Your kitchen and bathroom faucets are among the most used fixtures in your home. Simple tasks like washing dishes or brushing your teeth can be made more difficult if you have a faulty faucet. That is why you need to learn the signs that it’s time to replace your faucet so you can enjoy the reliable performance and efficient use of water.
If you’re not sure if you should replace your faucet, the expert team at Bienvenu Brothers can help. We have the experience and skills to help you select the perfect new faucet for your needs and help with the installation so that you can get back to enjoying reliable water performance in no time. Keep reading to learn 10 signs it’s time to replace your faucet.
Signs You Require a New Faucet
It’s difficult to say how long kitchen or bathroom faucets should last, as it depends on several factors including how often you use them and the quality of the product. However, when you start to notice any of these 10 warning signs that your faucet is in need of replacement, it’s time to act:
1. Dripping Faucet
One of the most obvious signs of a faulty faucet is when it starts to drip. Even a small leak can waste a lot of water over time and add extra costs to your bills. It can also cause damage beneath your sink. A professional may be able to fix the problem by adjusting the faucet. If this fails to resolve the issue, it may be time to replace your faucet.
2. Low Water Pressure
If you notice a decrease in water pressure coming out of your faucet, there is likely significant corrosion or hard water accumulation. It’s difficult to clean out the buildup or corrosion, so it’s best to install a new faucet. If you have low water pressure on all of your faucets, then you may need a plumbing professional to assess the problem.
3. Leaking Faucet or Faucet Handle
Faucet leaks can cause mold, wood rot, and structural damage to your home. If the handle is loose or leaking, it may be a sign that you need to replace the faucet. Sometimes, you can solve the problem by replacing or tightening the affected parts of the faucet. If this doesn’t work, it’s time for a new faucet.
4. Rust, Grime, or Mineral Deposits
Rust, grime, and mineral deposits are among the major signs that you need to replace your faucet.
Due to the presence of hard water, mineral deposits accumulate inside your faucet, making it difficult for the faucet to do its job. Rust will cause your faucet handle to crack when you try to twist it, and grime will give your faucet an unpleasant look. You can remove some rust stains and mineral deposits with vinegar or lemon juice. However, extensive damage may require replacing the faucet.
5. Creaking Handle or Other Impaired Components
If the handle or some other components of your faucet creak when you try to use it, then it is likely time for a replacement. When damaged handles make creaking noises, the stem is likely far gone. The problem may be resolved by coating the handle stem with the plumber’s grease. However, it may be difficult to fix worn-out or broken components and it could result in a faulty faucet or even more damage. There are some options like lubricating the handle, but if this doesn’t work, then replacing the faucet would be the best option.
6. Spitting Faucet
Is the water from your bathroom or kitchen faucet sputtering or spitting? This is a common problem that can be caused by a clogged aerator. The aerator is a small screen at the end of the faucet that helps to control water flow. If the clog is substantial or difficult to clear, then it may be time to replace the faucet.
7. Noisy Faucet
Unusual sounds coming from your faucet is a sign that there could be something wrong with the internal components of the faucet. This usually means you will need to replace it. Clanking or clicking sounds are usually caused by cracks in internal parts. A screeching sound may be a sign that the faucet’s rubber washer has hardened. It has to be replaced.
You may need to open up the faucet to figure out the source of the noise. If you cannot locate or repair it, then it’s time to call a plumber or get a new faucet.
8. Aging Faucet
Your faucet’s lifespan is dependent on its make and model. To determine the lifespan of your faucet, search the manufacturer’s website using the model number. The average lifespan of a faucet is 15 years, so if your current faucet is older, then it may be time for a replacement.
9. Bad Water Smell or Taste
The first thing you need to do is find out if the smell or taste is coming from the tap water itself or a single faucet in your home. If the smell or taste is the same in all the faucets, you may need to call your water company to fix the issue. If it’s coming from one faucet, then it could be due to wear and tear inside the faucet or piping. In this case, it’s best to call a plumber or install a new faucet.
10. Mold Formation
A faucet that leaks can cause mold to form. If you notice any black spots or mold growth near the faucet, then you should have a professional check it out. Mold can cause health problems and it could also spread to other areas of the home.
If you spot mold in your home, you should immediately check for leaks. Some leaks can be hard to spot. If the faucet is leaking, then it needs to be replaced right away.
If you have noticed any of these signs, then it might be time to replace your faucet. Replacing a faucet may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and instructions, you can do it yourself or hire a plumber for assistance.
Why Do You Need to Install a New Faucet?
Along with the reasons mentioned above, there are several other reasons why installing a new faucet can be beneficial.
1. Improve The Look of Your Home
Modern faucets come in various styles and designs. Installing one with a unique design can help to improve the look of your home.
2. Increase The Value of Your Home
If you plan to sell your home in the future, then installing a new faucet is an investment that will help to increase its value.
3. Get More Functionality
Modern faucets often come with several additional features like pullouts and swivels. These features can make your daily tasks easier and save you time.
4. Save Money
Installing a new faucet can help you save money in the long run. Many modern faucets come with features that make them more efficient, helping you to conserve resources and save on your utility bills.
You Should Get a Professional to Install Your New Faucet
While installing a new faucet may seem like a simple job, it is best to get a professional plumber to do the job. This will help ensure that your new faucet is installed correctly and safely. It will also make sure that any issues are resolved quickly instead of taking time to figure out the issue yourself.
The professional team at Bienvenu Brothers Plumbing is here to help. We offer high-quality faucet installation services for a reasonable price. Contact us today at (504) 835-7783 and get the best advice from our experienced plumbers! We look forward to hearing from you soon.