Five drips per minute from a single faucet can be enough to waste your time. 173 gallons of water a year. This may not seem like a lot but it is. Each year, this amounts to money wasted. Now the question is: Is faucet repair more cost-effective than a new installation? Do you think it is more cost-effective to replace faucets or do new faucets make more sense? All your questions will be answered in this post. So make sure you continue reading!
LEAKY FAUCETS
A leaking faucet is still repairable if the problem is a worn-out washer or seal, or a loose component like a screw or nut. It all depends on what type of faucet you have.
A compression faucet with two water handles, one for hot and one for cold, is the easiest to fix. Leakages in compression faucets are often caused by old O-rings, which act as a seal. You can replace the seal in this instance, but you will need to first disassemble the faucet.
Ceramic-disk, cartridge, and ball faucets are more complicated to repair. For example, a replacement faucet cam assembly is often required to fix a ball faucet. Ceramic disks, on the other hand, are more fragile than ceramic and can be damaged if they are not properly handled.
However, leaks could also indicate that the faucet’s internal parts have failed. You may hear clicking or clanking sounds when you turn on the faucet. You might notice a piece of metal breaking off or bumping into other parts. These sounds (and the leaks) are a sign you need a new faucet installation. You can save water by replacing your faucet sooner than you think.
LOW WATER PRESSURE
Low water pressure is a common problem for faucets that have aerators and sprayers. This is due to dirt buildup. You may be able to fix the problem if it’s the first time.
To remove any sediment or debris buildup, scrub the holes with an old toothbrush. To remove stubborn clogs, soak your nozzle in baking soda or vinegar with water for at least half an hour. Next, run the faucet once more to check if the water pressure has improved.
If that doesn’t work, it’s possible there is a blockage in the water flow. Another possibility is a damaged part of the internal faucet that’s causing low water pressure. Low water pressure could indicate clogged pipes.
It’s now safe to say that it’s time to call a plumber to inspect your faucet. They can also tell you if your water supply line is damaged or clogged.
WHEN FAUCET REPAIR IS NO LONGER A COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION
A Faucet repair can be done for older taps and those that have broken down. You may need to replace your faucet in the following situations.
TOO OLD, WORN-OUT
Faucets can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. However, it all depends on how they are used. The life expectancy of your faucets can be affected by how often they are used, how you turn them, and how hard the water is. Your faucets can be less durable if they are subject to more frequent and harsh use.
TOO MUCH CALCIUM
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) concentrations in hard water is high when it’s 120 to 180 mg/l
Although it is not a major health problem, it can cause serious damage to plumbing systems. The high mineral content in such water can cause scales to form inside pipes and fixtures.
Florida has hard water due to its high CaCO3 content. Averaging 177 mg/l.
A water softener is required to prevent mineral buildup from affecting the plumbing pipes and faucets. Internal corrosion can also be a possibility if there is too much scale in your faucets.
Although you can learn how to put in a faucet, it won’t fix the scaling problem. You can replace your faucet, and also remove scaling from your plumbing pipes.
FAUCET DAMAGES VISIBLE AND EXTENSIVE
For faucets that are rusty, cracked, or chipped, replacement is the best option. The inside of a faucet is more likely to be in poor condition if the exterior is already in poor shape. It’s the faucet’s inside that is constantly under water pressure.
BASIC PART REPLACEMENTS DO NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE
It is more practical to replace the whole faucet, even if parts such as the O-rings aren’t fixed. The reason your DIY repair didn’t work is likely that there was a larger problem such as a damaged cartridge.
THE FAULTY FAUCET ISN’T OF GOOD QUALITY
Spend your money on higher-quality faucets. Faucets with higher quality usually come with a longer warranty.
THE FAUCET HAS HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS
If your faucets have failed several times within a short time, it’s probably time to replace them.
YOU’RE PLANNING A RENOVATION or REMODEL
If you are planning to remodel or renovate your home, it is worth looking into new faucets. While this will increase your project cost, new faucets can improve the value of your home. Particularly if they have energy- and water-efficient features. Your old faucets might not look right or blend well with the new design of your home.
DON’T LET YOUR FAILURE FAUCETS WASTE WATER!
Here’s your definitive guide to when a faucet repair is acceptable and when it should be replaced. It’s time to replace your faucet if it is old and acting up all the time. It is important to fix those issues quickly, especially if you have leaky taps.
Do you need to have a faucet that isn’t working properly checked and repaired? You might not know if the problem is with the faucet itself or your entire plumbing system. We at Clog Kings are here to help you! Call us to schedule your plumbing service immediately.
