Dripping faucets
Single-handle faucets usually need a new cartridge. Older two-handle faucets may need washers and seats. Bringing the brand and model, or a photo, speeds things up.
Newport Beach plumbing service
Toilet, faucet and fixture repair in Newport Beach
Running toilet, dripping faucet, a shower valve that will not hold temperature, or a disposal that hums and quits? We repair or replace it, and we pull the City fixture permit when one is required.
Call (949) 620-1945Request service
Written and fact-checked by John, editor, MBA in marketing
Updated against City, utility and state sources
Quick answer
Most running toilets need a new flapper or fill valve, and most dripping faucets need a cartridge or washer. Newport Beach requires a plumbing permit to replace a fixture that breaks a trap seal, such as a toilet, sink, lavatory or garbage disposal. Swapping a washer, dryer, stove or built-in refrigerator does not. Call (949) 620-1945.
- Toilet or sink swap
- City permit required
- Washer or dryer swap
- No permit
- Toilet leak test
- Dye in tank, 10 min (EPA)
- City hardness
- About 14 gpg (2025)
Toilet repair: running, leaking, clogging
A running toilet is usually a worn flapper or a failed fill valve, and both are quick repairs.
| Problem | Usual cause | Usual fix |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on and off by itself | Flapper leaking into the bowl | Replace flapper and check the flush valve seat |
| Keeps filling, water in overflow tube | Fill valve set too high or failing | Adjust or replace the fill valve |
| Water on the floor at the base | Failed wax ring or loose closet bolts | Pull the toilet, reset with a new seal |
| Water dripping from the tank | Tank bolts or supply connection | Replace bolts, gaskets or supply line |
| Weak flush | Mineral scale in rim jets, partial clog | Clean jets, clear the trap or drain |
| Clogs often | Wipes, paper, or a partial block downstream | Clear the line; camera if it repeats |
EPA WaterSense suggests a simple test for silent leaks: put a drop of food coloring in the tank and wait 10 minutes without flushing. Color in the bowl means the flapper is leaking. Flush afterward so the tank does not stain.
Hard water matters here too. City water averaged about 14 grains per gallon of hardness in 2025. Over time, scale builds up on flush valves and in rim jets, which weakens the flush and wears seals faster.
Faucet and shower valve repair
Most drips come from a worn cartridge, washer or seat, and most can be fixed without replacing the faucet.
Low flow at one faucet
Mineral scale clogs aerators and cartridge screens. Cleaning or replacing the aerator often fixes it in minutes.
Shower temperature swings
A pressure-balancing or thermostatic cartridge that is worn or scaled cannot keep a steady temperature. Replacing the cartridge restores it.
Leaks under the sink
Supply lines, shutoff valves and drain slip joints are the usual sources. Old shutoff valves often leak once they are turned, so we replace stuck ones.
Outdoor hose bibs
Salt air corrodes exterior brass and copper near the harbor. A leaking or seized hose bib on Balboa Island or the Peninsula is a common, simple replacement.
Fixture upgrades
New faucets, showerheads, valve trims and fixtures installed to the manufacturer's instructions, with care around high-end stone and tile.
Garbage disposal repair and replacement
A disposal that hums but will not turn is usually jammed; one that does nothing at all may have tripped its reset button or lost power.
Turn it off and unplug or switch off power
Never put a hand in a disposal.
Press the reset button
It is usually a small red button on the bottom of the unit.
Free a jam
Many disposals have a hex socket on the bottom for a jam wrench that turns the plate by hand.
Call if it leaks or will not run
Leaks from the body usually mean the unit needs replacement. In Newport Beach, replacing a garbage disposer needs a plumbing permit.
Fixture permits in Newport Beach
The City requires a plumbing permit for any fixture replacement that breaks a trap seal.
