An Encinitas faucet that drips, leaks at the handle or won't shut off cleanly usually has a worn cartridge or seal, and coastal salt air adds corrosion to outdoor bibs. Many homes here date to around 1980, so original fixtures are common. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Encinitas.
Encinitas at a glance
Encinitas is really several communities: Cardiff, Old Encinitas, Leucadia, New Encinitas and Olivenhain. The median home was built in 1980, so a fair number of houses still have their first or second set of faucets, some of them older compression styles with rubber washers. Close to the ocean, salt air and the marine layer pit the brass on hose bibs and outdoor showers.
Water comes from San Dieguito Water District in Cardiff, Old Encinitas, Leucadia and part of New Encinitas, and from Olivenhain Municipal Water District in the rest of the city. The City's MyEncinitas Map shows which serves an address.
What to do now
- Find the stops. Look under the sink for the two small valves feeding the faucet and turn them clockwise if the faucet is running or spraying.
- Don't force a frozen valve. If a stop won't budge, use the main shutoff for the house instead of cranking on it.
- Dry and watch. Wipe down the cabinet, set a paper towel on the floor and see where new water appears.
- Save the aerator. Unscrew it and check for grit or scale; that alone can explain a weak stream.
- Note the brand. It is usually on the base or handle and helps the plumber bring parts.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Drip from the spout after shutoff | Worn cartridge, washer or seat |
| Water around the base | Failed O-rings on the spout |
| Wet cabinet floor | Loose supply connection or a cracked hose |
| Weak stream at one tap | Clogged aerator or debris in the cartridge |
| Outdoor bib leaks at the handle | Packing nut or stem corroded by salt air |
What affects the cost
- Rebuild kit versus a new faucet
- Parts for older or discontinued brands
- Replacing old stops and supply lines while the water is off
- Corrosion on outdoor fittings near the coast
- Whether the job grows into wall or pipe work that needs a permit from Encinitas Development Services
For a break on the street side of the meter, SDWD customers can use the District's after-hours line at (760) 633-2922; Olivenhain customers should call their own district.
Faucet Repair questions in Encinitas
Can salt air near the coast damage outdoor faucets?
How do I find out which water district serves my home?
Is a slow drip worth fixing right away?
Water leaks around the base or the handle. What wore out?
More plumbing services in Encinitas
Faucet Repair nearby
Sources
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