Is It Time to Repair or Replace Your Faucets?

To determine whether it’s time to repair or replace the faucets in your home, there are various signs to keep an eye out for. Like any other machinery, faucets have moving parts and components that can wear out due to frequent use. Additionally, if you have hard water, these parts and components can accumulate lime and scale deposits.

Your faucets may also wear out due to corrosion, which can be influenced by the age of your home, plumbing, and faucets. Our local plumbers in Katy and Houston can provide guidance on identifying the types of problems to look for and what actions to take when you encounter an issue, to assist you in determining whether to repair or replace your faucets.

Dripping Sink Faucets

Dripping faucets are a prevalent issue that can occur in various areas of your home, including the bathroom and kitchen. The cause of a slow drip is typically due to faulty internal parts and components in the faucet, which fail to seal correctly when shutting off the water.

If you have a sink faucet with two separate knobs for hot and cold water, it may be possible to fix the dripping by disassembling the affected knob and replacing the washers and other interior components. However, with a single control level faucet design, where you adjust the temperature by moving a lever, the repair process can be more complex. Nevertheless, it is still feasible to replace internal hardware and repair a dripping faucet.

Leaking Faucets

When you observe water leaks around the base, knobs, or control level of your faucet, it’s an indication that the internal seals, which prevent water from escaping, are deteriorating. If your faucet is compatible, you may be able to substitute the defective part or component with a new one without the need to replace the entire faucet.

However, before investing in repairing the damaged parts, it’s advisable to compare the expenses with purchasing a new faucet. At times, the cost of a new faucet may be comparable to the cost of repairing the current one. Additionally, replacing your faucet with a water-conserving model can be advantageous if you want to upgrade.

Squeaky Faucet Knobs or Handles

When the knobs or handle of your faucet make a squeaking sound when turned on or off, it’s an indication that the internal components require lubrication. Over time, the original lubricant on the components can wear off and deteriorate. To apply new lubricant, you’ll need to disassemble the faucet, which can be challenging depending on the model. It may be beneficial to seek assistance from a professional plumber in your area.

Rust Deposits

As the protective coating on the metal parts and components of your faucet wears off, rust can begin to develop. If you notice rust around the base of the faucet or on the knobs and handle, it could be time for a replacement. However, if the rust is limited to a specific area of the faucet, a repair may be possible, depending on which parts and components require replacement.

It’s important to note that rust-colored water may or may not be related to rust inside the faucet. Rust in the water heater, old metal plumbing lines, and well water are a few causes of rust-colored water. Consulting with a plumber can help you identify the best plumbing services to address rust-colored water in your home.

Lime and Scale Buildup on Faucets

Scale and lime buildup around the base of the faucet and knobs are a common issue in households with hard water. As the deposits accumulate, they can cause problems such as leaky faucets, dripping faucets, and reduced water flow. While it’s possible to remove minor buildup, it’s important to be cautious when using a scale and lime deposit remover to avoid damaging plastic parts and components.

If you’re experiencing water flow problems, you may be able to fix them by unscrewing the water aerator cap and cleaning the screen. However, in extreme cases where repairs aren’t possible or the buildup can no longer be removed, it may be best to have a plumbing professional replace the faucet with a new one in your kitchen or bathroom.

Bathtub and Shower Faucet Problems

Bathtub and shower faucets can experience all of the previously mentioned types of faucet problems. Repairing and replacing bathtub faucets can be rather complex because the plumbing lines are not always easily accessible.

In addition, depending on when your home was built, there may not be a water shutoff valve for these fixtures. As such, it may be necessary to shut off the water to the entire home before they can be repaired or replaced.

Showerheads are a bit easier to work on since you only have to keep the faucet shut off. Showerheads typically screw on to the end of the water supply line. Most of the time, when addressing leaks, drips, and other such problems, it is more efficient to replace the showerhead than repair it.

Kitchen Water Sink Filtration Faucets

Some homes have a dedicated water filtration system faucet as a separate fixture on their kitchen sink. These faucets can develop the same types of problems as other faucets in your home. You also need to make sure the filtration system is well-maintained.

Kitchen Sink Spray Nozzle Problems

If your kitchen sink has a spray nozzle, you may encounter a few different issues. Some common problems include low water pressure due to deposits inside the water supply line or nozzle head, a stuck handle that won’t shut off, and a handle that won’t move due to buildup inside the nozzle.

To resolve these problems, it’s best to have a plumbing professional install a new spray nozzle in your kitchen or bathroom. This will ensure that you have a functioning and reliable faucet without any of the issues mentioned above.

Outdoor Faucets

If you have outdoor faucets, you may encounter issues such as leaks or drips, which may require repair or replacement. Leaks may also be related to the vacuum breaker, which may require a special “key” for connecting to the garden hose and water spigot. Repairing or replacing outdoor faucets can be a challenging task since the plumbing lines are not always easily accessible. To prevent accidental damage to your exterior plumbing, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a professional plumber.

Laundry Room/Utility Room Faucets

Faucets in your laundry or utility room can experience wear and tear, leading to several issues. One common problem is when the water supply hoses burst, which usually happens if the hoses are older than five years. Replacing the hoses every five years is ideal to prevent this problem.

If there are leaks around the faucet and water supply hoses, it could mean that the washers inside the hoses need to be replaced. This is a simple task that involves turning off the water supply and unscrewing the hoses.

It is crucial to be aware of these faucet problems and resolve them promptly to prevent more expensive plumbing services in the future. If you need help with faucet repair, bathroom plumbing, water drainage issues, or other plumbing services in Katy or Houston, you can contact MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning at 281-603-9949 today!