Maybe, at this very moment, your kitchen or bathroom faucet is dripping. Perhaps it’s leaking or corroded. Or maybe its water flow is weak.
Whatever your faucet-related issue is, one question looms large: Should you repair it or replace it?
Well, here are the factors that should shape this decision:
- Your budget: Repair work is generally the cheaper option — but not always!
- The faucet’s age: If it’s at least 15 years old, consider replacing it.
- Water usage efficiency: Over time, you should save money if you replace an inefficient faucet.
- The issue’s severity: The more severe the problem, the more likely a replacement is the right option.
- Your aesthetic tastes or remodeling plans: Do you crave a new look or style? Then replace that old faucet!
Now let’s examine these issues in more depth.
Signs Your Faucet Needs Attention
Kitchen faucets generally last about 15 years, while bathroom faucets often last 20 years or more.
Of course, a faucet’s lifespan depends on various factors, including how often it’s used, what it’s made of, and how hard the water is.
No matter its age, a faucet could have a certain issue or deficiency. Common problems include:
- Dripping water
- Leaks
- Loose or squeaky handles
- Rust or corrosion
- Low pressure or weak water flow
Here’s another possibility: Your water bills are suddenly higher than they once were. That could indicate a faucet issue as well.
When Faucet Repair Is Enough
In certain cases, faucet repair is probably the more sensible option. Here are some examples:
- The repair work is comparatively inexpensive.
- The repairs would be simple to complete; there’s no internal damage.
- Your faucet is less than 10 years old.
- There’s no corrosion, or there’s minimal corrosion.
- You like your faucet’s design, and you want to retain its style.
Quick and affordable faucet repairs include tightening, resealing, or replacing certain components. For instance, you might just need a new washer, cartridge, or aerator.
When Faucet Replacement Is the Smarter Move
Sometimes, faucet replacements save people time and money over the long haul. So consider a replacement if:
- Your faucet issue has persisted despite past attempts at fixing it.
- The faucet’s at least 10 to 15 years old.
- Its body or valves are damaged.
- It’s outdated or wasting water, and more efficient models are available.
- The faucet’s no longer in style, and you’d like to update its appearance.
Repair Vs. Replacement: What’s the Cost Difference?
In the U.S., faucet repair ordinarily costs between $50 and $200. Meanwhile, a faucet replacement generally ranges from $150 to $500.
However, certain factors can offset the cost of a faucet replacement.
First, if your new faucet is more water efficient, your monthly water bills should go down.
Second, a new faucet typically comes with a warranty. Thus, for the length of your warranty, you’d be guaranteed free repairs or even a free replacement if necessary. (Obviously, certain conditions and restrictions will apply.)
Can You Fix It Yourself, or Should You Call a Pro?
If you choose faucet repairs over a replacement, another question might come to mind: Could I handle the repairs on my own?
It might make sense to tackle the job yourself if:
- You’re knowledgeable about faucets, and you have some experience fixing them.
- The repair work is very manageable and straightforward.
Indeed, a few faucet fixes are fairly simple: stopping a minor leak, for example, or swapping out a basic part.
On the other hand, faucet repairs can be much more complicated than they initially seem. And, unless you handle the repairs deftly and precisely, your DIY work is unlikely to solve the problem. In fact, it could easily make the issue worse.
Therefore, if you have a base leak, a valve issue, or a problem with an unknown cause — to name just three examples — a pro really should handle your repairs.
The Benefits of Professional Repair
Professional faucet repair offers a range of advantages, including the following:
- Saving time and avoiding frustration: Qualified professionals can identify a problem’s root cause quickly and accurately, and they’ll fix it swiftly and easily.
- The right tools: Pros know which materials and equipment to use. Moreover, they’ll have those items on hand.
- The right credentials: Professionals are highly trained and experienced, as well as insured and licensed. Plus, most pros guarantee their work.
- No risk of error: If you made a mistake, your DIY work could cost you much more than a professional’s fees.
- No risk of injury: It’s all too easy to cut, lacerate, or otherwise injure your hands when doing DIY repairs.
- Peace of mind: In the end, with a pro’s touch, you can be sure your faucet will work well for as long as possible.
Final Take: Don’t Let a Faucet Drain Your Wallet
One more note here: It’s worthwhile to have your home faucets inspected on a regular basis.
During these inspections, a professional could fix small issues before they develop into bigger, costlier issues.
In addition, these inspections could stop drips and leaking, helping you keep those water bills as low as could be.
Furthermore, if you live in the Niceville, Fla., area, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provides first-rate faucet inspections, repairs, replacements, and installations. And our punctual plumbers offer competitive pricing and 100% customer satisfaction guarantees.
For more info, please contact us as soon as it’s convenient. You’ll be happy you did: When it comes to faucet services, we always make a splash.