When a Sink or Toilet Shutoff Valve Will Not Stop the Water

Most sinks and toilets have their own small shutoff valve, often called an angle stop, on the water line under the sink or behind the toilet. It lets you turn off water to that one fixture without shutting off the whole property. When one of these valves misbehaves, it usually shows up in one of two ways, and they are different problems.

Two Different Problems

Water keeps coming through a closed valve. You turn the handle as far as it will go, but the faucet still drips or flows, or the toilet keeps filling. The valve is not fully sealing inside, so it is not isolating the fixture.

Water leaks from the valve or its connections. You see drips or moisture at the valve body, around the handle, or where the valve meets the supply line or the pipe coming out of the wall.

These can happen at the same time, and either one can point to the valve, the supply line or the connection. The symptom guides the inspection; it does not tell you which part failed.

Describe What You See

When you call, tell us which fixture it is, which of the two problems you are seeing, and when it started. If water is leaking, say where you see it and whether it is dripping or spreading. Do not loosen fittings, take the valve apart or disconnect the supply line to test it, and do not force a handle that will not turn.

If You Need the Water Off Now

If water is spreading and the fixture valve will not stop it, use your home’s main water shutoff. If you are not sure where it is or it is hard to turn, our guide Main Water Shutoff Won’t Turn? What Las Vegas Property Owners Should Know explains what to look for.

In an apartment, condo or other shared building, contact building management or the emergency maintenance line right away if water is escaping, and call us. Building staff control shared water valves; do not operate shared-building, utility or fire-system valves yourself.

Why the Connection Is Checked Too

A fixture shutoff and its supply line work together, so the plumber checks both, along with the condition of the pipe at the wall and the access around it. The repair depends on what is found. It may be the valve, the supply line or the connection, and sometimes more than one. If extra damaged parts or access work turn up, we explain them and get your approval before that work begins.

What to Ask About the Repair

• Which fixture and which line will be shut off during the work?
• Does anyone else in the building need to know about a water interruption?
• What parts are included, and how will the finished work be checked?

We offer free estimates and upfront pricing. Any diagnostic testing or access work is priced and approved before it begins.

Fixture and Shutoff-Valve Repair in the Las Vegas Valley

For shutoff valves and under-sink leaks, see our under-counter leak repair service. For toilet problems, see toilet repair. For fixture and shutoff-valve work throughout the Las Vegas Valley, call DMS Plumbing at (702) 353-7335. We provide 24/7 plumbing service. Call for estimates and scheduling.