ask them to help you identify what you need.
STEP 5: INSTALL THE REPLACEMENT PART
When you have the new part, follow these steps to replace it in your faucet:
Insert the new washer, cartridge, or o-ring.
Reassemble the faucet in reverse order (starting with what you removed last, first).
Turn the water supply back on slowly and check the water flow.
Run the faucet for a minute to check for leaks. If the repair has gone well, you should no longer have a leaky faucet.
STEP 6 (BONUS): CHECK YOUR WATER METER FOR HIDDEN LEAKS
The hard part is over, but before you pour yourself a well-earned cup of coffee and put your feet up, make some time for this bonus step.
Sometimes, a faucet leak is only part of a larger plumbing issue, and a simple way to check is by observing your water meter. To do this:
Turn off all water inside the house.
Check the meter indicator.
If the meter still moves, there may be another leak somewhere in your plumbing system.
This is a super simple check and can help you detect leaks early before they increase your water bills or possibly even cause property damage and plumbing emergencies.
If you suspect you have a bigger leak, we strongly recommend contacting a local plumbing company in Quinlan, TX. At Military Plumbing, we're headquartered right here in Quinlan, so we can respond to all your plumbing needs (including emergency plumbing requests) within a matter of hours. We offer a professional service using advanced leak detection tech to identify leaks before they lead to major repairs.
COMMON CAUSES OF FAUCET LEAKS IN QUINLAN HOMES
Wondering what leads to a dripping faucet in Quinlan in the first place? There are several factors that can contribute to faucet leaks in North Texas, including:
MINERAL DEPOSITS
As we mentioned, Quinlan is known for having hard water. Limescale deposits from water with high calcium and magnesium concentrations can damage faucet seals over time, resulting in leaks and other faucet problems.
WORN COMPONENTS
It's normal for washers and cartridges to naturally wear down inside your faucet with regular use. Even if you have a water softener installed, you'll still need to repair leaks on an old faucet eventually.
WATER PRESSURE CHANGES
If you live in an area of Quinlan that commonly experiences pressure fluctuations in the municipal water system, this can stress your plumbing fixtures, including your faucets, possibly damaging the components and causing leaks.
AGING PLUMBING
Finally, aging plumbing is generally more prone to leaks. If you live in an older home, there's a chance that it may still have original fixtures. Depending on their condition, it may be best to simply replace them with new faucets.
WHEN TO CALL A PLUMBER FOR A LEAKING FAUCET
As we've shown, it's definitely possible to fix leaks in most faucets yourself. As long as you have a head for DIY and the patience for around 10 minutes of work, you should be good to carry out the repair without professional help.
That said, you might need to call a plumber if:
The faucet continues to leak after you've replaced the parts
Water is leaking under the sink
The faucet base or pipes are corroded
You suspect a leak inside the wall or foundation
You might also want to call a plumber if you have restricted mobility that prevents you from being able to carry out the repair yourself, or if you're too busy to go the DIY route.
We're licensed plumbers serving Quinlan, TX, offering a range of services including leak detection, faucet repair, and fixture replacement. We're happy to help regardless of the complexity of the repair.
Contact us to book your faucet repair today.
HOW TO PREVENT FAUCET LEAKS
When a faucet has been used for decades, chances are, it's eventually going to leak. That said, there are ways to extend your faucets' lifespans and get more use out of them before they call it a day.
You can reduce the risk of plumbing problems by adopting a few simple hacks.
Replace worn parts early. Small drips usually indicate that components are wearing out.
Avoid overtightening handles. Applying excess force can damage your faucet's washers and seals.
Inspect your plumbing regularly. Check under sinks and around fixtures for moisture.
Fix small leaks quickly. Even a minor drip can waste a lot of water over time.
If in doubt, we're here to help. Give us a call, and we'll help you get to the bottom of the issue, check your supply lines, and schedule our faucet repair or replacement service as needed.
Dealing with something bigger than a leaking faucet? We offer a range of plumbing services, including water heater installation, toilet repair, professional drain cleaning services, burst pipe repair, blockage clearing for backed-up sewer lines and slow drains, and more. Whether you need routine maintenance or an emergency repair, we're here.
We deliver a reliable service with upfront pricing to all customers in Quinlan and the surrounding communities in Northeast Texas. Contact us to get started today.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As a Quinlan homeowner, you may experience leaking faucets due to hard water mineral buildup, water pressure issues, or aging plumbing. The good news is that a leaking faucet is generally a simple fix that you'll be able to handle with basic tools and replacement parts. Just make sure you get the repair done early to prevent wasted water.
If the leak continues or you suspect a larger plumbing issue, we recommend contacting our licensed plumbing company. We're based in the Quinlan area and can help protect your home from more expensive damage.
FAQ
CAN A DRIPPING FAUCET INCREASE MY WATER BILL?
Yes, even a small leak can waste hundreds of gallons annually, which will increase your water usage and monthly utility costs. That's why it's best to fix the issue as soon as you can to avoid spending more than necessary on your water bills.
ARE LEAKING FAUCETS COMMON IN QUINLAN, TX?
Yes, leaking faucet problems are one of the most common plumbing issues that homeowners in Quinlan, TX experience. If you're looking for a plumbing company to fix the leak for you, we provide prompt estimates and can help you understand what's best for you, from a simple repair to a new fixture.
IS IT BETTER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE A LEAKING FAUCET?
Whether you should repair or replace a leaking faucet depends on the age of the fixture. If the faucet is newer, you'll probably find that repairing it is the best option. But if you have an older fixture, replacing the entire faucet is likely to be more cost-effective.
SHOULD I FIX A FAUCET LEAK MYSELF?
Yes, you can usually repair a faucet leak yourself with simple tools. Whether you should go the DIY route depends entirely on whether you want to. We're happy to help if you'd rather leave the job to an expert. Plus, if the issue involves pipes or hidden leaks, you might have a plumbing problem that needs professional attention. Customer satisfaction is our priority, and we guarantee a quality job or your money back.
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