A dripping or stiff faucet is more than a minor irritation, especially with Scarborough's hard Lake Ontario water contributing to mineral scale that wears down internal parts faster than in areas with softer supply. Whether it's a kitchen tap that won't shut off fully or a bathroom faucet that sprays unevenly, the cause is usually a worn cartridge, washer, or valve seat.
We see a wide range of faucet ages and styles across Scarborough, from original fixtures in Agincourt homes built decades ago to more recent updates in renovated kitchens and bathrooms. Rather than replacing the whole faucet by default, we look at whether a targeted repair can restore smooth operation and stop the drip.
Signs You Need Faucet Repair
Look out for these signs that a faucet needs repair.
Persistent dripping
A faucet that keeps dripping after being shut off usually has a worn washer, cartridge, or valve seat.
Stiff or hard-to-turn handles
Handles that resist turning smoothly often indicate mineral buildup or a corroded internal mechanism.
Water sputtering or spraying oddly
Uneven flow can point to a clogged aerator or debris inside the faucet body from scaled-up pipes.
Leaking at the base of the spout
Water pooling around where the faucet meets the counter often means an O-ring has worn out.
Temperature that won't adjust properly
A mixing valve that no longer blends hot and cold correctly may need internal parts replaced.
Visible corrosion or mineral crust
White or greenish buildup around the faucet base is a sign hard water deposits are affecting the fixture.
How We Do It
Here's our general process for repairing a faucet.
Step 1: Identify the faucet type
We determine whether it's a compression, cartridge, ball, or ceramic disc faucet, since each requires different parts and techniques.
Step 2: Shut off water and disassemble
We isolate the water supply and carefully take the faucet apart to inspect the internal components.
Step 3: Inspect for wear and scale
We check washers, O-rings, cartridges, and valve seats for wear or mineral deposits from hard water.
Step 4: Replace worn parts
We fit new washers or cartridges matched to the faucet's brand and model to restore a proper seal.
Step 5: Clean mineral buildup
Where scale has accumulated, we clean the aerator and internal surfaces so water flows evenly again.
Step 6: Reassemble and test
We restore water supply and test the faucet at different temperatures and flow settings to confirm the repair holds.
Faucet Wear from Scarborough's Water Supply
Homes throughout Dorset Park and L'Amoreaux draw from the same Lake Ontario-sourced municipal supply that tends to carry more dissolved minerals than some other regions, and over years this gradually coats faucet internals with scale. That buildup is a major reason faucets in older Scarborough homes start sticking or dripping well before the fixture itself looks outdated.
In homes with basement apartments or added second kitchens, extra faucets see more frequent use, which can accelerate wear on cartridges and washers. We take usage patterns like these into account when recommending whether a simple part swap will hold up or whether the faucet is nearing the end of its practical lifespan.
Why Choose Scarborough Plumbing
Experience with hard water wear
We regularly see how Scarborough's mineral-rich water affects faucet parts and know what to check first.
Repair-first approach
We look for a fix that restores your existing faucet before suggesting a full replacement.
Works across faucet styles
From older compression faucets to modern cartridge designs, we adapt our approach to the fixture in front of us.
Tidy, careful work
We take care around counters and finishes so the repair doesn't leave scratches or water marks behind.
Faucet Repair FAQs
Why does my faucet drip even after I tighten the handle?
Tightening the handle doesn't fix a worn washer or cartridge inside the faucet body, which is usually the actual source of the drip.
Is hard water really affecting my faucet?
Scarborough's water supply carries enough dissolved minerals that scale buildup inside faucets is common, especially in older fixtures that haven't been serviced in a while.
Can a faucet repair fix low water pressure at the tap?
If low pressure is caused by a clogged aerator or scaled internal parts, cleaning or repairing the faucet often restores normal flow.
How long does a typical faucet repair take?
Most repairs involve disassembling the faucet, replacing worn parts, and testing, which we complete in a single visit.
Should I repair or replace an old faucet?
If the body and finish are in good shape and parts are available, repair is usually worthwhile; if it's heavily corroded, replacement may serve you better long term.
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Questions? Call (647) 249-7335 or send the form below.