Before anything else, find the shutoff
Faucet repair is the replacement or rebuild of the internal parts of a tap, tub spout, shower valve or hose bib: cartridges, washers, O-rings, seats and the stop valves that feed them. Most of those parts sit behind a handle you can see.
If water is spraying or a stop valve will not turn, close the whole-house main and call. Forcing a seized valve can snap it.
Which kind of faucet are you dealing with
The type decides the fix, so it helps to know what you have.
| Faucet type | Wears out | Typical repair |
|---|---|---|
| Compression (two handles) | Rubber washer and seat | New washers, seat resurfacing or replacement |
| Cartridge (single or two handle) | O-rings and cartridge body | Swap the cartridge for the exact match |
| Ball | Springs, seats and the ball | Rebuild kit |
| Ceramic disc | Seals under the disc | Replace seals or the disc cartridge |
| Tub and shower valve | Cartridge, stem or mixing valve | Often in-wall, may need access |
| Outdoor hose bib | Washer and packing, or freeze damage | Repack, replace, or add a frost-free bib |
Photos of the faucet and the underside of the sink help us bring the right cartridge.
Hard water is the quiet culprit
According to New Jersey American Water's published report, the Delaware system that serves Voorhees measures hardness at 88 mg/L, or 5.1 grains per gallon. That is enough to crust aerators, stiffen cartridges and scratch ceramic discs over time.
A faucet that sputters or sprays sideways usually has a clogged aerator before it has a failed valve. Unscrew the aerator, soak it in vinegar and see whether the stream straightens.
Leaking through the wall or ceiling right now
A shower valve, tub spout or burst supply connector that leaks inside a wall can stain ceilings below within hours. This is the situation where waiting turns a repair into drywall, insulation and mold.
Tell us on the call where you see the water, whether the leak slows when the fixture is off, and whether anyone can reach the main.
- 1Close the fixture's own stop valve if it has one, or the main at the meter or where the line enters
- 2Open the lowest faucet to drain the lines and take pressure off the leak
- 3Put a bucket under drips and move anything valuable out of the path of water
- 4Take photos of stains and call (855) 575-2890 so a plumber can plan access
Do not stand under a sagging ceiling.
Repair the faucet or replace it
Repair
Best when the body is sound.
- Dripping spout, stiff handle or weak flow
- Parts are still available for the make and model
- Finish is intact
Replace
Best when the cost of parts approaches a new unit.
- Pitted or corroded body
- Obsolete model with no cartridge
- Leak from the body or base casting
- You want a different style or a pull-down spout
Replacing a faucet with no change to the piping is ordinary maintenance under NJ DCA guidance, though plumbing work should be done by licensed persons.
Quick diagnosis from your side
You can narrow the cause in a few minutes.
- ✓Drip from the spoutWorn seal or cartridge. Shutting the stop valve stops it.
- ✓Drip below the handleFailing O-ring or packing nut.
- ✓Water under the sinkLoose supply nut, cracked supply line or a leaking drain slip joint. Dry the area and watch.
- ✓Only hot or only cold flowsClogged cartridge port, stuck check valve or debris.
- ✓Low flow from one faucetAerator scale, usually. If all faucets are weak, the problem is upstream. See water line repair.
What affects the price of a faucet or valve repair
Cartridge availability
Common parts are quick. Imported or discontinued styles may take longer to source.
In-wall access
Tub and shower valves need access panels or tile work.
Shutoff valves that fail
If the stop valve will not close, replacing it comes first.
Water damage
A leak inside a wall can add drying and repairs.
Fixture quality
Solid brass bodies cost more and last longer than thin castings.
Insurance note. Homeowner insurance may cover water damage from a sudden burst connector but typically not the worn faucet itself, so check your policy. A clear price is given before work starts, so the choice between repair and a new faucet is yours.
Winter and outdoor spigots
A hose bib left connected to a hose in freezing weather can split behind the wall. The leak starts when the thaw comes, which is why a spigot that drips inside the house after winter needs a look.
A frost-free bib extends the valve seat into the heated space, and that is a simple replacement for outdoor faucets that have failed more than once. If a pipe has already split, see burst pipe repair.
On the day
- 01
Shut and test
We close the stops and confirm the leak source before taking anything apart.
- 02
Match the parts
We match the cartridge or washer to the faucet make.
- 03
Rebuild or swap
Reassemble with plumber's grease and new seals, or set the new fixture.
- 04
Run it
Check hot and cold, drain flow and every connection for drips.
Faucets in Voorhees homes
With a median build year of 1983 according to Census ACS, many Voorhees homes still have bathroom and kitchen faucets that are original or second-generation. Stop valves of that vintage are often stiff, which is why we recommend replacing a doubtful one while the supply is already shut off.
Neighbors in West Berlin and Lindenwold often have similar-age fixtures, and the same approach applies.
Source type: U.S. Census ACSSources and references
The points above draw on these public standards, codes and guidelines. Rules change, so confirm current requirements with the agency or utility named before you rely on them.
- New Jersey American Water: published water quality report (Delaware system) and Camden County service territory information
- NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers FAQ (N.J.S.A. 45:14C-1)
- U.S. Census Bureau: QuickFacts and American Community Survey 2020 to 2024 estimates
Common questions
Yes. If a valve will not close or water is running inside a wall, call the 24/7 line. Same-day appointments are available when schedules allow, and we tell you which valve to shut first.
The valve seat may be pitted, which cuts a new washer to pieces. Hard water scale makes this more common, and the seat can be resurfaced or the faucet replaced.
The diverter inside the spout is failing. It is a cheap part, though the spout may be glued or screwed on tight.
Often, if the shutoff works and you can match the cartridge by brand. Stop if the stem is stuck, the valve is behind tile or the stop will not close, because forcing parts breaks pipe.
Dry everything, put a paper towel under each connection and run only the faucet, then only the drain. Wet paper shows which side leaks.
It can. At 88 mg/L, scale builds on aerators and cartridges. Cleaning aerators every few months and using the right part helps.