A leaky faucet can be a frustrating problem, especially when you can’t seem to find the source of the leak. Damaged faucets can cost you $20-200 every year in wasted water and can lead to much more expensive water and structural damages. It might be a pain to call a plumber in for a damaged faucet, but properly maintaining your faucets saves you money and protects you from hazards down the road. Knowing what exactly to do can be tricky, as your plumbing is complicated. If your home has a damaged faucet, it helps to know whether you need to repair or replace your faucet.

How to Know if Your Faucet is Damaged

Plumbing services take up your time and can cost a great deal of money, which is why it’s important to first determine whether your faucets are damaged or not. If your faucets are damaged, you should call a licensed plumber as soon as possible. If you’re struggling with your faucets, the problem might not have anything to do with the faucet itself, as your home’s plumbing is complicated. If you think your faucet is damaged, however, here are a few warning signs to watch out for.

• A dripping faucet. A leaky faucet can be a common plumbing problem, but if you notice your faucet is constantly dripping, then you have a damaged faucet. Constant dripping is usually caused by high water pressure or a broken valve.
• A spitting faucet. Faucets that function normally, should release a consistent stream of water, but if your faucet has an irregular water flow, there could be some damages. A spitting faucet is usually caused by some sort of internal damage done to the faucet.
• A squeaking faucet. If your faucet’s handle squeaks when you turn the water on, there could be damages that need urgent repair. Sometimes a squeaky faucet needs a little grease applied, if that doesn’t work however, then it’s time to call a plumber.

When It’s Time to Repair Your Faucet

Your faucets are generally built to be durable, lasting 10-20 years. Determining if it’s time to repair your faucet will usually depend on the damages and cost. How hard your home’s water is can also determine whether you need to repair or replace your faucet. Simple repairs are generally preferred as they usually cost less than a full replacement but if you’re unsure if your faucet just needs a repair, here are a few things to consider.

• The type of faucet. There are several different types of faucets, and some faucets have more parts than others. Faucets, such as ball faucets, have several different parts that can be susceptible to damage.
• If you have a high-end faucet. A renovated bathroom or kitchen usually includes a high quality fixture, which could be very expensive to replace. If your home has high-end faucets, it might be best to repair the damages versus replacing the entire faucet.
• If you have a dripping faucet. A leaking faucet can usually be fixed with a repair than an entire replacement. Most leaky faucets are fixed by simply removing the handle and tightening the adjusting ring. A leaky faucet can also be resolved by replacing the O-rings on the cartridge when they’ve worn out. If any internal parts are too worn out, however, then it’s time for a replacement.
• If the handle squeaks. Usually a squeaky faucet doesn’t warrant a replacement, but a simple repair. Removing the appropriate parts to grease them usually solves the problem.

When It’s Time to Replace Your Faucet

Faucets aren’t built to last forever, and they will break down from use over time. The older the faucet, the less likely it can run efficiently which can result in expensive water bills. If your home runs on hard water, that can cut down on your plumbing’s lifespan drastically. Replacing your entire faucet, however, can be costly, which is why it’s important to determine when your faucet needs a replacement. Here are a few warning signs to watch out for.

• The age of your faucet. A good rule of thumb for replacing any appliance is by its age. Faucets are generally built to last for 15-20 years. If your faucet is nearing the end of its lifespan, it might be time to consider a replacement.
• If your faucet constantly needs repairs. One of the most common signs that it’s time to replace your faucet is when it needs constant repairs to function. A few repairs here and there are usually always cheaper than a full replacement, but if the repairs start to add up, you might as well save your money and replace it.
• If you want a more efficient faucet. Older faucets can waste a lot of water, running anywhere from 3-5 gallons per minute. If you’re trying to cut down on utility costs, modern faucets don’t run any more than 2.5 gpm.
• A damaged sink or counter surface. There may be nothing wrong with your faucet, but if your sink or counter surface is damaged, your faucet may need to be replaced as well. Some materials, such as ceramic, ages poorly, and can result in cracks and scratches.

Never Underestimate the Problems of a Damaged Faucet

A damaged faucet is much more than a plumbing nuisance; it can severely damage your home if left untreated. Knowing when to repair or replace a pesky faucet, can be tricky, which is why it helps to have some professional help. A licensed plumber can not only determine what the best course of action is, they can ensure your plumbing works properly. If your home has some damaged faucets, don’t wait to call a plumber today.

Contact Stewart Plumbing today for Plumbing Inspection in Horn Lake!

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