Is a dripping faucet an emergency?

A dripping faucet is generally not a plumbing emergency, but it's also not something you should ignore indefinitely. It won't cause immediate water damage the way a burst pipe would, but it does have real consequences if left unaddressed.

The most immediate impact is wasted water and higher utility bills. A faucet dripping once per second wastes roughly 3,000 gallons of water per year — that adds up on your Ottawa water bill. Beyond the cost, a persistent drip often signals a worn washer, O-ring, or cartridge that will only get worse over time. What starts as a minor drip can eventually become a steady stream or cause mineral buildup that damages the valve seat, turning a simple $150–$300 repair into a more involved job.

When a dripping faucet becomes more urgent is when it's accompanied by other symptoms — low water pressure throughout the home, water that's discoloured, or visible corrosion around the fixture. These can point to a deeper issue with your pipes or water supply that warrants faster attention.

For most homeowners, replacing a faucet cartridge or washer is a manageable DIY task if you're comfortable shutting off the supply valve and working with basic tools. However, if the drip is coming from the base of the faucet, from the supply lines underneath, or if you have older galvanized or copper pipes, it's worth having a licensed plumber take a look to rule out anything more serious.

Our recommendation: Address it within a few weeks rather than months. If you'd like a professional to assess whether it's a simple fix or something more, Ottawa Pro Plumbing offers free estimates and can usually diagnose the issue quickly.