Permit required
- Toilets (water closets)
- Sinks and lavatories
- Garbage disposers
- Other fixtures where a trap seal is broken to replace them
- Water heaters
No permit for replacement
- Washing machines
- Dryers
- Stoves
- Built-in refrigerators
Larger remodels that pull building permits can also trigger California's SB 407 rule to replace older, high-flow fixtures with water-conserving models. Our permit guide explains when that applies.
Repair or replace a toilet?
Repair a toilet when the problem is a flapper, fill valve, seal or supply line. Replace it when the bowl or tank is cracked, or when it clogs constantly despite a clear drain.
Repair makes sense
- Running, refilling or weak flush
- Leak at the base from a failed wax ring
- Leaking tank bolts or supply line
Replace makes sense
- Cracked bowl or tank, even a hairline crack
- Frequent clogs with a clear drain line
- Parts no longer available for an old model
- A remodel or water-saving upgrade
When choosing a new toilet, look for the EPA WaterSense label, which marks models certified to use less water while meeting performance standards. A toilet replacement in Newport Beach needs a City plumbing permit, which we handle.
Shutoff valves: the small part that matters most
Every sink and toilet should have its own working shutoff so a leak can be stopped without shutting off the whole house.
Many older Newport Beach homes still have multi-turn shutoffs that have not moved in years. They often seize or start leaking the first time someone turns them, and hard water scale makes it worse. Quarter-turn ball valves are easier to close in a hurry. When we work on a fixture, we check its shutoff and supply line, and we tell you if they should be replaced. Braided supply lines also wear out, and an old one bursting is a common cause of sudden flooding under sinks.
Caring for fixtures in hard water
With City water averaging about 14 grains per gallon in 2025 and IRWD water reporting 12.5 to 17.1, scale is the main enemy of fixtures in Newport Beach.
- Soak aerators and showerheads in white vinegar to dissolve scale
- Wipe glass shower doors after use to reduce mineral film
- Replace cartridges that stick or drip rather than forcing handles
- Check toilet flush valves and fill valves for buildup when flushes get weak
- Read our water hardness guide before buying a softener
Why a small drip is worth fixing
Small fixture leaks add up to thousands of gallons a year, according to EPA WaterSense.
- Average household leaks
- Over 9,300 gallons wasted a year
- Homes with big leaks
- 10 percent waste 90 gallons or more a day
- Faucet dripping once a second
- More than 3,000 gallons a year
- Showerhead leaking 10 drips a minute
- More than 500 gallons a year
- Most common toilet leak
- An old or faulty flapper
EPA notes that replacing older toilets with WaterSense-labeled models could save a family of four more than 16,000 gallons of water a year. A leak you hear at night is also a leak you pay for on every bill, whether your water comes from the City, IRWD or Mesa Water.
California flow limits for new fixtures in Newport Beach
When a permit triggers California's SB 407 rule, the City requires compliant fixtures that meet these maximum flow rates.
| Fixture | Compliant maximum |
|---|---|
| Toilet (water closet) | 1.28 gallons per flush |
| Single showerhead | 2.0 gallons per minute at 80 psi |
| Residential bathroom faucet | 1.5 gallons per minute at 60 psi |
| Kitchen faucet | 1.5 gallons per minute at 60 psi |
| Common and public-use bathroom faucets | 0.5 gallons per minute at 60 psi |
The statute treats a toilet built to use more than 1.6 gallons per flush, and a urinal built to use more than one gallon per flush, as noncompliant. For single-family homes, the City applies the rule to building alterations or improvements, and fixtures must comply before final approval. Water heater replacement and sewer line replacement are among the repair permits that do not trigger it. A simple toilet swap still needs a plumbing permit, so it makes sense to choose a compliant model either way.
If your shower has more than one showerhead on a single valve, the City's handout says the combined flow has to stay within the same limit, or the valve must let only one outlet run at a time.
