A faucet is one of those things you probably do not think much about until it starts dripping, sticking or spraying water in every direction. Even then, it can be tempting to put off dealing with it. After all, if water still comes out, how bad can it be?
Sometimes a simple repair is all you need. Other times, replacing the faucet makes more sense. Here are a few signs that it may be time for an upgrade.
The Drip Keeps Coming Back
An occasional drip may be fixed with a new washer, cartridge or seal. But if you have already repaired the faucet and the problem keeps returning, replacement may be the better long-term option.
A steady drip is more than an annoying sound. It can waste water, leave stains around the fixture and increase wear on your sink. Replacing an older faucet can take care of the problem and give the room a quick refresh at the same time.
The Faucet Is Rusty, Corroded or Worn
Faucets deal with water every day, so some wear is expected. Over time, you may notice rust, corrosion, mineral buildup or a finish that is starting to peel.
Cleaning can help with surface buildup, but corrosion that has worked its way into the faucet is a different story. It can affect how the handles move, how well the faucet shuts off and even the quality of the water coming through it. If the fixture is visibly deteriorating, it is probably time to replace it.
The Water Pressure Has Dropped
Low water pressure at one faucet may be caused by a clogged aerator. That is often an easy fix. If cleaning or replacing the aerator does not help, there could be buildup or damage inside the faucet itself.
A plumber can help determine whether the problem is limited to the faucet or connected to another issue in your plumbing. If the faucet is the cause, replacing it may restore a stronger, more consistent flow.
The Handles Are Hard to Use
You should not have to wrestle with a faucet every time you wash your hands or fill a pot. Handles that are stiff, loose, squeaky or difficult to turn are signs that the internal parts may be wearing out.
This can be especially frustrating for children, older adults or anyone with limited hand strength. A new single-handle, lever-style or touchless faucet can make everyday use much easier.
It No Longer Fits the Way You Use the Space
Your current faucet may still work, but that does not mean it works well for you.
Maybe the kitchen faucet is too low to fit large pots underneath. Maybe you would like a pull-down sprayer for rinsing dishes. In a bathroom, you might want handles that are easier to clean or a faucet that better matches an updated vanity.
Replacing a faucet is a relatively simple way to make a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room or utility sink more convenient without remodeling the entire space.
You Are Updating the Room
New countertops, a new sink or fresh paint can make an old faucet stand out for all the wrong reasons. Installing a new fixture helps pull the room together and gives the finished space a cleaner look.
There are plenty of styles and finishes available, but appearance is only part of the decision. You will also want to make sure the faucet fits the sink, works with the existing plumbing connections and provides the features you actually need.
Can You Replace a Faucet Yourself?
Some homeowners are comfortable replacing a faucet on their own. The job can be straightforward when the shutoff valves work properly, the connections are easy to reach and the new fixture matches the existing sink configuration.
Of course, plumbing projects do not always go exactly as planned. Older shutoff valves may leak when turned, fittings may be corroded and cramped cabinets can make connections difficult to reach. A small installation issue can also lead to a slow leak that goes unnoticed under the sink.
If you are unsure about the setup or simply do not want to spend your weekend working under a sink, calling a plumber can save time and help make sure everything is installed correctly.
Need Help With a Faucet Replacement?
If your faucet is leaking, worn out or just no longer working for your space, Griswold Plumbing Services can help. Based in Westbrook, CT, we provide faucet replacement and other plumbing services throughout the Connecticut shoreline and Southern Connecticut.
We can help you figure out whether your faucet can be repaired or if replacement is the more practical choice. If it is time for a new one, we will make sure it is properly installed and ready for everyday use.
Contact Griswold Plumbing Services to schedule your faucet replacement. Call (860) 864-5001 or request a service appointment today.
