Overflowing sink.

My Kitchen Faucet Won’t Turn Off

How to Diagnose and Fix a Running Faucet

A faucet that won’t stop running is one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. It’s an annoying issue and can also be very costly if not addressed quickly. The good news is, diagnosing and fixing a running faucet isn’t as difficult as you might think.

In this blog, we will review some of the most common causes of a running faucet and provide tips for fixing it yourself or when to call a professional.

Identifying the Cause of Your Running Faucet

The first step in diagnosing and fixing your running faucet is identifying the cause. The most common reasons are worn-out washers, faulty seals, loose handles, clogged aerators, and broken pipes.

To determine which is causing your problem, remove the handle from your faucet and check for any signs of wear or damage. If nothing looks out of place or damaged, the cause could be entirely different.

Checking Washers and Seals

If you find that your washer or seal is worn out or damaged, then this could be causing your problem. To replace these parts, remove them carefully with a pair of pliers and purchase new ones at your local hardware store. Be sure to get washers/seals that match the size/model of your existing ones, so they fit when you install them.

Tightening Loose Handles

If you notice some play in your handles when you turn them on or off, this could be another potential cause for your faucet to stop running. To fix this issue, simply tighten the handle with an adjustable wrench until it’s snug enough that there is no play when turning it on or off.

Cleaning Clogged Aerators

A clogged aerator can also be responsible for why water continues to run even after you turn off the tap. If this is causing your issue, you should be able to resolve it by cleaning out any debris inside the aerator with needle-nose pliers or similar tools before reattaching it back to your faucet head securely.

Replacing Broken Pipes

In some cases, broken pipes may be responsible for why water continues to run after you turn off the tap; if this is causing your issue, then replacing those pipes should solve it quickly enough as long as you have basic plumbing skills. You may want to call in a professional if necessary, depending on how complex your piping systems are—this way, you can ensure that everything gets done correctly.

Testing Your Fixture After Repairs

Once the repairs you’ve wrapped up repairs, test out your fixture by turning on both hot and cold water taps simultaneously to check that everything works as expected. If not, then double-check all connections before calling in a professional who specializes in plumbing repair.

Benefits Of Professional Help

Calling a professional specializing in plumbing repair can save time and money down the road because they know exactly what needs to be done and how best to do it with minimal disruption and costs associated with additional labor hours.

Plus, they have access to specialized tools and equipment that may not otherwise be available, such as video inspection cameras, which can allow them accurately diagnose any underlying issues without having to do any destructive digging around pipes, etc. Additionally, they have access to certain parts and materials, which may help speed up repairs significantly compared to trying to do things DIY style.

Tips For Choosing A Reliable Plumber

When choosing someone who specializes in plumbing repairs, research their reputation online first. Read reviews left by previous customers or ask friends/family about their experiences -- before making any commitments.

Then once you've narrowed down the list based on these reviews, remember to compare estimates from multiple companies to know precisely how much the job will cost before starting work. Finally, make sure to get a written estimate outlining the scope of work and timeline well in advance so there are no surprises once the final bill arrives.

As usual, you can rest assured that our team at HPS Plumbing Services is here to keep our home’s plumbing working its best. We will repair your broken faucet and create a maintenance plan to help keep it in good condition year-round. Talk to our team at (661) 426-2166 to learn more about our residential plumbing services.
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