What toilet, faucet and disposal work costs
Published national estimates put simple fixture installs in the low hundreds; published Newport Beach averages run higher.
| Job | Published estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet installation | $224 to $533, average $374 | HomeAdvisor, 2025 |
| Faucet replacement | $161 to $364, average $261 | HomeAdvisor, 2022 |
| Garbage disposal installation | $150 to $950, average $450 | This Old House, 2026 |
| Toilet repair, Newport Beach average | $474 | This Old House, updated April 2024 |
| Garbage disposal repair, Newport Beach average | $474 | This Old House, updated April 2024 |
| Faucet replacement, Newport Beach average | $593 | This Old House, updated April 2024 |
| Toilet installation, Newport Beach average | $1,187 | This Old House, updated April 2024 |
| Sink installation, Newport Beach average | $1,187 | This Old House, updated April 2024 |
The gap between national and local figures comes from the fixture itself, the condition of the flange, shutoff and supply line, access, and the City permit. A designer faucet on a stone counter is a different job from a builder-grade swap. You get a written price before work starts. See the plumbing cost guide for more.
What a fixture visit looks like
A fixture visit runs in a fixed order so nothing gets damaged and nothing gets missed.
Describe it on the phone
Tell us the fixture, what it is doing, and the brand if you know it. A photo of the model or the part helps the plumber bring the right cartridge or valve.
Arrival window
You get an honest arrival window, and a call if it changes.
Diagnose and price
The plumber finds the cause and gives you a written price for repair or replacement before starting.
Permit when required
If the job breaks a trap seal, such as a toilet, sink or disposal replacement, the City permit is pulled.
Protect the room
Floors, counters and stone are covered, and the water is shut off at the fixture or the main.
Repair or install, then test
The fixture is installed to the manufacturer's instructions and checked for leaks, flow and drainage.
Clean up and haul away
Old fixtures and packaging leave with the plumber.
Under-sink leak checklist
Most under-sink leaks come from one of five places, and you can narrow it down with a dry paper towel.
- Angle stops. The small shutoff valves on the wall. Old ones drip at the stem, especially right after someone turns them.
- Supply lines. The braided hoses from the angle stop to the faucet. Look for rust, bulges or wet crimps.
- Faucet base. A worn seal lets water run down the faucet body under the counter.
- Drain slip joints. The plastic or chrome nuts on the P-trap loosen over time.
- Disposal body. A leak from the side or bottom of the disposal usually means replacement.
Wipe everything dry, run the water, and touch each spot with a paper towel. Whatever gets wet first is your leak. If it is an angle stop or a supply line, close the main if the stop will not shut off, and call (949) 620-1945.
Fixture calls around Newport Beach
The same running toilet is a different job in a summer rental, a cottage and a new custom home.
A Peninsula rental on a summer Saturday
A clogged or running toilet between guest stays needs a fast fix. Owners and managers can give us lockbox or access details so the repair does not wait on a key.
A Balboa Island hose bib
Salt air corrodes exterior brass and copper. A seized or leaking hose bib is a simple replacement, and a good moment to check the exterior shutoff.
A Corona del Mar bath remodel
New toilets, faucets and showerheads are chosen to the compliant flow limits and installed under the remodel permit.
An Eastbluff shower that will not hold temperature
Original shower valves in 1960s and 1970s homes often take a replacement cartridge. When parts are no longer made, the valve itself may need replacing, which can mean opening the wall behind it.
A Newport Coast fixture upgrade
High-end fixtures, stone surfaces and HOA access rules mean extra protection and planning. Very high water pressure can shorten fixture life, so the plumber checks it.
Fixture mistakes to avoid
A few small shortcuts cause most of the fixture floods we see.
- Reusing an old supply line on a new faucet or toilet
- Forcing a stuck angle stop instead of replacing it
- Overtightening plastic nuts on toilet supply lines, which can crack them
- Using chemical drain openers before calling a plumber
- Skipping the permit on a toilet, sink or disposal replacement
- Buying a toilet without checking the rough-in distance from the wall to the flange
Fixtures in vacation rentals, condos and older cottages
The building type changes the job, from shutoffs to scheduling.
