Faucet Repair in Suitland, MD

Is a 1970s faucet worth fixing?

Suitland grew quickly after federal offices arrived during World War II and kept building through the following decades, so a lot of houses here carry plumbing from that era. Two-handle compression faucets from those years use rubber washers that press against a brass seat. When the washer hardens or the seat gets pitted, the faucet drips no matter how hard you turn the handle. A plumber can usually replace the washer and dress or replace the seat for a fraction of a new fixture's cost.

The case for replacement gets stronger when the chrome is flaking, the body is corroded through, or the brand has long since stopped making stems. Many owners of older homes also choose a new faucet simply to get a single-lever control and a modern finish. Either path is reasonable; a plumber can tell you which one fits the faucet in front of them.

What is likely under the sink?

In a house this age, look for small chrome or brass shutoff valves, often called angle stops, feeding rigid or braided supply tubes. Those valves sit closed-open for years without moving, and when someone finally turns them, the packing may leak or the valve may not close at all. It is common for a plumber to replace the stops and supply lines during a faucet job so the next repair is easier and you have a dependable way to cut the water.

You may also find corroded steel or galvanized pipe stubbing out of the wall in some older homes. If that pipe crumbles when the fitting is turned, the job grows, so it helps to tell the plumber the home's age when you call.

Where does WSSC's responsibility end?

WSSC Water owns the part of the water service line that connects to the main. From the property line into the house, the line belongs to the owner, and so does every faucet, valve and supply tube inside. WSSC's water quality report describes chlorine disinfection and a corrosion inhibitor that coats the pipes on customer property. If water is gushing in the street or at the meter, call WSSC's emergency number, 301-206-4002. If it is inside, close the nearest valve and call a plumber.

One more Suitland note

Plumbing permits in Prince George's County come from WSSC Water Permit Services, not the county, and most plumbing work must be done by a plumber registered with WSSC. For a simple faucet repair this rarely comes up, but it matters if the job turns into new piping.