Faucet Repair

The cost of fixing a faucet can vary quite a bit, depending on what exactly is wrong with it. If it's something simple, like a dripping handle, it might be pretty cheap to repair. You might pay only for a new washer or a small part, and that could set you back just a few dollars. However, if the faucet is very old or if the problem is major, you might have to pay for a whole new faucet. And if you go the route of hiring a plumber to help you, you're adding to that cost as well, since their labor doesn't come cheap. Altogether, this could run you anywhere from 50 to 200 dollars, and possibly even more if a repair is particularly involved.

Repairing a dripping faucet can be a good way to conserve water and may save you enough on your next bill to make it worthwhile. If the damage is small and you can handle the repair, you might even call it a fun—and cheap—weekend project. On the other hand, if the faucet is old and has seen better days, maybe it's time to get a new one.

A typical faucet has problems that most often show up as drips or leaks. These occur when the washer inside the faucet has worn out or has been damaged. The washer is supposed to hold back the water until you turn the faucet on, and it's supposed to keep the water from coming out when you turn the faucet off. When the washer does what it's supposed to do, the faucet works. When it does not, the faucet drips or leaks.

You don't need a plumber to replace a faucet every time. With a few basic tools and some careful attention to the instructions, it is a task that many people can handle on their own. The place to start is turning off the water to the faucet. After that, you will want to remove the old faucet. Most faucets have nuts that hold them in place from underneath. These nuts loosen, and the faucet comes out. The new faucet will go in basically the same way, but you might want to read the directions that come with it. In under-sink space, it can sometimes be difficult to see what you're doing, and patience is essential. After all, with a rigged-together assembly of hose clamps and towel bars, several DIYers have gotten the job done without help. But the moment that you start getting upside-down instructions for the nut that holds it all together, it may be time to throw in the towel.

A faucet can be fixed by a handyman. They possess the means and know-how to seal leaks and cure parts that are giving them trouble. A handyman makes sure the faucet works well afterwards by checking screws, washers, and seals. If any of these repairs had to be made, you can bet the handyman saved water and money for you by making it work well.

A faucet's lifespan can vary depending on its make and its amount of usage. Generally, faucets should last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. However, that range is contingent upon the user. "If you have a faucet that you use a lot, and you don't clean it or tend to it . . . you might see it starting to break down in 10 to 12 years," says Roy, who otherwise lauds American-built Delta faucets that feature cleaning-friendly surfaces. "Regularly maintaining and cleaning a faucet could help it last longer. And if you're fixing any leaks that it might have in a timely manner, that's also key." If it's not taken care of well or if it's used a lot, it might wear out sooner. Regular cleaning and fixing any leaks quickly can help it last longer.

A plumber typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to fix a faucet. It depends on how simple or complicated the problem is with the faucet. A simple leak in the handle might get fixed super fast. On the other hand, replacing multiple parts (let's say, the washer and the valve seat) could take a good amount of time.

A compression faucet is usually the simplest to repair. It has separate handles for hot and cold water. These kinds of faucets tend to drip when the washer or seal inside wears out. To replace it, all you have to do is swap the old washer or seal for a new one. The reason that this kind of faucet is easiest to repair is mostly the fault of its design; all the parts are easy to see and super easy to replace, which you could probably do even if you’ve never attempted a home repair project before.

Replacing a faucet is usually a job for a plumber. Plumbers are special people. They have special skills. They fix things like pipes, sinks, and toilets. Plumbers know how to take out an old faucet and put in a new faucet without causing any leaks or problems. If you want to be sure the job is done right, hire a plumber. Plumbers are worth their weight in gold!

Having a faucet installed by a plumber can cost a fair amount. It often depends on your location and the kind of faucet you want installed. On average, you might expect to shell out $100 to $300 for the work. But if the plumber has to do anything atypical—like replace pipe sections or repair questionable old connections—then the price could go up. And that's a good reason to ask for an estimate before the work starts.