Notice the signs
Observe
Dry the fixture and cabinet, then observe while idle, under cold and hot flow, and while the basin drains. Note the first wet point, brand, handle pattern, hole layout, finish condition, supply material, and stop operation.
Note 20
Place the condition before choosing the work
Protect the room
Safety line
Do not overtighten trim, twist an old connector, or force a poor fixture stop. Keep water away from cabinet outlets, disposals, and stored chemicals while the source is narrowed.
Material note
Local boundary
Fixture work usually remains private, but concealed piping, shared building controls, or new rough-in can widen the coordination. The local inspector determines whether the proposed alteration needs a permit or inspection.
Service flow
Written scope
Request separate allowances for cartridge or seal work, aerator, connectors, stops, full faucet replacement, counter access, finish protection, debris, and testing. Model availability can change the repair-versus-replace choice.
Close the loop
Verification
Run hot and cold through every normal handle position, inspect the base and cabinet connections, fill and drain the basin, and check the closed fixture for delayed seepage. Keep the replaced parts or model record.
Current primary source