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
- Diagnosing the leak or failure, including whether water is coming from the fixture, the supply line or the drain connection.
- Replacing worn internal parts such as flappers, fill valves, cartridges or washers.
- Resetting a toilet when the seal at the base is leaking or the toilet rocks on the floor.
- Replacing supply lines and shutoff valves that are corroded, stuck or weeping.
- Checking for related damage, such as soft flooring around a toilet that has leaked over time.
Key considerations
- Old shutoff valves may fail when turned. A plumber may recommend replacing them during the visit rather than risk a leak later.
- A running toilet wastes water continuously. It may not look urgent, but it is usually an inexpensive repair compared with the water it wastes.
- Parts compatibility varies by brand. Having the brand or model of your faucet or shower valve can speed up the repair.
- Water-saving fixtures can lower water use, and some utilities offer rebates on qualifying models.
- Soft or stained floors near a toilet may mean a long-term leak, which can damage subflooring.
Local notes for Colorado Springs
Colorado's Front Range sees sharp temperature swings in winter, and hard freezes can follow mild days. Pipes in exterior walls, garages and crawl spaces are the most exposed, and outdoor hose bibs that are not freeze-resistant or disconnected from hoses are a common trouble spot.
Water in much of Colorado is moderately hard to hard depending on the source, which can contribute to scale in water heaters and fixtures over time. Your local water utility publishes water quality reports if you want specifics.
We take inquiries from Colorado Springs, Monument, Fountain, Manitou Springs, Security-Widefield.
What to have ready
- Describe any water damage to floors, ceilings or walls, since that can affect both the repair and any insurance claim.
- 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.
- List the times you can be reached and whether someone will be home to provide access.
- Tell us if the issue is affecting your only bathroom or your only source of hot water, which changes how urgent it is.
Signs to slow down
- No clear answer about warranties on parts and labor.
- Unwillingness to provide license or insurance information when asked.
- Requests for large cash payments up front before any work or materials are scheduled.
- No written estimate, or an estimate that does not describe the work, materials and who pulls any required permit.
- Recommending that permits be skipped for work your jurisdiction normally requires a permit for.
How to vet a provider
- Is it more sensible to repair this fixture or replace it?
- Do you bring common parts, or will a second visit be needed?
- Can you install a fixture I've already bought?
- Will a shower valve repair require opening the wall?
- How do you price small jobs, and is there a minimum charge?
- Does your work come with a warranty?
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
- Water Heater Problems: Common water heater problems, repair versus replacement considerations, and what to ask a plumber about tank and tankless units.
- Sump Pump Issues: How sump pumps work, common failures, backup options and what to ask a plumber about repair or replacement.
- Clogged Drains and Sewer Lines: How drain and sewer clogs are diagnosed and cleared, warning signs of a main line problem, and questions to ask a plumber.