From washing hands to doing dishes, a kitchen faucet is essential to complete your daily washing and cooking tasks in the kitchen. Think about all those tasks that you perform with the help of a kitchen faucet and it is easy to see how important it is to have a well-performing faucet in the kitchen.
Like any other appliance, the kitchen faucet also has its own life. When to replace kitchen faucets, is a common question of many households. There are some signs that are clear indications that it’s time to replace your kitchen faucet. Let’s see what are these signs.
When To Replace Kitchen Faucet?
Here are 6 common signs that are indications that it’s time to replace your kitchen faucet.
Dripping and Leaking
With time, dripping and leaking are normal for any faucet. If dripping and leaking is persistent, it means you should replace the faucet.
You tightly turn off the faucet but it continuously leaks, which means there is some problem with the internal mechanism of the faucet. You try to fix the issue but drip won’t stop. Frequent and persistent leaks may be a sign that it’s more cost-effective to replace the entire faucet.
Mineral Buildup
For the faucet finish, the mineral buildup is a big threat. Over time, minerals from water accumulate on the faucet body and deteriorate the finish. The buildup makes the faucet looks like an old faucet.
The buildup also accumulates inside the faucet and blocks the way of water and damage faucet parts. You can use vinegar to remove buildup but if quantities of mineral are high in the water then within a short period of time, buildup will accumulate again.
Low Water Flow
If there is low water flow in the kitchen faucet, the situation is not good. With the low water flow, you can’t do your daily kitchen tasks properly. Due to low water flow lots of water is wastage. Low water flow is another sign, you should replace the kitchen faucet.
Low water flow in the faucet happens due to blockage in the way of water. Because of the blockage water can’t flow with full pressure and you get a reduced amount of water from the spout. Blockage may happen in the aerator, cartridge, or other internal parts of the faucet.
Corrosion and Rust
Corrosion and rust are the most common reasons to replace a kitchen faucet. Other problems with the faucet can be changed but once there are rust and corrosion on the faucet, it can’t be repaired fully.
You can clean a little bit part of the rust and corrosion but not fully. Rust and corrosion damage faucet parts quickly. They happen due to exposure to moisture. Also, sometimes harsh cleaning agents are responsible for rust and corrosion.
If you notice signs of corrosion, such as discolored or flaking parts, it’s a clear indication that your faucet is deteriorating. In such cases, replace the faucet to ensure proper functioning and prevent potential water damage.
Difficulty In Operating Handles or Sprayers
As your kitchen faucet ages, you may start experiencing difficulty in operating the handles or sprayers.
Loose handles, stiff or squeaky movements, or a sprayer that doesn’t switch between functions smoothly are all signs that the internal mechanisms of your faucet are wearing out.
O-rings, cartridges, and other components can deteriorate over time, affecting the smooth operation of the faucet. If basic maintenance and repairs don’t resolve the issue, it’s likely time to consider replacing the faucet to restore ease of use in your kitchen
Outdated Design and Aesthetics
This sign is not directly connected to the functionality of the faucet. If you are renovating your kitchen then definitely you don’t want an outdated design of the faucet in the kitchen. An outdated design will make the kitchen interior mismatched.
Upgrading your faucet to a more modern and aesthetically pleasing design can significantly enhance the overall appearance of your kitchen.
Is It Better To Repair or Replace a Kitchen Faucet?
When your kitchen faucet is not working properly then an obvious question comes into your mind whether you should repair the faucet or replace it.
While making this decision the cost of repairing an old faucet vs the cost of installing a new faucet becomes important.
The repair cost depends on what parts you need to replace and the availability of the replacement parts. If you have to replace the cartridge or fix a leaky faucet, you won’t have to spend much money. But in the condition of damaged valves or rust and corrosion, the cost is high. In some conditions, the repairing cost is high than installing a new faucet.
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If you are thinking to replace the kitchen faucet then the cost of a new faucet depends on what type of faucet you are buying. If you go with a touchless or touch-activated faucet, their price is comparatively high than a normal faucet.
Newer faucets often come with improved features, such as water-saving mechanisms or touchless technology. While the upfront cost of a new faucet may be higher, it can be a wise investment in the long run.
The age and overall condition of your kitchen faucet should be carefully considered when deciding whether to repair or replace it.
