How to Tell If a Faucet Needs Repair: Signs to Watch Out For

Your faucet gives easy access to water and lets you complete different tasks like doing the laundry and washing the dishes with ease. But just like any other household item, it can get damaged over time and cause a major inconvenience. Thankfully, preventing such a nuisance is easy. Ideally, you can watch out for clues that may indicate your faucet’s need for immediate repair. Here are the most common signs to watch out for:

Weird Sounds

Faucets can produce different sounds, depending on what its complications are. These weird noises can mean anything, from needing a bit of a maintenance job or demanding professional help for a more serious problem.
If you hear a screeching sound, you may have to replace a worn rubber washer that has hardened over time. However, if you hear a clicking or a clanking, it may require taking the faucet apart to check for potential cracks in the components. This is especially true if the sound is coming directly from the faucet and not from the pipes.

Rust and Mineral Deposits

Rust and mineral deposits are common types of faucet damage. They are caused by hard water deposits that gradually accumulate on plumbing fixtures and clog faucet aerators. When left unaddressed, they can impair the function of these fixtures.

If you notice rust or mineral deposits on the surface of your faucets, you can use vinegar and lemon juice as a DIY solution. However, if the problem persists, reach out to an emergency plumber to have your faucet repaired or replaced. Doing this will prevent further damage, depending upon the type of water available in your home.

Leaks

A dripping faucet can be frustrating, no matter how small and ignorable it appears to be. Aside from dealing with the annoying sound of constant leaks, it can lead to hundreds of gallons of wasted water, leading you to shell out a lot of money.

A leaking faucet is a sign that you either have malfunctioning valves or high water pressure in your pipes. This requires the expertise of a skilled plumber. Similarly, you also need plumbing services if you notice water damage at the bottom of the faucet or underneath the sink.

Damaged Components

Old houses have a unique charm in them that makes them appealing. Although they are alluring and potentially cheaper to purchase, most of their components likely need immediate repair. As they are bound to undergo wear and tear, they may now be faulty. For this reason, you must always check for damaged plumbing components before you move in.

A Squeaky Handle

Faucet handles should not make squeaking noises, especially if they’re brand new. If yours does, this is a sign that your faucet stem is broken. Fix this by taking the faucet apart and applying some plumber’s grease to the handle stem. If you’re worried about compromising your plumbing system, feel free to hire a plumber if you are not skilled enough to complete this DIY task.

Conclusion
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Your faucet has an average lifespan of 15-20 years, but wear and tear, loose parts, sediments, and other factors can lead to frequent repairs over time. Once you notice any of these signs above, it’s time to seek professional help from experienced plumbers to get your faucet fixed in no time.

No matter the damage to your faucet, reach out to our team at 24 Hour Plumbing and Heating before it becomes a plumbing emergency. Our 24-hour plumbing service includes fixing faucets that are leaky, shaky, noisy, and more. We also offer a complete faucet upgrade. Contact us to book an appointment!