Faucet or Sink Leak: Stop the Water
Look under the sink for the two small valves, called angle stops, one for hot and one for cold. Turn each clockwise until snug. If one will not close or leaks at the stem, the problem is bigger than the faucet and you should close the main water valve.
A burst supply line or a failed shutoff valve can empty a lot of water in a short time, which is why the 24/7 line exists. Put a bucket under the leak, move items out of the cabinet and call.
What Is Wrong With the Faucet
Drips from the spout
A worn cartridge, washer or seat. A drip wastes water and shows up on the bill.
Leak at the handle or base
A worn O-ring or seal, or a loose packing nut.
Low flow from one faucet
A clogged aerator or cartridge, or debris from the supply line.
Valve that will not shut off
A failed shutoff valve that may need replacement.
Repair or Replace the Faucet
| Condition | Better choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Simple drip from a newer faucet | Repair | A cartridge or washer is a small part |
| Corroded, pitted or discontinued model | Replace | Parts may be hard to find and the finish is failing |
| Cracked body or deep mineral damage | Replace | The faucet cannot be sealed reliably |
| Remodel or new sink | Replace and match fixtures | See plumbing installation |
Supply Valves and Burst Supply Lines
The shutoff valve under the sink and the flexible supply line to the faucet are the parts that fail suddenly. An older valve may seize or leak at the stem, and a braided supply line can burst at the fitting. Replacing both during a faucet repair is a reasonable precaution.
A failed supply line is a classic cause of water damage in cabinets and ceilings below. If you have never replaced yours and it looks corroded, mention it when you call.
Faucet Leaking Badly?
Call the 24/7 line. A same-day appointment is offered when available, and the price is clear first.
Tub and Shower Valves
If the tub spout drips or the shower will not shut off, the cartridge or valve behind the wall may need replacement. Some can be serviced from the front, and others need access through the wall or a panel. Showerheads that leak at the arm usually just need new thread tape or a fresh connection.
Hot water that runs weak or turns cold in the shower can come from a failed pressure-balance cartridge. The plumber checks the valve type and tells you the options before you approve the price.
Sink Drains and Kitchen Faucets
A kitchen sink that drains slowly or leaks under the basin may have a failed trap, a loose slip nut or a clog. A bathroom sink that will not drain even when nothing seems clogged often has a stuck pop-up stopper or a partial blockage that a cable can clear.
For the deeper clog case, see drain cleaning. If your kitchen faucet is paired with a garbage disposal, the disposal repair page may apply too.
Fixtures in Rolling Meadows Homes
A lot of the housing in Rolling Meadows was built between 1950 and 1980, per the city's comprehensive plan, so many bathrooms have original or early-renovation fixtures. Shutoff valves of that age may not have been turned in years, and they sometimes fail when you finally close them.
The city also notes that concealed plumbing must have an access door or panel, which helps when a valve sits behind a wall. Ask the plumber where the access is and keep it clear.
What Affects the Price
Faucet repair prices depend on the part and the fixture.
Insurance may cover sudden leak damage but not the faucet. Want your real number? Call (847) 281-8626.
Sources and Local Rules Behind This Page
Plumbing work in Illinois is governed by the Illinois Plumbing Code, 77 Ill. Adm. Code 890, which municipal inspectors enforce, and the Illinois Department of Public Health licenses plumbers. The housing age notes here come from the City of Rolling Meadows 2018 comprehensive plan, according to which most housing was built between 1950 and 1980.
We name these sources so you can check them yourself. Rules and phone numbers change, so confirm with the city office or the state before you rely on any detail for a permit or a purchase.
Common Questions
Yes. The emergency line is open 24/7, including holidays.
A worn cartridge, washer or seat is the usual cause. A plumber can replace it and stop the drip.
If the body is sound and parts are available, repair is fine. If it is corroded or discontinued, replacement is usually the better value.
Old valves can seize or leak. Replacing the valve is a small job, and doing it before it fails avoids a flood.
Yes. We replace cartridges and valves and check for leaks.
Still not sure what you are dealing with? Call (847) 281-8626 and describe it to our dispatcher.