Valve will not shut off: the emergency version
A faucet that cannot be turned off is rarely the faucet itself. More often a worn cartridge has failed, or the shutoff valve beneath the sink has seized after years untouched.
Try the small oval handle under the sink first, turning it clockwise, gently. If it does not close, go to the main water shutoff and call us, and do not force a stuck valve with a tool that could snap the stem.
Fixes for the common faucet problems
| Problem | Usual cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Drip from the spout | Worn cartridge, washer or O-ring | Replace the worn part |
| Leak at the base or handle | Failed O-ring or loose packing nut | Replace seals, tighten the nut |
| Low flow from one faucet | Clogged aerator or cartridge | Clean aerator, replace cartridge |
| Sprayer or hose problems | Worn hose or diverter | Replace the hose or diverter |
| Under-sink supply valve leaks or will not close | Corroded stem or stripped packing | Replace the valve and supply line |
| Shower or tub valve drips or will not shut off | Worn cartridge behind the wall | Replace the cartridge or valve body |
When a faucet is old enough that parts are no longer made, we will say so and suggest a new one rather than chase obsolete parts.
Faucet or valve will not shut off?
Close the main if you need to and call. The 24/7 line is open.
Faucets and water pressure in Wilsonville
High water pressure makes faucets drip, and the city's utility billing FAQ says the pressure reducing valve is usually after the meter, often in a plastic or concrete box between the meter and the house. If several faucets drip or the house hammers when a valve closes, ask a plumber to test the pressure at an outdoor spigot.
The same FAQ says that for low pressure at every fixture, the city will check for a leak on request. If only one faucet is weak, the cause is local, and cleaning its aerator is the first step.
Mineral crust on aerators and showerheads is common, and the city's annual water report does not list a hardness figure. Test your tap or ask the utility for its latest report to see whether a filter or softener is worth considering.
Sink and fixture work we do
Kitchen faucets
Repair, replacement and new sprayer or pull-down hoses.
Bathroom sinks
Leaks at the trap, supply lines and pop-up drains.
Shower and tub valves
Cartridge replacement and diverter repair, including bathtub faucets that will not stop dripping.
Supply valves and lines
Replacing seized shutoffs and braided supply lines before they burst.
What affects the price of faucet and sink repair
A clear price comes before work starts. These details move it.
Related plumbing services
A running toilet or leaking bowl falls under toilet repair, and a kitchen disposal under garbage disposal repair. If a supply line has failed behind the wall, see burst pipe repair, and we also serve Sherwood and nearby towns.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. A valve that will not shut off, a spraying supply line or a leak into a cabinet is dispatched on the 24/7 line, and the dispatcher will tell you how to shut off the water.
A worn cartridge, washer or O-ring lets water past the seal. High water pressure can make it worse, so a pressure test is worth doing.
Turn the shutoff valve under the sink clockwise. If it is stuck, shut the main water valve and call us.
Repair when parts are available and the finish is good. Replace when the faucet is corroded, parts are discontinued or you want a different style.
Yes, usually by replacing the cartridge behind the handle. If the valve body is corroded, it takes a larger repair that may involve opening the wall.
A clogged aerator, a partly closed supply valve or a worn cartridge are common causes. Low pressure at every fixture may point to a leak or a pressure reducing valve issue.