My Faucet Turned Off But Water Still Running – Why?

In the series of plumbing, here I came up with another faucet problem that immediately needs plumbing services. But wait, not every problem is out of reach; more than 80% of problems can be plumbed at home by yourself.

I prefer that you resolve the issues by yourself; it can save money and time. Sometimes, our faucet becomes a victim of leakage, which means water continuously runs out of it even if the faucet is turned off.

In this article, I’ll help you out how to tackle this situation. I have a tip for you, before looking for a solution; always look for the reason for the problem. try to know how this problem started and what is the reason behind this issue. Then you will get a perfect solution for that particular problem.

Therefore, in this content, I’ll cover why my faucet turned off but the water still running and how to repair my faucet in this situation?

Two different situations are leaking and running. We have to know whether our faucet is leaking or running. If you don’t know the differences then keep on reading.

Leaky faucets trickle at a lesser rate, whereas functioning faucets provide a more constant flow. When you think of a leaking faucet, you either picture a steady trickle or a steady stream. However, leaking faucets might go unnoticed for a long time, whereas running faucets are immediately obvious.

If you think your problem is simply a leak, perform this simple test: completely dry the sink and cover the drain with a dry paper towel, then leave it alone for a few hours.

You’ll know you leak into your hands if your paper towel gets wet when you get back. 

Compared to leaking faucets, running faucets can have different faulty components.

Your handle rod may need a new washer, or the seat or handle rod may need to be replaced. All this is due to corrosion or regular wear resulting from constant use.

A constantly flowing faucet is often caused by worn rubber discs. Pressure fittings have rubber washers that are attached to the innermost end with a screw. The washer is compressed into an opening in a closed position to stop the flow of water.

Years of use reduce the size of the washer to such an extent that it no longer covers the entire opening. Both the leaking and flowing faucets are caused by worn washers.

Washer-free faucets, such as disc, ball, and cartridge faucets, on the other hand, have various plastic and metal components that are prone to wear and degradation. Mineral deposits can also clog them, preventing them from sealing.

Mineral deposits can be removed by soaking parts of the faucet in vinegar, but you must first disassemble the faucet to do so. Rubber parts deteriorate when exposed to vinegar, so you should always replace them.

Before you start, you’ll need a few things. To get started, locate the spare parts for your faucet. If you don’t know the model number, disassembling will reveal the parts you need. Just take it to a plumbing supply store to make the parts match.

Here is a complete list of tools and materials that you need in the plumbing process of your faucet when the water is turned off but the tap is still running:

• Replacement kit
• Rags
• Distilled white vinegar
• Utility knife
• Flathead screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Plumbing Wrench
• Channel-lock
• Allen wrench
• Plumber’s grease

There is a huge variety of faucets, let’s discuss them one by one. We are not going to discuss types of faucets, but I will tell you how to fix the problem of water running in all kinds f faucets.

For a cartridge faucet, you need to replace the cartridges and O-rings of the faucet. Here are steps on how to replace them:

1. Remove the bolt covering cap from the top of the handle.
2. Remove any clips or nuts that hold the cartridge in place, then lift and remove it.
3. Grease the new O-rings with the plumber’s grease. Replace the old O-rings by enclosing them.  
4. After that, remove the cartridge and replace it.  
5. Put the faucet back together and turn on the water.

1. Loosen the screw on the handle with an Allen wrench. Remove the handle.
2. Unscrew the decorative component from the cartridge by hand.
3. Loosen the brass piece holding the cartridge in place with channel closures. Take it out.
4. Remove the cartridge from the slot. It should be replaced.
5. Remove the O-ring with a screwdriver. Install the replacement O-ring after you have applied plumbing grease to it.
6. Reassemble the faucet and turn on the water supply.

You need to replace the O-rings and washer to fix the running water problem in the compression faucet:

1. Seat windows almost always need to be replaced. Remove the decorative cap that covers the bolt with a lever rod.
2. Unscrew it with a screwdriver. To remove the handle from the faucet, pull up. Loosen the packing nut with one wrench and loosen the handle with the other.
3. Replace the rubber disc at the bottom of the stem with a new one. Before installing it, lubricate it with plumbing grease.
4. Remove the shaft and restore the O-ring. Before installing the O-ring, lubricate it with plumbing grease.
5. After that, replace the washer. It is located inside the seat. 6. Replace the faucet and open the water valves again.

Ball valves consist of a variety of different elements. The best way to fix them is to replace all the components at once. Repair kits usually include all the parts you need as well as all the specific tools you need to complete the work.

1. Using a small flat head screwdriver, remove the small cap that covers the hexagonal screw.
2. Remove the handle by tightening the screw.
3. Remove your headgear and necklace. To protect the finish of the case, wrap it with a cloth and loosen the collar with a key.
4. Then remove the cam, packaging, and ball valve. For reassembly, take a photo or remember the exact location where it was. Pull the cam, cam disc, and ball by loosening the faucet.
5. Remove the seats and springs and replace them. Each has two copies. To remove the rubber seat, use a hex wrench.
6. Replace all the parts and turn on the water.