Faucet Repair & Installation in Ottawa — Kitchen, Bath & Shower

A drip that seems insignificant runs every hour of every day. The U.S. EPA's WaterSense program notes that household leaks, including dripping faucets, can waste a meaningful amount of water over a year. On a metered Ottawa water account, that waste shows up on the bill.

A drip also indicates wear that tends to worsen. A cartridge or washer that starts dripping can progress to a steady stream or a handle that will not fully close. Addressing it early is usually simpler and less expensive than waiting for it to fail completely.

Single-handle faucets controlling both temperature and flow usually use a cartridge or ceramic disc. Two-handle faucets may use compression stems with rubber washers, or ceramic cartridges. Ball-type faucets, common in older single-handle kitchen models, use a rotating ball with seals and springs.

The brand name is often on the handle, spout or escutcheon. Model information may be on the original box, receipt or a tag on the supply lines. A photo of the faucet and the under-sink connections helps a plumber bring the right parts, which can avoid a second visit.

Replacing a cartridge involves shutting off water, removing the handle and retaining hardware, extracting the old cartridge and fitting a compatible new one. Using the correct genuine or equivalent part matters: an ill-fitting cartridge may leak or restrict flow.

Compression faucets with washers can often be repaired by replacing the washer and, if worn, resurfacing or replacing the valve seat. If the seat is badly damaged and cannot be replaced, the faucet may continue to drip regardless of new washers, which is when replacement becomes sensible.

Replacement makes sense when the faucet body is corroded or cracked, parts are discontinued, multiple components have failed, or a repair would cost close to a new fixture. It is also an opportunity to choose features such as a pull-down sprayer or a lower-flow WaterSense-labelled model.

Before buying, check the number of holes in the sink or countertop and their spacing, the sink deck thickness and the space below the sink. A faucet that needs a different hole configuration may require a deck plate or drilling. Ask your plumber to confirm compatibility before purchase.

Under-sink leaks can come from the supply lines, the shut-off valves, the faucet base or the drain trap. Dry everything with a towel, put paper towel on the cabinet floor, then run the faucet and watch where water appears first. Note whether it leaks when the faucet is on or all the time.

Constant leaks with the faucet off usually involve the pressurized supply side. Leaks that appear only while water drains point to the drain connections or trap. Braided supply lines have a service life; if yours are old, bulging or corroded at the fittings, replacing them is often recommended.

Fixture shut-off valves allow a faucet to be serviced without turning off water to the whole house. Valves that have not moved for years can seize or begin leaking at the stem when finally turned. Forcing them can break them, which is why many plumbers check or replace them during a faucet job.

Replacing old multi-turn valves with quarter-turn valves makes future repairs easier. If your home has no shut-offs under the sinks, adding them is a worthwhile improvement during a faucet replacement.

When only one faucet has weak flow, the aerator at the spout tip is the most common cause. It can collect debris or mineral deposits, especially after water main work in the area. Unscrewing and cleaning it often restores flow.

If cleaning the aerator does not help, debris in the cartridge or a partly closed or failing shut-off valve may be the cause. If several fixtures are weak at once, the issue is more likely in the supply piping or pressure; see our pipe repair page for that type of problem.

Shower valves are installed inside the wall, and repairs usually happen through the trim opening. Many modern valves use a pressure-balancing or thermostatic cartridge that helps limit sudden temperature changes. A worn cartridge can cause drips, temperature fluctuations or difficulty adjusting.

Replacing a valve body, rather than the cartridge, can require opening the wall from behind or around the trim. If you are planning a bathroom renovation, consider replacing older shower valves at that time. Ask about anti-scald protection and whether trim kits are compatible with the valve you have.

Pull-down faucets include a hose, spray head and counterweight. Leaks can occur at the hose connection, the spray head or the hose itself, and the spray head can lose function due to mineral buildup. Many of these parts are replaceable separately if they are compatible with the faucet body.

If the hose does not retract smoothly, the counterweight may have moved or the hose may be catching on items stored under the sink. These are often simple adjustments. Our kitchen plumbing page covers sinks, dishwashers and disposers in more detail.

Outdoor faucets, often called hose bibs or sillcocks, are vulnerable to Ottawa freezing. A frost-free hose bib places the valve inside the warm wall, but it can still freeze and split if a hose is left connected in winter. A burst inside the wall may not leak until the faucet is used in spring.

Disconnect hoses in fall, and close and drain any interior shut-off to standard outdoor faucets. The City of Ottawa's freezing advisory offers additional winter protection guidance. If an outdoor faucet leaks inside when first used in spring, stop using it and request a repair.

Take photos of the faucet, handle, spout and underneath the sink showing the supply lines and shut-offs. Note the brand if visible and whether the problem affects hot, cold or both. Clear the cabinet below the sink so the plumber has room to work.

If you are supplying a new faucet, have it on site and check the box contents beforehand. Mention any countertop material such as stone or quartz, since that affects removing old fixtures and any drilling.