The rigid nature of plumbing requires you to stay on the radar for the unavoidable wear and tear that is bound to happen. Similarly, bathroom faucets aren’t spared either.

However, if you are experiencing an issue with your faucets, the problem may lie further within the home plumbing system, which is often complicated if you aren’t sure if your faucet is damaged.

Faucets typically last about 10-15 years. Thus, it shouldn’t amuse you if your faucet breaks down over time. Moreover, the older your bathroom faucet is, the more likely the odds are that it will run inefficiently, thus increasing water bills.

Damages are more than just a plumbing nuisance since they can cause severe damage to your home if left unattended. Moreover, if your home plumbing system runs on hard water, it is likely to feature a reduced lifespan.

Since knowing when to repair or replace a faulty faucet tends to be tricky, here are a few signs to look out for.

How to Know If Your Faucet Is Damaged?

Most people wrongfully assume that bathroom faucets are built to last a lifetime. As such, 4you may fail to know when to carry out a repair or replacement.

Read below to understand some of the critical signs that indicate a problem with your faucet.

Dripping

Leaking is a common issue that occurs in plumbing systems. However, if you have a constantly dripping faucet, it is a sign that you should replace it.

The odds are likely that it is damaged. Constant dripping often indicates a broken valve or high-water pressure.

Spitting

A faucet that is operating normally should have a consistent flow of water. So, if your bathroom faucet releases an inconsistent flow of water, that could indicate the presence of damages.

As a result, carry out an immediate repair by seeking the services of a professional to prevent further damages from occurring. Spitting usually occurs as a result of some sort of internal damages to the faucet.

A Squeaking Handle

If your faucet features a handle that squeaks whenever you turn on the water, it is a sure sign of damages that require immediate repair. However, sometimes a squeaky handle may only require you to apply a little grease to solve the issue.

Nevertheless, if applying some grease won’t do the trick, then it might be time to reach for help from a plumber.   

When Is It Time To Repair A Bathroom Faucet?

While your faucets are typically built to be durable, they can last from 15-29 years, depending on the quality. Thus, determining whether a repair is required will mostly depend on the cost and damages.

The level of hardness of your water can also determine whether your faucet requires a repair or replacement.

People generally prefer to carry out simple repair and maintenance since they cost much less than a full replacement. Here are a few things to consider if you are unsure whether you only need to perform a repair or to replace the faucet.

Type Of Faucet

Faucets come in all sorts of kinds, shapes, and sizes. As such, some faucets feature more components than others.

Moreover, all faucets have several parts that are susceptible to damage.

High-End Vs. Low-End Model

A recently renovated kitchen or bathroom often features top-shelf faucets, which can be too expensive to replace.

If your home includes a high-end model, I propose that you repair the damages then seek a full replacement.

If You Have A Leaking System

A dripping faucet usually requires a simple repair instead of an entire replacement to mitigate the issue.

Fixing a leaking faucet is quite seamless and can be carried out by removing the handle and tightening the present adjusting ring.

Similarly, you can resolve a leaking faucet by simply replacing the 0-rings present on the cartridge, especially if they are worn out.

Additionally, if your faucet features internal parts that are too worn out, then it might be time for a replacement.

Squeaks

A squeaky faucet doesn’t typically warrant a replacement. Instead, a simple repair can work to do the trick. To solve the issue with squeaks, consider removing the affected parts and grease them.

When Is It Time To Replace A Bathroom Faucet?

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Like all other inventions, faucets don’t last forever and are bound to meet their end-of-service span. Once your bathroom faucet breaks down from overtime use, it will no longer operate efficiently, which impacts greatly on your water bills.

This is true, as witnessed in older units. Here are some signs to look out for to know when to replace your bathroom faucet.

The Age Of Your Faucet

As a rule of thumb, consider replacing any appliances as it ages. If your bathroom faucet is nearing the end of its lifespan, it might be high time you put some considerations into replacing it.

As I mentioned before, this is usually about 15-20 years.

If Your Faucet Requires Repair Regularly

Another major sign that your faucet needs to be replaced is when it calls for constant repairs to operate.

While a few irregular repairs can be cost-efficient when compared to having an entire replacement, you might as well save that money and replace the faucet if the repairs do not add up.

If You Wish For A More Efficient Faucet

It’s quite amusing that older faucets waste a lot of water, with up to 3-5 gallons getting wasted per minute. Therefore, consider upgrading to a modern faucet if you are concerned about your utility bills or want to cut down on the cost.

For instance, a 21st Century faucet doesn’t run any more than 2.5 gallons per minute.

A Damaged Counter Surface Or Sink

There may be no major issue with your faucet, but you may have to replace the entire faucet as well if the counter surface or sink is damaged. This goes for materials that age poorly. This includes ceramic which eventually develops scratches and cracks.

Since you know the hazards that a faulty faucet can have on your home, it is important to seek assistance from a professional if you notice any mishap in your plumbing.

A qualified plumber will be able to determine the fault and its required remedy.

How Much Does Faucet Repair Cost?

As is expected, the cost of repairing a faucet depends on whether you will carry out the repair by yourself or need the assistance of a plumber. Plumbers usually set their prices based on materials and labor.

Nevertheless, the average cost of repairing a faucet is about 200 USD for heavier repairs. However, the price may vary depending on the problems and how long it took before the latest maintenance.

Typical problems surrounding faucets include broken pipes, clogged drains, sink surface issues, and dripping faucets. Each of these issues bears different factors for considerations in the repairs.

If you have a clogged drain, be ready to part away with a price of 150USD to 200USD. On the other hand, the average cost for a plumber to stop a dripping faucet is around 100 USD.

However, the price can be higher depending on the cause of the drip.

Fortunately, with this issue being common among households, you can learn how to fix it and Do-It-Yourself.

The price for replacement parts also varies with Aerators, for example, costing from 5-20 USD, depending on the quality. Purchasing the highest quality parts guarantees a lifetime service.