Emergency faucet repair: the valve that will not shut off
A faucet that will not turn off, a handle that spins loose, or a shutoff valve that sprays at the stem all need quick action. A steady drip is annoying but can wait for a same-day appointment when available. Water running with no way to close it cannot.
While you wait for us.
Look under the sink for the two small oval or round handles on the supply lines and turn them clockwise. If they are stuck, spin freely, or leak, close the home's main valve instead.
Put a bucket under any spray and a towel over the cabinet floor. If water is reaching a light or an outlet, stay clear and shut off power to that room only if you can reach the panel safely and dry.
If the main will not close either, see our notes on burst pipe repair for the full shutoff routine. A stuck main valve is a separate problem that we can replace.
Why faucets drip and what each type needs
Drips are not just noise. The EPA says a faucet dripping once per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons a year. Most drips come from a worn seal inside the valve, and the cure depends on how the faucet is built.
| Faucet type. | Common failure. | Repair. |
|---|---|---|
| Cartridge. | Drip from the spout, stiff or loose handle. | Replace the cartridge and O-rings. |
| Ball. | Leak at the handle base, weak flow. | Replace seats, springs and the cam. |
| Ceramic disc. | Drip after mineral buildup or a cracked disc. | Clean or replace the disc cylinder. |
| Compression. | Drip when closed, squeal when opened. | Replace the washers and seats. |
| Single-handle kitchen. | Leak at the base or hose. | Replace O-rings, hose or the whole faucet. |
Before we take anything apart we shut off the supply, plug the drain so small parts do not fall in, and match the model. Many faucets cost less to replace than to chase parts for, and we tell you plainly which case yours is.
A broken or leaking shutoff valve under the sink
The little valves under your sinks are the first line of defense, and they fail more than people expect. Years of sitting open leave the stem stuck, and a valve forced closed can crack or start dripping. We replace old multi-turn stops with quarter-turn ball valves, and swap the braided supply lines at the same visit.
Do not try to muscle a stuck stop. If it breaks while the main is open, you have a flood. Close the main first, then call us.
Shower valves, tub faucets and showerheads
A shower that drips after you shut it off, runs hot and cold at once, or gives you weak pressure usually has a worn cartridge or a clogged showerhead. A tub spout that leaks from behind the wall is more serious, because it can mean a failing valve inside the wall. We can often reach the valve through an access panel on the back side, but sometimes tile has to come out.
- Drip from the shower head after the water is off.
- Handle that feels loose, gritty or hard to turn.
- Water that will not stay at one temperature.
- Wet drywall or a stain on the wall behind the tub.
- Water from the tub spout while the shower is on.
A tub or shower that drains slowly is a drain problem, not a faucet one. Hair and soap are the usual culprits, and our drain cleaning page explains how we clear them.
Specialty and designer fixtures in Laguna Pointe and Two Rivers
Custom homes in Laguna Pointe and Two Rivers often carry designer or imported fixtures, and some parts are special order. That changes how we repair. We ask for the brand and model before the visit, and photograph the cartridge so we can order the exact part.
Parts availability may decide the question. A cartridge for a boutique faucet can take days to arrive, so we may close the valve for now and return. We also work across Ada County, including Star, and the same parts question comes up in any Eagle, ID neighborhood.
Utility sinks, outdoor spigots and laundry valves
These fixtures take the most abuse and get the least attention. An outdoor spigot that leaks inside the wall when a hose is attached needs a fast look, and a laundry valve that drips behind the washer can soak the wall for months. In Eagle, ID we replace cartridges, stems and whole valves, and we leave you with working shutoffs.
If the wall behind a spigot or valve is damp, we check the pipe too. A drip that has been running a while can rot the framing before you see it.
What decides the cost of faucet repair
What shapes the price.
- Faucet brand, age and parts supply. Common cartridges are quick, while specialty or discontinued parts mean ordering or replacing the fixture.
- Condition of the shutoff valves. A seized stop must be replaced before the faucet can be repaired safely.
- Where the valve sits. A kitchen faucet under a sink is easy, while a shower valve in a tile wall may need an access opening.
- Repair or replacement. A fixture with worn, pitted or cracked parts may cost less to replace than to repair.
- Wall or water damage found. A wet wall, rot or a failed line behind the fixture adds repairs.
Faucet damage claims turn on speed. A sudden supply failure that floods a cabinet may be covered, while a slow drip that rots the wood below is commonly called gradual, along with wear on the faucet itself. Ask your insurer before you rip anything out. We cannot promise coverage.
Which part is failing sets the price. Phone (208) 679-8357 and the visit includes a clear price before work starts.
Common questions
Do you handle faucet repair emergencies at night or on weekends in Eagle?
Yes. A valve that will not shut off is a middle-of-the-night problem, and (208) 679-8357 answers 24/7, overnight and weekends included. Ask about a same-day appointment, offered when the schedule has room, and no arrival time is promised. Shut the main valve and stay on the line while the dispatcher works out the next step.
Why does my faucet keep dripping after I turn it off?
A worn cartridge, washer or seat is the usual cause. Because a drip once per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons a year, according to the EPA, it is worth fixing.
Can you fix a shower valve that will not shut off?
Usually yes. We replace the cartridge or valve body, and we may need to open the wall or tile if there is no access panel.
Can you replace a stuck valve under my sink in Eagle, ID?
Yes. We shut off the water at the main, replace the stop with a quarter-turn ball valve, and test it. Old stops often fail as soon as you touch them.
Can you repair an outdoor spigot or laundry valve?
Yes to both. Outdoor spigots and laundry valves use stems, cartridges and washers we replace. If the pipe behind the wall is damaged, we replace that too.
Do you replace faucets as well as repair them?
Yes. We install faucets you supply and help you decide when a repair no longer makes sense. Permit rules vary, so ask DOPL if the job involves moving pipes.
If a handle is spinning free or a valve will not close, call (208) 679-8357.
Call (208) 679-8357Standards and sources
Plumbing work in Idaho follows the state plumbing code, which is based on the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) with state amendments in IDAPA 24.39.20. Permits and licenses come from the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), not the city.
- U.S. EPA: Fix a Leak Week (federal agency)
- Idaho DOPL plumbing FAQs (state agency)