Should You Repair or Replace Your Damaged Faucet?

When your faucets aren’t working right, it can be hard to tell whether the problem can be fixed or whether it needs to be replaced altogether. A high-quality fixture can be costly, and we are all looking to save some money. However, sometimes a faucet may be beyond repair or just cost more than fixing it is worth.

So, how can you tell when a fixture should be repaired or replaced? Obviously, the most dependable way to tell is to call a licensed plumber. However, for a relatively simple issue like this, you may be able to diagnose it on your own. Let’s look at how you can tell when your faucet is at fault and then some signs that can indicate whether your faucet can be repaired or replaced.

Signs Your Faucet is Damaged

Plumbing is complex, and often it can be hard to tell whether the problem is in your faucet or whether it goes a lot deeper. Here are some signs to help you tell whether the problem is indeed with your fixture.

Dripping

A dripping faucet is one of the most annoying but common issues for a homeowner to deal with. If your faucet is constantly dripping, this likely means that it has a damaged valve or the pressure is too high.

Irregular Water Flow

Your faucet should have a smooth constant water flow, but if it is irregular, it has likely suffered some internal damages that will need to be addressed.

Squeaking Handle

This can be a little unpredictable. Typically, a little grease on the faucet will do the trick. However, if this doesn’t work, there may be some serious damage inside the faucet, and it will be time to call the plumber.

Signs Your Faucet Can Be Repaired

As we said, faucet replacements can be costly; so if they can be repaired, often it is the best option. So, let’s look at some signs that your faucet may need repairs, not a replacement.

Dripping

This is one of the most common issues to arise with a faucet, and luckily it is one of the easier to solve. Most of the time, the dripping can be stopped by removing the handle and replacing the cartridge’s O-rings. If this doesn’t work, it may be time to consider a replacement.

Squeaking

As we addressed earlier, most of the time, a bit of grease can solve the problem. Simply disassembling the faucet and greasing them appropriately will normally do the trick.

Signs Your Faucet Needs to Be Replaced

Faucet fixtures can cost, but sometimes trying to repair one may cost more than it’s worth. So, it’s a good idea to try and diagnose whether a faucet just needs to be replaced before trying to fix one. Here are some signs your faucet needs to be replaced.

Aging

Faucets weren’t made to last forever, and if your faucet has reached the end of its service life, it’s time to say goodbye. Most faucets are built to last between 15 to 20 years, and as they reach this point, they are more likely to need frequent repairs.

Plus, the older the faucet, the less likely it is to be efficient, meaning you may save some on your water bill by replacing it. So, you may be able to save some in the long term to make up for the cost of replacement.

Frequent Repairs

Even if your faucet is not aging, if repairs are coming up far too frequently, it’s time to replace it. Every once in a while, repairing a faucet may save you money, but when it starts to add up, cut your losses and replace it.

Final Thoughts

When your faucet is causing you trouble, it can be hard to tell whether repair or replacement is the right call. Try to pick out if any of the factors we addressed fit your situation, and if this doesn’t work, call a plumber. Trying to diagnose and fix the issue yourself often results in more damage than it’s worth and can waste a lot of time.

Contact Us

If you’re struggling with faucet issues that you can’t seem to solve, contact J Griffin Heating & Plumbing. With more than thirty years of experience, our team can quickly diagnose and solve your faucet issue. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.