McLean's homes span decades, with a median build year around 1976, and moderately hard Fairfax Water is hard on faucet seals over time. Most drips, handle leaks and sticky levers can be fixed with new internal parts, though high-end fixtures sometimes need special-order cartridges. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in McLean.
McLean water and housing
McLean is served by Fairfax Water. Most of its customers get water from Fairfax Water's own plants on the Potomac River and the Occoquan Reservoir, and some get Potomac water treated by the Washington Aqueduct. Fairfax Water's figures for its Potomac plant show hardness from about 70 to 185 mg/L, which falls in the moderately hard range. Over years, that leaves scale on aerators and cartridge seals.
The median McLean home was built around 1976. Many houses have been renovated since, so the same kitchen can hold a brand-new designer faucet next to original shutoff valves. Higher-end European and designer faucets often use cartridges that a supply house has to order, so knowing the brand saves time. Homes with several bathrooms also mean more faucets aging at once, and it can make sense to have the plumber look over the others during the same visit.
Rebuild or replace
| Situation | Rebuild | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Drip on a quality faucet with parts available | Yes, new cartridge or seals | No |
| Designer fixture with a discontinued cartridge | Sometimes, with a universal part | Often the cleaner fix |
| Corroded body or flaking finish | Rarely | Yes |
| Leak from the sprayer hose only | Yes, new hose | No |
| Changing the faucet's location or hole count | No | Yes, and may need a permit |
Signs to watch
- A spout that keeps dripping after it is fully closed
- A handle that wobbles or has to be pushed to one spot to stop the flow
- Moisture at the base of the faucet or inside the cabinet
- Spray from around the aerator instead of a straight stream
- White crust that keeps coming back on the spout
Seasonal notes
From about April through June, Fairfax Water switches from chloramines to free chlorine, so the water may taste or smell different for a while. That does not mean the faucet is failing. In winter, hose bibs on north-facing walls are the fixtures most likely to freeze; a frost-free sillcock or an inside shutoff closed in the fall prevents most spring surprises. Fairfax County Land Development Services says a like-for-like fixture replacement in the same location is exempt from a permit, while relocated or new fixtures need one.
Faucet Repair questions in McLean
Is it better to rebuild my faucet or replace it?
Why does my outdoor spigot drip after a cold winter?
Does the disinfectant in my tap water matter for a filter faucet?
Do I need a permit to replace a faucet?
More plumbing services in McLean
Faucet Repair nearby
Sources
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