Triangle's homes are mostly newer, with a median build year around 1999, and they draw Occoquan Reservoir water that Prince William Water rates as moderately hard. Drips and handle leaks usually trace to worn cartridges or O-rings. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Triangle.
Triangle water and housing
Prince William Water supplies Triangle with Occoquan Reservoir water treated at Fairfax Water's Griffith plant. The utility describes its East and West system water as moderately hard, in the 61 to 120 mg/L range. It uses chloramine for most of the year and switches to free chlorine in spring, which can briefly change the taste. Prince William Water says the distribution systems and service lines it owns are non-lead; lines on private property are the owner's responsibility.
With a median home built around 1999, most faucets in Triangle are single-handle cartridge or ceramic-disc models. Many are original, which means cartridges and O-rings are at the age where they start to fail. Supply hoses from the original install are also worth a look, since a burst hose under a sink can soak a cabinet and floor in minutes. Parts for the brands builders used in the late 1990s are usually still available, which keeps most repairs simple.
Repair or replace?
| Problem | Repair option | When to replace |
|---|---|---|
| Spout drips | New cartridge | Parts no longer made |
| Leak at the base | O-rings, tighten mount | Cracked body |
| Sprayer leaks | New hose or head | Valve body failing |
| Finish corroded | Not practical | New faucet |
Signs to watch
- Drip after closing the handle
- Water around the base or under the handle
- A swollen cabinet floor
- A handle that does not return to center
- Weak or spraying flow at one tap
- Stops under the sink that will not close all the way
Seasonal notes
In spring, when Prince William Water switches to free chlorine, many people notice the taste and assume a filter or faucet has failed. Usually it is the water. Winter freezes are the main threat to outdoor spigots; disconnect hoses and drain the spigot in fall. If you are adding plumbing or changing a fixture's location, Prince William County's Building Development Division handles permits; a direct faucet swap is normally a repair. For main breaks or outages on the utility side, Prince William Water's emergency dispatch is (703) 335-7990. When you call the number on this page, mention the faucet brand and whether the leak is at the spout, the handle or underneath, so the plumber arrives with the right cartridge.
Faucet Repair questions in Triangle
Why does my tap water smell more like chlorine in the spring?
Does the disinfectant in my tap water matter for a filter faucet?
Is it better to rebuild my faucet or replace it?
How can I tell whether the leak under my sink is the faucet or the drain?
More plumbing services in Triangle
Faucet Repair nearby
Sources
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