What to Do if a Faucet Won't Shut Off

Faucets feature small pieces of rubber called washers. The washers form seals to prevent leaks. A

If a faucet won't shut off and water keeps flowing, it's important to act quickly and fix the problem immediately. Otherwise, the property or business premises might suffer serious damage, and the water bills will soar.

Here's what to do if a faucet won't shut off:

Steps to take

When faucet handles stop working, and water keeps flowing, the best temporary fix is to switch off the water supply. Look underneath the sink and locate the valves for hot and cold water. They should be labeled "H" and "C" respectively.

Turn the valves clockwise around 90 degrees to shut them off. This blocks the water in the pipes to the faucet, so it should stop dripping or running immediately. After that, it's best to bring in a plumber to identify the issue and repair the faucet.

Reasons why faucets won't shut off

There are some potential explanations when a kitchen or bathroom faucet keeps running. Here are some of the most common causes:

A stripped handle

The faucet handle may be stripped if it keeps spinning around when turned rather than staying in one position. This occurs when the threads connecting the handle to the stem get rusted and worn down.

A stripped handle will typically need replacement. However, relying on a professional rather than attempting DIY replacement is best. Due to the corroded threads, the stripped handles may be difficult to remove.

A damaged or broken washer

Faucets feature small pieces of rubber called washers. The washers form seals to prevent leaks. A washer in the stem helps keep the handle in place but can crack and break over time.

If the washer breaks, the handle might not stop the water properly, leading to constant dripping from the spout. A plumber can look inside, spot any damage, and make the appropriate repairs.

A worn-down seat

Another part of a faucet is known as the seat. It helps the handle turn smoothly, letting the householder control the flow and temperature of the water. However, just like other components, seats get worn down with regular use.

With a worn-out seat, a faucet might not be able to close correctly. For that reason, the water will flow from the pipes, even when you try to turn the faucet off. A plumber may have to replace or sand the seat to fix the problem.

Don't delay

Constantly flowing faucets are a real headache. But a qualified plumber should be able to fix them in no time. When faced with a faucet that won't shut off, don't delay. Call in the pros and get it repaired.

Solace Plumbing is a licensed commercial and residential plumber with 26 years of experience in Gilbert, Az. We provide the East Valley with a wide range of plumbing services, including 24-hour emergency service. Some of our specialties include plumbing installation and repair, remodeling, natural gas and propane piping, slab leak detection, and full-service repiping. Commercial work includes restaurants, school districts, and tenant improvements. Call Solace Plumbing at 480-630-0224.