A dripping or leaking faucet in Westminster usually traces to a worn cartridge, washer or seal, often helped along by the city's moderately hard water. Most can be rebuilt; older or badly scaled fixtures may be worth replacing. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Westminster.
A quick look at Westminster
Westminster's only water source is Standley Lake, filled by Clear Creek snowmelt and treated at the Semper and Northwest plants. The city reports total hardness of 112 to 149 ppm, roughly 7 to 9 grains per gallon, which is enough to leave scale on aerators and cartridges over time. The median home was built in 1987, and about a third date from before 1980, so faucets range from original two-handle fixtures to fairly new single-lever models.
What to do right now
- Close the stop valves under the sink. Turn the hot and cold valves clockwise by hand. If either one will not move or starts leaking, stop and use the main shutoff instead.
- Find the main shutoff if you need it. It is usually where the water line enters the house, often in the basement or near the water heater.
- Dry the cabinet. Pull out stored items, wipe up water and set down a towel so you can see if the leak returns.
- Note where the water comes from. Spout, handle, base or below the counter each point to a different part.
- Check the aerator if flow is weak. Unscrew it and look for scale or grit before assuming the faucet failed.
- Know who to call for street-side trouble. The city owns the line from the main to the meter pit; for water at the pit or in the street, call Westminster Public Works and Utilities at 303-658-2500.
Call now to be connected with a local plumber in Westminster.
(303) 529-9880Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Drip from the spout with the handle off | Worn cartridge, or washer and seat in a compression faucet |
| Water around the base of the spout | Failed O-rings in the spout or body |
| Leak from under the handle | Cartridge seal or stem packing |
| Uneven spray or weak stream | Scale in the aerator or cartridge screen |
| Wet cabinet floor | Supply hose, stop valve or a loose drain connection |
| Hard-to-turn handle | Mineral buildup on the cartridge |
What affects the cost
- Rebuilding with new parts versus installing a new faucet
- Faucet brand, age and whether parts are still made
- Seized or leaking stop valves that need replacement
- Scale and corrosion that slow disassembly
- Access in tight vanities or under deep kitchen sinks
Faucet Repair questions in Westminster
Why does my faucet keep dripping even when the handle is shut tight?
In single-lever faucets the cartridge seals wear out; in two-handle compression faucets it is usually the washer or valve seat. Westminster's moderately hard water speeds that wear by leaving scale on the sealing surfaces.
Should I worry about lead from an old faucet or service line?
Westminster's service line inventory found no known lead residential lines, though some older homes may have galvanized steel. A faucet made before current lead-free standards may contain leaded brass, so swapping a very old one is reasonable.
Does the disinfectant in our water matter for a filtered-water faucet?
It does. Westminster disinfects with chloramine, so a filter for a drinking-water faucet should be rated for chloramine, not only chlorine.
How do I stop a faucet that is spraying and will not shut off?
Close the stop valves under that sink. If they will not budge or are missing, shut the main valve where the water enters the house, then call for a plumber.
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Helpful guides
Call now to be connected with a local plumber in Westminster.
(303) 529-9880Sources
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