Faucet Repair & Replacement

Repair or Replace That Leaky Faucet? A Plumber's Perspective

As a professional plumber with over 30 years of experience, one of the most common issues I get called about is leaky faucets. Homeowners are often unsure whether it's better to try repairing the faucet or just go ahead and replace it entirely. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, as it really depends on several factors that I'll walk through in this post. But in general, my advice is to lean towards replacement if the faucet is older or has been repaired multiple times before.

First though, let's look at some of the typical reasons why faucets start leaking or having other issues in the first place:

Common Faucet Problems

Worn Out Parts - Faucets have a lot of small internal components like washers, valve seats, springs, and cartridges/stems. Over years of constant use, these parts can gradually wear down until they need replacement. This is especially true for compression-style faucets with separate hot and cold handles.

Mineral Buildup - If you have hard water, the dissolved minerals can build up around the faucet's internal parts and cause them to deteriorate faster or get stuck over time. This buildup clogs up the works and prevents proper sealing.

Corrosion - Galvanic corrosion can occur when two dissimilar metals are in contact, like the brass faucet body and aluminum or zinc components. This causes deterioration from the inside out that you can't see until it's too late.

High Water Pressure - Excessive water pressure puts more stress on the faucet components and causes them to wear out faster. It can also cause water leaks by forcing its way past seals.

Age - Let's face it, even well-built faucets don't last forever. Most have a reasonable lifespan of 15-20 years with proper care and maintenance. Past that point, replacement is likely needed.

To Repair or Replace?

So once your faucet starts acting up, you've got to decide whether to try repairing it or just biting the bullet and replacing the whole unit. Here are some key considerations:

Cost - In general, if the faucet is relatively new and good quality, a repair may make sense if it's not too complex or costly. But if the faucet is older, repairs can get expensive quickly by having to replace multiple components. At some point, the total repair cost will outweigh just replacing it.

Availability of Parts - Some faucet models or brands are discontinued over time, making it difficult or impossible to find proper replacement parts. This definitely pushes you towards full replacement.

Your Skill Level - Let's be honest, some faucet repairs are easy DIY projects, while others are best left to professionals. If you're not confident working on complex faucet internals, a repair could end up causing more issues.

Number of Previous Repairs - If your faucet has been repaired multiple times before for leaks or other problems, it's probably time to replace. It will only continue to degrade and require more frequent repairs.

Water Efficiency - Older faucets can be real water hogs, using over 2 gallons per minute. Replacing with a modern, EPA WaterSense-certified model can significantly reduce your water usage and utility bills.

Aesthetics - Let's face it, sometimes we just want a new stylish look! If your faucet is looking dated or doesn't match a new sink/countertop, replacement lets you upgrade the whole aesthetic.

The Value of Faucet Replacement

In many cases, I do recommend replacement over repair to my customers when their faucets start having issues. Here are some of the key benefits:

Avoid Future Headaches - With a new quality faucet, you can avoid the cycle of constant repairs and leaks. You get a fresh start with full manufacturer warranties.

Improved Functionality - Newer faucet models just work better, with smoother handle operation, better water flow, and convenient features like pull-down sprayers.

Water Savings - As mentioned, EPA WaterSense faucets can reduce water flow to under 1.5 gallons per minute without sacrificing performance. This saves resources and money.

Increased Home Value - Like with any good remodeling project, updating old plumbing fixtures adds perceived value and appeal for resale.

Style Upgrade - Faucets have come a long way in styling and finish options. Replacing lets you pick a sleek new look to transform your kitchen or bath.

Professional Installation - When you have a plumber install the new faucet, you know it's done right and won't have any surprise leaks down the road.

When Repair Makes Sense

Of course, there are still situations where faucet repair is a reasonable option:

Recent Installation - If the faucet was just installed in the past few years and is showing signs of an isolated issue, repair could restore it fully.

Simple Fix - Some repairs are easy and inexpensive, like just replacing the cartridge, aerator, or valve stems. These are worth trying first.

Sentimental Value - If the faucet is a classic or antique model that you want to preserve, repair may be preferable to replacement.

Tight Budget - When money is really tight, attempting a repair can make sense as long as parts are still available and it's not too complex a job.

Just be aware that sometimes attempting your own faucet repair can lead to bigger headaches if it's not done properly. If you run into any issues, it's best to call in a professional plumber before causing any damage.

My Professional Recommendation

So in summary, here's my general advice as an experienced plumber: For any faucet that's over 10 years old and requiring more than a simple repair, I'd recommend replacement over repeatedly throwing money at faucet repairs. A new quality faucet gives you peace of mind, better performance, and can pay for itself over time through water savings. It's a small investment to avoid constant leaks and issues.

Of course, every situation is different based on the specific faucet, the nature of the problem, your budget, and personal preferences. But I always aim to give my customers the honest advice I'd want for my own home. Feel free to get in touch if you need an expert opinion on whether to repair or replace your faucets! 

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