If your faucet is several years old and continuously requires repairing and fixing its parts, it may be more cost-effective and practical to replace it. The overall condition of the faucet plays an important role to decide when to replace a kitchen faucet. If the faucet has corrosion, leaks, or damage that cannot be easily repaired, it means replacement of the faucet is essential.
How Long Does a Kitchen Faucet Last?
The life of a kitchen faucet varies on different factors such as material quality, water quality, how frequently you use it, and maintenance.
The quality of the material plays an important role in the lifespan of the faucet. Material quality depends on the faucet brands. Some brands use high-quality brass and stainless steel material that lasts long and make the faucet durable.
If faucet parts are not built with good quality material, they won’t last long and in 2-3 years you will start facing issues with the faucet.
Water quality also affects parts of the kitchen faucet. In some areas, high amounts of minerals are found in the water. These minerals are not good for the faucet. These minerals create buildup inside the faucet and reduce the life of the faucet. For this, people use kitchen faucets for hard water to increase the life of the faucet.
The kitchen faucet is the most frequent use faucet in the house. We turn it on or off hundreds of times in a single day. Due to frequent use, it starts wearing out which can shorten its lifespan.
Proper maintenance and care can significantly extend the lifespan of a kitchen faucet. Regular cleaning, avoiding harsh chemicals, and addressing minor issues promptly can help prevent unnecessary damage and ensure the longevity of your faucet.
Generally, a kitchen faucet lasts for 15-20 years. This time period may increase or decrease due to faucet quality and how you use and maintain it.
How Often Do You Need To Replace a Kitchen Faucet Cartridge?
The kitchen faucet cartridge is an important part of the faucet. If it is not in good condition, it will affect the water flow and also be responsible for the leakage. You only need to replace it when it is damaged and not in the repair condition.
The life of the cartridge depends on its quality and water quality. You don’t need to change it every year. If the cartridge quality is good, it will last for 4-5 years without any issues.
Here are some general signs to replace a cartridge.
- Water leaking from the faucet
- Difficulty in controlling the water temperature
- Water flow is not high
- The handle is not moving properly
What To Look For When Replacing a Faucet?
- Compatibility: Ensure that the new kitchen faucet is compatible with your existing sinkhole configuration or countertop. Check the number of mounting holes and the spacing between them to ensure a proper fit of the new faucet.
- Faucet Type: Determine the type of faucet you want based on your preferences and needs. Common types include single-handle faucets, dual-handle faucets, pull-down or pull-out sprayer faucets, and touchless faucets. Consider the functionality, feature, design, and style that best suits your requirements and the kitchen interior.
- Quality and Durability: Look for a faucet made from high-quality materials such as brass or stainless steel. These materials are known for their durability and resistance to corrosion.
- Finish: Select a finish that complements your kitchen décor and enhances its aesthetic appeal. Popular options include chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte black. Make sure the finish is resistant to tarnish and easy to clean.
- Water Efficiency: Consider choosing a faucet that is water-efficient to conserve water and reduce your utility bills. Look for faucets with the WaterSense label, which indicates that they meet the EPA’s criteria for water efficiency.
- Installation: If you’re planning to install the faucet yourself, check if it comes with detailed installation instructions and all the necessary hardware. Some faucets may require additional tools or professional installation, so factor in any associated costs.
- Warranty: Check the warranty provided by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period indicates that the company has confidence in the product’s quality. Familiarize yourself with the warranty terms, including any conditions or exclusions.
- Price: Consider your budget and look for a faucet that offers good value for money. While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option, investing in a higher-quality faucet can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs or replacements.
FAQs
Does It Matter What Brand Faucet I Buy?
Yes, it matters what brand you choose for the faucet. There are many faucet brands in the market. Some brands use high-quality material for their faucets and some use cheap. Faucet quality depends on the selection of the material. So, if you go with a quality brand, the chances of getting a quality faucet are high.
Is Replacing a Kitchen Faucet Difficult?
It depends on whether you are installing exactly matching kitchen faucet or something different. If the new faucet requires extra holes in the sink, you need to drill those holes. Replacing a faucet is not much difficult. By reading the installation instructions that come with the faucet, you can easily replace the faucet.
What Is The Cost To Replace a Kitchen Faucet?
The cost to replace a kitchen faucet can vary depending on several factors, including the type of faucet, the complexity of the installation, and the region you live in. On average, you can expect to spend between $150 and $350 for a basic kitchen faucet replacement.
James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.