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Should I Repair or Replace My Leaky Faucet?

Drip, drip, drip. Not only can the sound of a leaky faucet be annoying, but it can also be frustrating. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a leaky faucet dripping at the rate of one drip per second can waste 3,000 gallons of water per year. If you’re dealing with a damaged faucet, you may be wondering what steps come next. Should you repair or replace it? There are a few signs that’ll indicate whether a repair or replacement is necessary.

1. Old Age

Most faucets are designed to last for 15-20 years at best. If your faucet is over 15 years old, nearing the end of its life, and exhibiting signs of failure, then you may want to consider a replacement.

Solution: Replacement

2. Frequent Repairs Are Needed

Do you have your plumber on speed dial? If you see your plumber more than your own family at this point, then that’s a sure sign you should stop calling for repairs and invest in a new faucet all together. A few repairs here and there are probably cheaper than a replacement. However, if your repairs are starting to burn a hole in your wallet, then replacing your leaky faucet will be more cost-efficient.

Solution: Replacement

3. A One-Off Fix

If you’ve never had issues with your faucet, and it’s still relatively new, then a repair probably makes more financial sense than a total replacement. This is especially true if it’s an easy fix, like replacing the O-ring or a washer and cleaning the inside of the faucet. A handle that squeaks, for example, can be caused by a loose washer – and usually, this is something that can be easily fixed with a repair.

Solution: Repair

4. Extensive Damage

However, if it’s not an easy fix and there is extensive damage like internal corrosion or worn threads, then replacing the old faucet with a new one might make more sense financially. The best way to know if your faucet has taken on irreparable damage is to have a plumber out to take a look.

Solution: Replacement

5. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure may indicate a water line break or a blockage in your sewer line. This debris can reduce water pressure. However, if the low water pressure is restricted to a single faucet and not all of your fixtures, then the problems is likely not with your pipes or water supply, but rather with the fixture itself. This may mean there is a clog in your aerator or cartridge from hard water build up. Usually, they just need to be cleaned by a professional.

Solution: Repair

6. Irregular Water Flow

Much like low water pressure, irregular water flow could be due to a clogged aerator filter. It could also be due to air that has collected in the water lines. If you’re noticing the water is spitting, sputtering, or spraying rather than coming out of the faucet in a steady stream, then contact a plumber to repair your fixture.

Solution: Repair

Schedule Professional Leak Detection and/or Repair Services With Leak Finders Today In Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas!

For over 20 years, Leak Finders in Richmond, VA has been providing professional, quality leak detection and repair services people can count on. You can trust us to find and repair your leaks quickly. Contact us to schedule your appointment today. We can be reached at (804) 867-2114 or online here.