We rely on the function of our faucets every day to supply water to our sinks and other plumbing fixtures. When a faucet fails, it’s an annoyance and it can take time to fix the problem. But, it is possible to adopt a proactive approach and deal with a faucet problem before the fixture fails. Here are four signs that you need an urgent faucet replacement in your home.
1. Mineral Deposits
Most homes are supplied with hard water, which has an elevated level of mineral content, such as: calcium, magnesium and iron. These minerals create scale inside the pipes that you cannot see, but if you notice this material on the faucet it needs to be replaced. It’s important to clean and check your faucets regularly to keep them in great shape and to extend the useful lifespan. When you notice a lot of scale, it’s likely that the inside of the faucet has been affected and the water pressure may be lower at that fixture. Cleaning with white vinegar can help, but avoid harsh scrubbing pads that can scratch your surfaces.
2. Worn-Out Faucets
Most faucets tend to degrade after around 15 years of dedicated service. This is a ballpark figure and it can be lower depending on the water quality in your area. When a faucet becomes too old or worn-out to work efficiently, it must be replaced. If you still have the manufacturer’s guide for your faucet, it should tell you the length of the service life. Replacing a worn out faucet is a job for your local licensed and certified plumber. To save money get multiple faucets changed at the same time to justify the travelling costs for the plumber.
3. A Leaky Faucet
If you have a leaky faucet, the cause is often a failing rubber washer that is pretty easy to replace with no special training. But, if you can’t seem to fix the problem, it’s usually easier to replace the entire faucet instead. A leaky faucet may not seem like a big deal, but you may be surprised at the volume of water wasted with a small leak every day. Over time this will drive up your water bill significantly and you may not notice for some time unless you monitor your bills closely.
4. A Corroded Faucet
If you notice some corrosion on the surface on your faucet, it’s a bad sign. After all, if you can see rust on the outside of the faucet what’s lurking on the interior. Floating rust in water is not harmful to drink, but it’s not pleasant to drink and many people will find it unpalatable. Try and turn a corroded faucet, if it’s creaky and slow, it’s likely that there is considerable rust inside. In this case, you’re going to need a fresh faucet to replace the worn-out and corroded unit.
If you need one or more faucets changing in your home, contact your local certified and licensed plumber today.
