Faucets are small, yet important, parts of your
house. When they work typically, you
probably don't think much about them. If not, the
choice over faucet repair or replacement can be unclear.
Normally, bathroom and
kitchen faucets can last ten years or more, however this
depends upon lots of
elements. Hard water or more frequent use
can minimize a faucet's lifespan. If
you're undecided on repairing or replacing a noisy,
spouting, or leaking faucet, continue reading for some
valuable guidance.
Should You Repair It?
Many issues are fixable
since faucets come with
replaceable parts. Common
trouble points consist of O-rings. An O-ring is a
piece of rubber that fits around the valve stem; it can become
loose or harmed through regular wear and tear.
Rusted valve seats can interrupt the seal that
avoids water from leaking. A valve seat links the
compression mechanism to the cartridge. Damaged or loose
washers can occur with regular usage, while used inlet
and outlet seals in disk cartridge faucets can cause trouble too.
The most typical faucet problems needing
repair work include:
Leaks/Drips: A leak is often the first
sign internal parts are wearing down or stopping working. If
a leak occurs from under the handle, a used O-
ring might require to be replaced. If the faucet is
dripping, a rusty valve seat or loose washer may
be the cause. Leaks can also occur internally, which can
trigger an inaccurate mix of hot and cold water. According to the U.S. Epa, a
leaky faucet, at one drip per second, can lose over
3,000 gallons per year.1 This is one reason why leaky
faucet repair is so crucial.

Irregular Water Flow: The stream of water from a faucet
should be constant. If the water is instead
spitting, sputtering, or spraying, there may be internal damage. Call an expert to examine and repair the unit.
Irregular flow can be caused by a
clogged aerator filter or air that has gathered in water lines. Waiting
for repairs can cause extra
damage that could have been prevented.
Squeaking Sounds: If the handle squeaks when turned, and
applying grease doesn't deal with the
issue, a repair is required. Squeaking is
often triggered by used
threads in the faucet handle, but it can be brought on by a loose washer too. The valve stem may be worn
out, causing loose parts to flap around. High water
pressure can cause the faucet to screech, or there
might be particles lodged in the pipes or the faucet itself.
Low Water Pressure: While low water pressure can suggest a
water line break or sewage system line
blockage, it may also be caused by a clogged aerator or cartridge. Particles and mineral
deposits can reduce water pressure; this is a likely
scenario if the issue is limited to
just one faucet. Other causes can consist of crushed or kinked
supply lines under the sink, limiting the flow of water to
the faucet.
A plumbing professional who has
identified the problem and has the
suitable parts can repair a bathroom faucet in
anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.2 Repair costs depend
upon the part, the type of faucet, and the extent of the
damage.
What Kind of Faucet Do You Have?
The type and brand of faucet you have will affect your
choice. Premium faucets are
typically guaranteed for life, with replacement parts
readily available just by asking the manufacturer
for them. High end brands like Mohn, GROHE, and
ROHL will change parts for free. The other
factor to consider is the kind of faucet you have, which
can be a:
Ball Faucet: A lot of frequently set
up in kitchen areas, it has lots of parts, making it
vulnerable to leaks. An internal ball manages the
flow of water.

Disk Faucet: A contemporary style that
mixes cold and hot water in a special
chamber, and manages water volume through
two ceramic disks, it does not often need repairs.
Cartridge Faucet: A single- or double-handle faucet utilized in the
common bathroom sink. Motion is
smooth and constant with no pressure
needed to turn off the faucet.
Compression Faucet: The handle (and, in turn, the washer) needs
to be tightened to close the water circulation. This
style is utilized in utility sinks and is more
frequently found in older houses.
Should You Replace It?
This includes not only parts and materials but also
labor.3 Faucet replacement often costs more than
repairs, but that depends upon your
distinct scenarios. In many
cases, it is more cost-efficient to replace a leaky
faucet, specifically if it is old or has been repaired
several times.
A few reasons to consider replacement over
faucet repair include:
Repairs cost more than replacing the faucet,
specifically if you can manage a higher
quality brand name that uses a
guarantee and/or replacement parts totally free.
Regular repair work are needed, which can
increase the expense enough that replacing the faucet is a
more economical
alternative.
Your fixtures are old and, even if fixed, are more
likely to require extra repairs in the
future, without any guarantee of enduring efficiency.
You desire a more efficient unit; older faucets can
run at 3 to 5 gallons per minute, while modern, efficient
ones frequently don't surpass 2.5
gallons per minute.
You don't like your fixtures; replacing your
faucets can be a valuable update to your
house, especially if you're
refurbishing or plan to sell it in the future.

The sink or counter surface area might be harmed;
to restore it, you might require to also change your
faucet, whether there's something wrong with it or not.
It is important to understand
when to repair or change a faucet, as difficult as
the decision can be. The right option will
prevent more severe damage. Seek advice from a plumbing
professional as soon as possible if you have a leaky or otherwise
damaged faucet.
Faucet & Leak Repairs in North Hollywood
How to Protect Your Home From Leaky Faucets in North Hollywood