Plumbing · Whitecourt, AB
Faucet, Sink & Shower Repair in Whitecourt, AB
A drip that won’t stop, a leak under the sink, or a shower that runs too hot, too cold or too weak. Most of these come down to a handful of usual causes.
Warning signs
Common faucet, sink and shower problems
A constant drip
Usually a worn cartridge, washer or valve seat inside the faucet. A slow drip can waste a surprising amount of water.
Water in the sink cabinet
Often a loose supply line, a leaking drain trap, or water getting under the faucet base.
Weak flow from one tap
A clogged aerator, showerhead or cartridge. If it’s only one fixture, the problem is usually at that fixture.
Shower goes hot and cold
Usually the shower valve’s cartridge, which balances hot and cold pressure, is worn or clogged.
Handle that’s stiff, loose or spins
Worn parts inside the handle or valve. It tends to get worse until the tap won’t shut off properly.
Stains on the ceiling below a bathroom
A sign of a leak at the shower valve, drain or tub. Worth checking before it damages the ceiling.
When to call
Call a professional, or check it yourself?
Call a professional when…
- There are water stains on the ceiling below a shower or tub
- You think there’s a leak inside the wall
- The shut-off valves under the sink won’t close or are leaking
- The shower valve needs replacing
- A new faucet needs the supply lines or drain changed
Safe to check yourself
- Unscrew and clean the aerator on the end of the faucet
- Soak a crusty showerhead in vinegar to loosen scale
- Look in the cabinet with a flashlight while the water runs to find a drip
- Check that supply line connections are snug (don’t over-tighten)
Turn the water off at the shut-off valves before taking a faucet apart. If the valves are old and stiff, don’t force them. They can break.
What to expect
How it usually gets fixed
Every job is different. This is the usual order of things.
- Find the source. Pinpoint whether the leak is at the spout, handle, base, supply line or drain.
- Shut off the water. At the fixture’s shut-off valves, or the main if those don’t hold.
- Repair or replace parts. Cartridges, washers, O-rings, supply lines or the drain trap, depending on the cause.
- Reassemble and test. Water back on, run hot and cold, and check the fix.
- Check for leaks. Look under the sink and around the fixture again after it has run for a while.
Repair or replace
Repair the faucet, or replace it?
Repair usually makes sense when…
- The faucet is fairly new and parts are available
- The drip comes from a worn cartridge or washer
- The faucet body is in good condition
Replacement is worth considering when…
- The faucet body is corroded or cracked
- Parts are hard to find for an older model
- The same leaks keep coming back
Why call DCJ
A local Whitecourt business
- Locally owned and operated Based in Whitecourt, Alberta.
- Close by Serving Whitecourt and the Barrhead area.
- Real work to show See photos from DCJ jobs in the recent work gallery.
FAQ
Faucet, Sink & Shower Repair: common questions
Why does my faucet keep dripping?
Most drips come from a worn cartridge, washer or seat inside the faucet. Hard water speeds up the wear. Replacing the worn part usually stops it.
Why does my shower go hot and cold?
When someone flushes or runs water elsewhere, the pressure changes. A shower valve with a worn or clogged cartridge can’t balance that change, so the temperature swings.
Why is there water under my kitchen sink?
Check the supply lines, the drain trap and the base of the faucet. A small leak at the drain only shows up when the sink is draining, so run water while you look.
Can I replace a faucet myself?
Many people do. Shut off the water, take photos of the connections first, and don’t force old valves. If the shut-off valves are seized, or the supply lines or drain need changing, it’s easier to have a plumber do it.
How much does faucet or shower repair cost?
It depends on the fixture and what’s worn out. Call 780-779-1481 and describe the problem to talk through what’s involved.
Related services
- Toilet RepairRunning, leaking, rocking or weak-flushing toilets fixed.Learn more
- Low Water PressureTracking down why the water is weak — one tap or the whole house.Learn more
- Drain Cleaning & Clogged DrainsSlow, smelly or fully blocked drains cleared, and drain pipe problems repaired.Learn more
Based in Whitecourt, serving Whitecourt and the Barrhead area.Service area · All services
Need help with faucets, sinks & showers in Whitecourt?
Call DCJ to talk it through, or send a quote request online.