Leaky Faucets and Fixtures

Faucets and fixtures checklist

From the guide’s own checklist. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.

• Shutoff valves found under every sink and behind the washer.
• Main water shutoff found and easy to reach.
• Handles turned off gently, never forced.
• Under every sink checked with a flashlight about once a month.
• Paper towel laid under each sink as an early warning.
• Cleaning supplies kept in a bin so pipes are easy to see.
• Aerators and showerheads cleaned a few times a year.
• Splashes wiped up around faucets and tub spouts.
• No ladders or tub edge standing to reach fixtures.
• Drips, leaks or pressure changes shared in writing with a photo or video.

All done. Every faucet is set to stay quiet and dry.

A few things to avoid

• Please don’t overtighten handles to stop a drip. It usually makes the worn part wear out faster.
• Please don’t ignore a damp cabinet floor or a musty smell under a sink.
• Please don’t use harsh abrasives on faucet finishes. Follow the fixture maker’s cleaning guidance.
• Please don’t hang heavy items from faucets, showerheads or shower arms. They can loosen and start to leak.

Lay a dry paper towel on the cabinet floor under each sink and check it now and then. A damp or stained towel is the easiest early warning of a slow leak there is.

If you find a leak

1. Take a breath. Most fixture leaks are small and manageable.
2. Turn the small shutoff valves under the sink until they stop.
3. If water is spreading and won’t stop, turn off the main water shutoff for the home.
4. Move items out of the way, set a bowl or bucket under the drip, and dry the area with towels.
5. Take photos or a short video of where the water is coming from.
6. Share what happened in writing right away so it can be repaired. You did exactly the right thing.

Signs of a hidden leak

These are common signs, not a complete list. Watch for a damp or warped cabinet floor, a musty smell under a sink, water stains, or drips you can hear but not see. Low pressure at just one fixture is often a clogged aerator. A sudden drop everywhere, or a water bill that jumps for no reason, is worth sharing right away.

Cleaning an aerator. Most aerators unscrew from the tip of the faucet by hand. Lay a towel in the sink first, since the tiny screen and washers are easy to drop down the drain. Rinse the screen, soak it in white vinegar for a while to loosen mineral buildup, then rinse and screw it back on snugly. Some finishes don’t like vinegar, so please follow the maker’s cleaning guidance.

Before move in and each year

From the guide’s list for owners. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.

• Run every faucet and shower on hot and cold, and look for drips, weak flow or leaks underneath.
• Check that each shutoff valve turns by hand and doesn’t drip, and that supply lines aren’t cracked or bulging.
• Turn each under sink valve off and back on once or twice a year.
• Clean or replace aerators and showerheads so everyone starts with good flow.
• Refresh caulk around sinks, tubs and showers where it is cracked or missing.
• Make sure everyone knows where the main water shutoff is, and that it is easy to reach.

All done. Every fixture is ready for the next resident.

When a fixture needs repair

• Treat an active leak under a sink or behind a wall as urgent, and handle it as quickly as possible.
• Respond to drips promptly. Worn washers, cartridges and seals are usually inexpensive parts.
• If pressure is low throughout the home, have the plumbing checked by a qualified professional.
• After a leak, make sure the cabinet and nearby surfaces are dried within about 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold.
• Replace stuck shutoff valves and worn supply lines when you find them, rather than waiting for a failure.
• Write down what was reported, what was done and when, and follow up kindly to make sure all is well.

Guides that go well with this one

• Water Shutoffs and Leak Detection
• Clogged Drains and Toilets
• Caulk and Grout Care
• Saving Water at Home
• Requesting Repairs

Helpful resources

U.S. EPA WaterSense: Fix a Leak Week and U.S. EPA WaterSense: Bathroom Faucets. How repairs are requested and how quickly they are made differ from place to place, so a quick look at your lease and the rules where your home is goes a long way. For repairs beyond simple care, please use a qualified professional.