Faucets are essential plumbing fixtures in the house that can often be taken for granted, much like a water heater or toilet. But when you are suddenly dealing with a leak coming from any of your faucets, it can add up to a large amount of wasted water. And an inoperable faucet in the kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere else can turn into a major inconvenience. But when you are looking for faucet services, how do you know if you need repair or replacement? In this article, we will take a look at how to know what the best course of action is when it comes to a leaky faucet.
Various problems could be affecting your faucets, such as leaking, spitting, squeaking, or water temperature not being able to be controlled. There are several reasons your faucet could be acting up that would only require a simple faucet repair that could fix the problem quickly. Some of these problems could be a worn out O-ring, a worn out washer, a corroded valve seat, or an incorrectly installed washer. All of these problems can be solved with basic faucet service and prevent future faucet leaks. Repairs can include tightening up loose components or replacing smaller parts that are inoperable.
Repairing is usually more cost-effective, being around $270 on average. It is most effective also when it is the first time an issue has arisen, indicating it could just be a single part that is malfunctioning rather than the entire faucet. Replacing a washer or an O-ring, cleaning out the faucet from sediment, or tightening any loose valves or connections are simple tasks that can help you avoid a full-on replacement, and some of these jobs could even be performed yourself with the proper equipment.
If faucet leaks continue to appear even after several repairs, this is a sign that replacement may have to be the next step. You can begin to pay too much for constant service, in which case installing a full-on replacement faucet would be the more financially reasonable option. It is most telling if you have had to fix your faucet many times within a couple of years. A repair job might pop up every now and then, but if there is a pattern with difficulties arising very close together, then it could mean a larger problem needs to be addressed.
It is possible that there is a large amount of damage within the faucet that a singular service won’t remedy. For instance, if there is extensive corrosion from sediment within the faucet or spout, it will make more sense for homeowners to replace the faucet, which will save more money in the long run rather than having to have constant services.
It’s also a good idea to keep the age of your faucet in mind when thinking about a replacement install. Most faucets are meant to last for up to 15 or 20 years, so if issues are arising and you know your faucet is nearing this lifespan, it might be a good idea to look into replacement to prevent future issues. Older faucets are also a lot less cost-efficient than modern ones, so you could save a lot on your water bill if you install new faucets.
One other factor to consider is if there is damage to your sink or counter surrounding the faucet. Damage to the sink or countertop may require a complete replacement of the sink or counter as well as the faucet. Replacement should usually be done by professional plumbers.
The best thing to do when unsure about a problematic faucet is to call in professional plumbers to diagnose the issue. A plumber will have the expertise to determine the source of the faucet issues and the best course of action that will prevent more damage to your plumbing fixtures in the future. The skilled plumbers at John Owens Services in Marin and Sonoma County can access the issue with any plumbing fixtures, whether it is a leak from a pipe, corroded valve seats, or a faulty connection. You can contact us by phone or online any time for all your plumbing needs, and we will make certain your problem is fixed to the highest standard.
It can be a tricky job to decide whether a leaking faucet needs to be repaired or replaced. But there are some useful guidelines to remember when you do encounter a faucet in need of services. If the plumbing issues have only just started and your faucet is less than 15 years old, it is likely it will only need a singular repair. However, if you have an older faucet, plumbing issues have been popping up frequently, or there has been a level of damage to the fixtures or the surrounding kitchen/bathroom sink or counter, then it might be best to replace the entire faucet. In the end, it is always a good idea to have an experienced plumber have a look at the issue if you want to be sure you are making the best decision.
Our philosophy is simple, we always want to maintain equipment to give it the longest life possible. Next, we want to focus on repairing when something goes wrong. Then only as the last choice, we replace equipment when needed. That’s the John Owens Way.
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