Does your faucet leak? Are your fixtures starting to show signs of disrepair? Is your sink cracked? Don’t let these problems go by unresolved. Alpine Plumbing & Rooter is the go-to plumber for fixture repairs and replacement throughout San Dimas, La Verne, and beyond.
When Should I Replace My Faucet?
When your faucets begin to show signs of wear and tear, it’s time for replacements. Whether water drips out onto the back of your sink and countertops or you have an annoying pin-sized stream shooting out when the faucet is turned to full pressure, it’s time to contact a plumber. This leaky water can run down the side of your counters, under your sink or faucet fixture, or behind your lower cabinets and cause mold and wood damage. Not only can faulty faucets lead to more expensive damage down the road but they’re also troublesome and messy to use.
Usually faucet leaks occur at the nozzle or base and are an indication of broken hardware, bad seals, mineral buildup, or corrosion to the faucet itself due to years and years of repeated use.
When Should I Replace My Sink?
Replacing your sink can be done for design reasons, aesthetic value, to raise the value of your home, or to fit the decor of the space. Since sinks are solidly built – usually of metal, porcelain or ceramic – they don’t just fail. However, strong impacts can cause dents, chipping, breaks, or hairline cracks that may or may not require replacement. Also, sinks have seals, flanges and drains that can break or become compromised. Any of these problems that result in dripping or leaking water mean your sink isn’t functioning properly. They should be inspected, repaired, or replaced as needed to prevent water damage from occurring to the surrounding areas.
Why Faucet & Sink Leaks Are More Than Just an Annoyance
Ignoring faucet and sink leaks can lead to more than just higher water bills. Leaks can cause significant damage to the structure around the sink, leading to mold growth, rotting wood, or rusted pipes. Here are some of the consequences of not addressing leaks promptly:
- Water Damage: Leaks can saturate nearby cabinets, walls, and flooring, weakening structures and increasing the risk of mold.
- Higher Water Bills: Even small leaks waste significant amounts of water over time, driving up your utility costs.
- Health Risks: Mold and mildew from persistent leaks can cause respiratory issues and other health concerns.
- Decreased Home Value: Persistent water damage can affect your home’s resale value.
Tips for Maintaining Faucets, Fixtures, and Sinks
Regular maintenance can extend the life of your faucets, fixtures, and sinks, helping you avoid unnecessary replacements. Follow these simple tips:
- Inspect for Leaks: Regularly check faucets, pipes, and sinks for leaks and drips.
- Clean Fixtures: Remove mineral buildup with a vinegar solution to keep faucets and sinks free from clogs.
- Use a Water Softener: If you live in a hard water area, consider a water softener to prevent sediment buildup in your faucets and pipes.
- Tighten Loose Parts: Ensure all fixtures and sink components are tightened properly to prevent water damage.
Common Causes of Faucet Leaks
O-Rings
Rubber o-rings are one of the most common causes of a leaking faucet. If you can observe dripping near the handle, it is typically caused by a loose or worn-out O-ring. This part of your faucet is a small disc that attaches to the stem screw and holds the handle of the faucet in its place.
Washers
When you turn your faucet to the on/open position, the washer is pressed up against the valve seat. Over time the friction caused from normal use will cause wear on the washer. This wear results in a less secure seal, and dripping will occur around the spout.
Valve Seat
The spout and faucet are connected to one another through the valve seat. Minerals and other contaminants in the water build up over time causing sediment and/or corrosion to the valve seat, causing leaks from the spout. One of the best ways to reduce mineral and sediment build-up is to equip your home with a water filtration system.
Improper Washers or O-Rings
If the wrong size of washers or o-rings have been used – or if they’ve been installed incorrectly – water will work its way around the washer and start a leak.
When Do Faucets, Fixtures & Sinks Need To Be Replaced?
If any of these items in your home are damaged or showing signs of failure, it is recommended to replace them as soon as possible. Faulty or broken faucets, fixtures, and sinks should be replaced when needed.
Keeping these items in proper working order is a normal part of plumbing maintenance, yet you’d be surprised how many people neglect to address these issues until they’ve transformed into much more costly problems such as damage to the surrounding structures, such as vanities. Often times, these structures are made from wood and can rot if they become too wet, which also leads to possibly serious health implications
Weak or excessive water pressure can also be a symptom of broken faucets or fixtures. While this may not seem like a huge deal at the time, you may notice that these leaks are causing you to use more water than normal, resulting in a higher utility bill.
Installation, Repair & Replacement
When it’s time to replace a faucet, fixture or sink, it’s important to ensure the job is done correctly. A good plumber will also identify and inform you of the cause of your leaks, which could be simple wear and tear, or something else like a broken water pressure regulator.
Contact Alpine Plumbing & Rooter Today for Expert Plumbing Services
Whether it’s time to replace a faulty faucet or fix a leaky sink, Alpine Plumbing & Rooter is here to help. We pride ourselves on the successful completion of many plumbing projects in San Dimas, La Verne, and surrounding areas. Our customers consistently leave positive reviews, praising our professionalism, timely service, and affordable solutions.
We’ll provide professional repairs, replacements, and installations with upfront pricing and reliable service. Join the growing number of satisfied customers who trust Alpine Plumbing & Rooter for all their plumbing needs!
