Small Leaks That Cost the Most: Faucets, Supply Lines and Running Toilets

A burst pipe gets attention right away. A small leak does not, and that is the problem. A slow drip under a vanity or a toilet that keeps trickling can run for weeks, soaking the cabinet floor, loosening flooring and feeding mold, all while the house looks fine. Catching these early is some of the cheapest home maintenance there is.

Turn off the water first

Before anything else, know where your water shutoffs are. Most sinks and toilets have a small valve on the supply line, usually an oval or round handle, and turning it clockwise stops the water to that fixture. There is also a main shutoff for the whole house. Find both now, while nothing is wrong, and make sure the handles actually turn.

If water is running and you cannot stop it, shut off the main, then call (786) 275-7842. That is our 24/7 emergency line. Shutting off the water first limits the damage while help is on the way.

Faucets that drip or run

A dripping faucet is usually a worn internal part, a cartridge, a washer or a seal, and not the whole faucet. Low flow or a spray that goes sideways is often mineral buildup in the aerator, the small screen at the tip. Hard water can leave deposits over time, and cleaning or replacing an aerator is a quick fix.

Look at what happens under the sink too. Water that appears at the base of a faucet or runs down the supply lines is a different problem from a drip at the spout. A faucet that is loose on the countertop can also let water seep below. Replacing a faucet is typically handyman-scale work, as long as the shutoff valves under the sink work properly.

Supply lines, the quiet culprits

The flexible lines connecting a shutoff valve to a faucet or toilet are easy to forget. They age. Braided lines can corrode, rubber ones can crack, and the nuts at each end can loosen with time. A damp spot, a wet cabinet floor, a musty smell or a swollen cabinet base are the usual signs.

Swapping a supply line is a short job when the shutoff valve behind it still works. If the shutoff itself is stuck, corroded or leaks when touched, that is worth knowing before anyone starts, because forcing an old valve can turn a small drip into a big one.

• Dry a paper towel and run it along each connection. A damp spot shows up fast.
• Look at the cabinet floor for stains, warping or soft spots.
• Check behind the toilet and at the base for moisture or rust on the bolts.
• Replace old supply lines when you are already repairing nearby, since the labor overlaps.

The running toilet

A toilet that hisses, refills on its own or runs for a minute after flushing is wasting water, and your water bill shows it. The usual causes are inside the tank. The flapper at the bottom may be worn and no longer sealing, the fill valve may not be shutting off, or the chain may be too long or too short. These are small parts and the fix is typically a replacement, not a new toilet.

A quick check: put a few drops of food coloring in the tank, wait a while without flushing, and see if color appears in the bowl. If it does, water is leaking past the flapper.

What a handyman can handle

Fixture-level work is a good fit for a handyman. That includes replacing faucets, supply lines, aerators, flappers, fill valves, and showerheads, fixing minor drips at fixtures, and swapping a toilet seat or reseating a toilet. These jobs are contained, and they begin and end at a shutoff valve.

When to call a licensed plumber

Some problems are beyond handyman scale, and it is better to know that up front. Call a licensed plumber for:

• Leaks inside a wall, under a slab or in the ceiling where you cannot see the pipe.
• Main line problems, low pressure across the whole house, or a main shutoff that will not close.
• Water heater failures, leaks or gas-related work.
• Sewer smells, repeated backups or drains that will not clear.
• Any job where the shutoff valve will not stop the water.

When you call us, we will tell you honestly whether the job is something we can take on or whether it needs a licensed plumber. Being told that early saves time and money.

Plumbing fixture and leak work is one of our services. See our plumbing page, and call (786) 275-7842 any time for an emergency, or Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm, for a free quote. Every customer gets 10% off, and our team includes Spanish speakers.