Potomac's median home was built around 1977, and many houses have large kitchens, several bathrooms, wet bars and outdoor faucets, which means more fixtures to wear out. A drip or a leak at the handle is usually a seal or cartridge that a plumber can replace without changing the faucet. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Potomac.
Potomac grew from a farming community into an affluent suburb northwest of Washington, centered on Potomac Village where Falls Road meets River Road. Most homes get water from WSSC Water, which disinfects with chlorine and adds orthophosphate to coat pipe interiors. Montgomery County gives every property a water and sewer service category, and some are planned for private wells and onsite systems instead of public service, so a few Potomac homes run on their own water supply.
What to do now
- Stop the water at the fixture. Close the two stops under the sink. If the faucet is a bar sink or a tub filler with no stops, use the main shutoff.
- If you're on a well, know where the pressure tank and its valve are. Closing the house valve after the tank will stop the water.
- Protect finishes. Wipe up water on stone counters and wood cabinets right away; slow leaks can stain or swell them.
- Write down the brand and model. High-end faucets often need factory cartridges, and the right part saves a second trip.
- Look outside. Hose bibbs and garden spigots that leaked last winter should be on the list, since freeze damage is common on outdoor faucets.
Symptoms and what they usually mean
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Slow, steady drip from the spout | Worn cartridge, washer or seat |
| Leak at the base of a single-lever faucet | Failed O-rings on the spout or body |
| Pull-down sprayer leaks under the sink | Worn spray hose or loose quick-connect |
| Weak flow at one faucet | Clogged aerator or debris in the cartridge |
| Spitting or sputtering on a well system | Air or sediment in the water, often from the well side |
| Outdoor faucet leaks when the hose is on | Cracked frost-free sillcock tube |
What affects the cost
- Whether the faucet is a common brand or a designer model with special-order parts
- Rebuilding versus replacing, especially with stone countertops
- Seized stops or old supply lines that need replacing
- Outdoor faucets that require access through a finished basement ceiling or wall
- How many fixtures are handled in the same trip
Plumbing permits in Montgomery County come from WSSC Water, and most plumbing work there has to be done by a plumber registered with WSSC Water.
Faucet Repair questions in Potomac
My home has its own well. Does that change faucet repair?
Can a pull-down or touchless kitchen faucet be fixed?
Why does my outdoor spigot leak or split in winter?
Is it better to rebuild my faucet or replace it?
More plumbing services in Potomac
Faucet Repair nearby
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