If a faucet, supply line, or shower valve will not stop, close the small shutoff valves under the sink first. No shutoff, or it will not turn? Close the main water valve at the house, then call call (855) 575-2890. The line is answered 24/7, including nights and weekends, and same-day appointments are offered when available.
Spraying, dripping, or stuck: sorting out the problem
A faucet call can mean very different things. A slow drip from a spout wastes water but can wait for a daytime visit. A burst supply line or a handle that snaps off is a flood in progress. We sort the call by how fast water is moving and whether you can shut it off.
| Problem | Usual cause | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Drip from the spout | Worn cartridge, washer, or seat | Fix soon |
| Water at the base of the faucet | Failed seals or loose mounting | Soon, watch the cabinet floor |
| Spray or leak under the sink | Cracked supply line or loose fitting | Shut the stop valve now |
| Handle spins and water will not stop | Stripped or broken valve stem | Emergency if you cannot isolate it |
| Tub spout or shower leaks inside the wall | Valve or pipe connection | Shut water and call |
| Low flow from one faucet | Clogged aerator or worn cartridge | Not urgent |
A faucet or shutoff leak that cannot wait until morning
Treat it as an emergency if water keeps moving after you close the shutoff, if the stop valve itself is leaking or frozen in place, or if water is showing up in a ceiling, a wall, or a cabinet floor. A supply line can let go at any hour, and the damage grows while it runs. Our after-hours crew takes these calls on nights and weekends the same as weekday ones.
Do not force a stuck valve with a wrench. Old stops can snap, and then the only shutoff left is the main. Know where the main valve is before you need it.
Kitchen and bathroom faucets
Kitchen faucets work hard. They run all day, and a sprayer hose, a loose handle, or a spout that wobbles at the base is a sign the internal parts or mounting nuts are tired. Bathroom faucets tend to fail quietly with drips and mineral buildup on the aerator.
- Kitchen: leaks at the spout swivel, sprayer hose drips, and slow flow are common.
- Bathroom: dripping spouts, stiff handles, and weak flow from a clogged aerator.
- Outdoor spigots: a dripping hose bib can leak inside the wall, so note any damp spot in the room behind it.
Tub and shower valves
Tub and shower valves hide behind tile, which is why a problem there matters sooner. A shower that runs cold or hot only, a handle that will not hold, or a spout that drips after the shower is off often points to a worn cartridge. A leak inside the wall can mean a connection behind the valve.
If water is coming through the ceiling below a bathroom, stop using that shower and call. We may use leak detection to confirm where the water is traveling before opening any wall.
Repair, replace, or upgrade
We fix what is worth fixing. A cartridge, seat, washer, or supply line on a sound faucet is usually a repair. A faucet with a corroded body, a discontinued model, or repeated failures is usually a replacement.
If you already have a fixture you like, tell us the brand on the call so we can plan the right parts. If you are buying a new one, have it on hand or let us source it. For work that goes beyond a swap, our plumbing installation service covers new fixtures and supply changes.
Shut off water and protect the room
- Close the small stop valves under the sink by turning them clockwise.
- If they will not close or leak, shut the main water valve at the house.
- Open a lower faucet to drain remaining pressure.
- Move items out of the cabinet and mop standing water.
- Photograph any damage before cleanup for your insurer.
- Call and tell us the fixture, what failed, and whether water is still moving.
What affects the price of a faucet repair
- Fixture and brandCommon cartridges and washers are simple parts. Specialty or older fixtures take more sourcing time.
- Where the problem isA visible spout is quick to reach. A valve behind tile means opening a wall.
- Shutoff conditionA stuck or leaking stop valve may need replacing first.
- Repair or replacementReplacing a faucet adds the new fixture and installation time.
- Time of the callAfter-hours and weekend visits are priced differently from daytime work, and you hear the price first.
Sudden leaks that damage floors or cabinets may fall under your homeowner policy, while the worn faucet itself usually does not. Keep photos and invoices, and check with your insurer before repairs if damage is significant.
Want your real number? Call (855) 575-2890Faucets in Helena homes
Helena grew from 10,296 residents in 2000 to 20,914 in 2020, so most fixtures here are builder-grade installs from that boom. After a decade or two, cartridges wear, aerators clog, and supply lines under sinks start to fail. In Old Town Helena, older shutoff valves may not close fully after years of sitting open, which is worth testing before a leak forces the issue.
Ask your water utility, the City of Helena Utilities Board at (205) 663-1670, about the minerals in your supply, or test your tap. Buildup on aerators and shower heads is the visible sign.
Where we cover
We serve Helena and nearby towns, including Chelsea and Calera. If a fixture leak turns out to be a bigger one, such as a burst pipe, we handle that too. And if a toilet is part of the same bathroom problem, see our toilet repair page.
Faucet repair questions
Yes. The emergency line answers 24 hours a day, including nights and weekends. Same-day appointments are offered when available, and you hear a clear price before work starts.
Close the small stop valve under the sink. If that fails, shut the main water valve at the house and call us right away.
Usually not. A drip wastes water and is worth fixing, but it can wait for a daytime visit. A spray, a flood, or a valve that will not close is different.
Yes. We check the cartridge and connections, and if the leak is inside the wall, we plan access before opening anything.
If the body is sound, a new cartridge or seals often does the job. A corroded or discontinued faucet is usually better replaced. We explain which applies on site.
Yes. A valve that will not close or drips from the stem should be replaced, and we can do it with the repair.
Yes. A dripping hose bib can leak into the wall behind it, so call if you see damp siding or interior staining.