- Vacation rentals on the Peninsula and Balboa Island. Toilets and fixtures get heavy use in summer. We work with owners and managers to fix problems between guest stays.
- Condos and townhomes. Fixture work may need the unit shutoff, or a building shutoff coordinated with the HOA. Leaks can reach the unit below, so fast repairs matter.
- Older cottages. Original shutoff valves often fail when turned for the first time in years. We carry replacements and tell you before we touch a valve that looks fragile.
Water where it shouldn't be? Call now.
A real person answers 24 hours a day. You get an honest arrival window and a written price before any work starts.
Questions Newport Beach homeowners ask
Why does my toilet keep running?
Usually the flapper is leaking water into the bowl, or the fill valve is set too high and spilling into the overflow tube. Both are quick repairs. A dye test in the tank confirms a flapper leak in about 15 minutes.
Do I need a permit to replace a toilet in Newport Beach?
Yes. The City of Newport Beach requires a plumbing permit for fixture replacements that break a trap seal, including toilets, sinks, lavatories and garbage disposers. We handle the permit.
Do I need a permit to replace a dishwasher or washer?
The City's policy says appliances such as washers, dryers, stoves and built-in refrigerators do not require a permit for replacement. Fixtures that break a trap seal, like sinks and disposals, do.
How do I fix a dripping faucet?
Most single-handle faucets need a new cartridge, and older two-handle faucets need washers or seats. Turn off the shutoff valves under the sink first. If the valves are old and stuck, have a plumber replace them so they do not break.
Why is the water pressure low at only one faucet?
Hard water scale usually clogs the aerator or the cartridge screen. Unscrew and clean the aerator. If that does not help, the cartridge or a shutoff valve may be partly blocked.
My garbage disposal hums but does not work. What do I do?
Turn off the power, then free the jam with a hex wrench in the socket on the bottom of the unit and press the reset button. Never put a hand inside. If it still fails or leaks, it likely needs replacement.
Why does my shower go hot and cold?
The pressure-balancing or thermostatic cartridge in the valve is likely worn or scaled. Replacing the cartridge usually restores steady temperature without opening the wall.
What is an angle stop?
An angle stop is the small shutoff valve on the wall under a sink or behind a toilet. It lets you shut off water to one fixture. Old multi-turn angle stops often leak after being turned, and replacing them with quarter-turn valves is a common, inexpensive repair.
How much does toilet installation cost in Newport Beach?
This Old House lists a Newport Beach average of $1,187 for toilet installation. HomeAdvisor's 2025 national range is $224 to $533. The toilet you choose, the flange, the shutoff and the City permit drive the real price.
What flow rate does a new toilet need in Newport Beach?
The City's SB 407 handout lists 1.28 gallons per flush as the maximum for a compliant toilet. Showerheads are listed at 2.0 gallons per minute at 80 psi and residential faucets at 1.5 gallons per minute at 60 psi.
How much water does a dripping faucet waste?
EPA WaterSense says a faucet dripping once a second can waste more than 3,000 gallons a year, and the average household's leaks can waste over 9,300 gallons a year.
Can a shower valve be repaired without opening the wall?
Often, yes. Most temperature problems come from a worn or scaled cartridge that is replaced from the front. If the valve body itself has failed or parts are no longer made, the wall may need to be opened to replace it.
Sources
Facts on this page come from these public sources, checked October 31, 2026.
- City of Newport Beach plumbing permit policy
- City of Newport Beach SB 407 requirements
- EPA WaterSense Fix a Leak fact sheet
- City of Newport Beach 2026 Annual Water Quality Report (2025 data)
- This Old House: Newport Beach plumbing costs
- HomeAdvisor: cost to install a toilet
- HomeAdvisor: cost to install a faucet
- This Old House: garbage disposal installation cost
- Mesa Water District: water quality report
- IRWD 2026 Water Quality Report
- EPA WaterSense: Fix a Leak Week