Overview
Toilets, faucets, shower valves and the small shutoff valves beneath them get daily use, and they wear out gradually. A toilet that runs between flushes, a faucet that drips, or a shower that only gets lukewarm are common reasons for a service call. These are rarely dramatic emergencies, but some, such as a toilet overflowing or a supply line leaking, need prompt attention to avoid water damage.
Many fixture problems come down to a handful of parts. Toilets rely on a fill valve, flapper, flush valve and wax ring or seal at the base. Faucets use cartridges, washers or ceramic discs. Shower and tub valves contain cartridges that control temperature mixing, and some include pressure-balancing or thermostatic features. Supply lines and angle stops under sinks and behind toilets can corrode or fail with age.
When a fixture is older or parts are hard to find, replacing the whole fixture can make more sense than repairing it. A plumber can help you weigh the cost of parts and labor against a new fixture, and can tell you whether the valve behind a shower wall can be serviced or would need to be replaced, which is a bigger job.
What the work usually involves
- Replacing supply lines and shutoff valves that are corroded, stuck or weeping.
- Replacing worn internal parts such as flappers, fill valves, cartridges or washers.
- Installing new fixtures you have purchased, or supplying fixtures if the provider offers that.
- Resetting a toilet when the seal at the base is leaking or the toilet rocks on the floor.
- Checking for related damage, such as soft flooring around a toilet that has leaked over time.
- Diagnosing the leak or failure, including whether water is coming from the fixture, the supply line or the drain connection.
Things worth considering
- A running toilet wastes water continuously. It may not look urgent, but it is usually an inexpensive repair compared with the water it wastes.
- Old shutoff valves may fail when turned. A plumber may recommend replacing them during the visit rather than risk a leak later.
- Soft or stained floors near a toilet may mean a long-term leak, which can damage subflooring.
- Water-saving fixtures can lower water use, and some utilities offer rebates on qualifying models.
- Parts compatibility varies by brand. Having the brand or model of your faucet or shower valve can speed up the repair.
- Shower valve replacement may require wall access, either from the tiled side or from an adjacent room or closet.
How to prepare your inquiry
- Mention the approximate age of the home and whether you know what type of piping it has, such as copper, PEX, galvanized steel or cast iron.
- Say whether you own or rent. Renters usually need to involve the landlord or property manager before work begins.
- Note where the problem is, when it started and whether it is getting worse. A quick photo of the area, any visible leak, and the water heater or fixture label can save time.
- Find your main water shut-off before you need it, and mention in your inquiry whether you have already shut the water off.
- Tell us if the issue is affecting your only bathroom or your only source of hot water, which changes how urgent it is.
When to keep looking
- Recommending that permits be skipped for work your jurisdiction normally requires a permit for.
- Vague answers about the cause of the problem, or no plan to confirm that the fix worked.
- Unwillingness to provide license or insurance information when asked.
- Pressure to decide immediately on a large replacement without a clear explanation of why a repair will not work.
- Prices that change significantly after arrival without a clear explanation of what was discovered.
Questions worth asking
- Does your work come with a warranty?
- Is it more sensible to repair this fixture or replace it?
- Will a shower valve repair require opening the wall?
- Do my shutoff valves need replacing while you're here?
- Do you bring common parts, or will a second visit be needed?
- Can you install a fixture I've already bought?
- How do you price small jobs, and is there a minimum charge?
Frequently asked
- Why does my toilet keep running?
- The most common causes are a worn flapper that lets water leak into the bowl or a fill valve that isn't shutting off at the right level. Both are typically simple repairs.
- Is a dripping faucet worth fixing?
- Usually yes. A steady drip wastes water over time and often indicates a worn cartridge or washer that is not expensive to replace.
- What should I do if my toilet is overflowing?
- Close the shutoff valve behind the toilet by turning it clockwise. If it won't close, you can lift the tank lid and raise the float to stop the fill, then shut off the main if needed.
Related topics
- Sump Pump Issues: How sump pumps work, common failures, backup options and what to ask a plumber about repair or replacement.
- Water Heater Problems: Common water heater problems, repair versus replacement considerations, and what to ask a plumber about tank and tankless units.
- Burst and Leaking Pipes: What happens when a pipe bursts or starts leaking, what to do first, and what to ask an emergency plumber before work begins.