A dripping faucet seems minor — just a small annoyance. But that steady drip is costing you real money. A faucet dripping once per second wastes over 3,000 gallons per year — enough to fill a swimming pool. In Riverside County, where water rates are among California’s highest, that drip is adding $30-$100 to your annual bill. Davis Plumbing and Heating Inc. fixes leaky faucets throughout Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Perris, and all of Riverside County.

Why Faucets Drip (By Faucet Type)

Ball Faucets (Common in Kitchens)

Single-handle ball-style faucets use a ball mechanism with springs, seats, and O-rings. When these parts wear out (accelerated by Riverside County’s hard water), the faucet drips from the spout or leaks around the handle. Ball faucet repair kits are available but require careful disassembly and correct parts matching.

Cartridge Faucets (Moen, Kohler, Delta)

Single or double-handle faucets with cartridge mechanisms are the most common type in newer Riverside County homes. When the cartridge wears out, water seeps past it. Replacement cartridges are brand-specific and must be installed correctly (orientation matters). Many Moen cartridges come with a lifetime warranty — Moen will supply the replacement part free if you call them.

Ceramic Disc Faucets (Higher-End Units)

Ceramic disc faucets use a cylinder with two ceramic discs. They’re extremely durable and rarely wear out, but when they do fail, mineral scaling from hard water is usually the culprit. Cleaning the discs with white vinegar often restores function without replacement.

Compression Faucets (Older Homes)

Traditional two-handle faucets with rubber washers (compression faucets) are common in older Sun City, Lake Elsinore, and Perris homes. The washers compress against a seat to stop water flow; when they wear out, they drip. Replacement washers are cheap, but in very old faucets, the seat itself may need resurfacing.

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Faucet

If a cartridge or washer replacement costs $20-60 in parts and a short plumber visit, repair makes sense for a faucet less than 10 years old. But if the faucet is old, corroded, or showing multiple failure points, replacement may be smarter — especially since modern faucets come with much better warranties, finish quality, and water efficiency.

Faucet Repair and Replacement Service

Davis Plumbing repairs and replaces all faucet types and brands. We keep common cartridges in stock and can often complete the repair in one visit. Call (951) 657-0393 for faucet repair service in Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Perris, Lake Elsinore, and all of Riverside County. Or schedule online.