A faucet's lifespan will depend on its make and model. You can figure out the lifespan of your faucet by researching the model number through its manufacturer. However, most faucets generally last about 15 years if maintained and cleaned properly. Any old faucet should be replaced.
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.
Generally speaking, kitchen faucets should be replaced every 5 to 10 years depending on usage, quality, and the materials used in the construction of the faucet. If you have an older faucet or one of lesser quality, you may need to replace it more frequently.
Over time, faucet cartridges experience wear and tear, corrosion, and become coated with mineral deposits. This results in improper functioning such as water leaks and difficulty in turning the handles.
For a basic kitchen sink faucet installation by a pro plumber or a qualified handyperson, you can expect the installation cost to be anywhere from $119 for faucet installation through Home Depot, $92 for faucet installation through Lowe's to $400+ on a complex project.
While installing a kitchen faucet is not necessarily easy, it can be accomplished by inexperienced do-it-yourselfers in just a few steps. It doesn't require specialized skills beyond knowing how to turn off your water and how to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts.
Repairing your leaky faucet is more cost-effective, especially if you have a newer or high-end faucet that's expensive to replace. Another cause could be mineral deposits buildup on the valve set, resulting in a leak. A professional plumber can clean it out as long as the buildup is not severe.
A noticeable decrease in water pressure or weaker water flow than usual could indicate a worn-out cartridge that needs replacement. If the faucet handle becomes difficult to turn, feels loose, or gets stuck in certain positions, it may be due to a failing cartridge.
The cartridge is a plastic piece in the faucet that controls water flow. Worn cartridges or rubber O-rings often lead to leaks. By swapping in replacement parts, your faucet won't leak at the base or around the handles anymore.
Cartridge Type
Single-handle faucet cartridge: A single-handle faucet cartridge costs $10 to $65. It is used on showers that are controlled by a single level or handle. Dual-handle faucet cartridge: Dual-handle faucet cartridges cost $15 to $65.
In addition to cleaning from a pro once per year, keep your drains clean with a weekly and monthly maintenance routine. This maintenance will greatly limit the risk of blockages and damage to plumbing drain pipes throughout your house, as well as buried sewer lines outdoors.
If your plumbing is old or in poor condition, it may take longer to remove the old faucet and install the new one. Your plumber may also need to make additional repairs or upgrades to ensure your new faucet functions properly. On average, a professional plumber can replace a bathroom faucet in 1 to 2 hours.
A faucet's lifespan will depend on its make and model. You can figure out the lifespan of your faucet by researching the model number through its manufacturer. However, most faucets generally last about 15 years if maintained and cleaned properly. Any old faucet should be replaced.
DIY faucet replacement: No, you don't need a plumber's help.
The most accurate method is to buy a pressure gauge from your local hardware store and hook it up to a hose faucet. Check the pressure when all other faucets and water-using appliances are turned off to get a baseline reading. In general, you want the household plumbing to provide between 30 and 80 psi.
Fixing a leaky faucet is quick and inexpensive; even the most amateur DIYer can tackle this task. The most common sources of a leaking faucet – a worn out washer or gasket, a loose O-ring, corrosion in the valve seat – can be detected and fixed easily with most faucet repair kits.
The modern valve, however, is usually built into a removable carrier called a cartridge which is inserted into the body of the faucet. Any wear on the valve takes place inside the cartridge, not inside the body of the faucet. If the valve fails, the cartridge can easily be replaced, restoring function to the faucet.
While it's not mandatory for all cartridges, applying plumber's grease to the O-rings can make the installation smoother and help prevent future leaks. It's a recommended step for optimal performance.
When the Ink-out light stays on, the cartridge is empty and will need to be replaced. The printer will stop printing. When an ink cartridge is in the printer longer than six months and the print quality declines the ink cartridge should be replaced.
Faucet cartridges can last several years, but will eventually need to be replaced. Over time, they experience general wear and tear, corrosion, and become covered in hard water mineral deposits. This causes the faucet to function improperly, commonly leading to water leaks and difficulty operating the handles.
One of the most common indications of a faulty valve or cartridge is the presence of intermittent dripping or a continuous leak, even when the tap is fully closed.
Faucet installation costs $120 to $300, including removing and replacing an old faucet and adjusting the water lines. The labor cost to install or replace a kitchen, bathroom, or bathtub faucet is $45 to $150 per hour, with plumbers charging for an hour or two. Faucet prices alone average $100 to $350.
While it is possible to fix a dripping faucet without professional help in some situations, this is ill-advised. Inexperienced hands can do more harm than good and turn a small leak into a much larger issue. For instance, a homeowner may suspect that a loose washer is causing the dripping.
Minor issues: For slight plumbing problems such as changing a faucet, repairing a sink's leaky pipe, or clearing out clogged drainages, it is recommended to hire a handyman plumber.