Enjoy Clean, Clear Water with Faucet Repair and Installation
Faucets can be found in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room and other parts of your home. Wherever they are, they ensure a steady supply of potable water. When something breaks, tasks like cooking and cleaning can become more difficult.
Fortunately, faucet repair can be something you can complete on your own. But when it’s beyond your skill to fix, a trained plumber can identify what the problem is and what part of the faucet is broken so repairs can begin. When you don’t feel comfortable trying this kind of home improvement by yourself, don’t hesitate to call for a professional plumber, like those at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. With special tools and years of training, they can ensure a long-term solution to your faucet problem.
We’d like to share some of the most common problems you may come across with your faucets. We’ll also share information on finding the source of the problem and what may be needed to complete repairs.
Common Faucet Problems
Your faucets are connected to your home’s water supply lines. When they break or malfunction, you may not be able to get the water you need. Or worse, the water is not safe or healthy to use.
Leaky Faucet
Leaky faucets are one of the most common problems you will experience with your home plumbing. Whether it’s a leaky faucet or a steady stream of water, leaks may increase your monthly water bill. Depending on how much water is leaking, it may even cause water damage!
Leaky faucet repair is typically fast and inexpensive. A trained plumber will point out the component causing the leak before either fixing or replacing it for proper water flow.
Missing Hot or Cold Water
Your faucets provide both hot and cold water. Adjusting the temperature is usually dependent on the faucet’s design, with models featuring either one or two handles. Repairing the handle can often take care of the issue.
But if your problem has a lack of hot water, there may be a more complicated problem. This can be a sign your water heater is damaged, in which case a professional plumber should be called.
Poor Water Pressure
Rather than a leak, a faulty faucet can decrease water pressure or even prevent the flow of water entirely. Not only is this irritating, but the added pressure can cause other problems somewhere else in your plumbing system.
How your plumber resolves water flow problems will depend on the type of faucet you’re using. Sometimes taking care of the issue is as easy as cleaning the affected part. Other issues stem from the seal that separates your faucet from the water supply.
Keep in mind that this doesn’t happen too often. So when the faucet isn’t to blame, your plumber will look for other issues like corroded pipes and clogs (as these also cause the water pressure to fall). Even partially closed valves will drop the water pressure, resulting in weak flow.
What to Know About Faucet Repair
Once it’s determined there’s a problem with your faucet, there’s a few more pieces of information that could simplify repairs. Remember that serious or extensive damage may make new faucet installation the superior option. Otherwise, it won’t be long before you’re stuck with another plumbing problem.
1. Determine the Type of Faucet
Long-lasting repairs start with confirming the type of faucet you use. We’re not talking about whether it’s a kitchen faucet or a bathroom faucet, but what internal components are in place to deliver potable water. Our plumbers have enough experience with different faucet types that they can recognize yours quickly, starting repairs sooner.
- Compression Faucet: This design is the oldest type of faucet still in widespread use today. It uses a rubber washer and two handles to provide adequate water of the correct temperature.
- Cartridge Faucet: Manufactured with both one- and two-handle designs. A single-lever design alters water flow by raising and lowering the valve inside the handle.
- Ball Faucet: The most common type of single-lever faucet. As the lever is moved, a plastic or metal ball moves within the faucet, allowing water to flow. Small chambers inside the ball blend hot and cold water to create the desired temperature.
- Ceramic Disk Faucet: Another single-lever design often confused for a ball faucet. These models use a valve a little similar to a cartridge faucet, raised and lowered to provide water flow. By comparison, a ball faucet moves in any direction.
2. Shut Off the Water Before Finding the Affected Part
Once they know what type of faucet you have, the plumber’s next step is to uncover where the problem is coming from. Most designs will be split into two sections, the faucet body and one or two faucet handles. Knowing the type of problem they’re dealing with can simplify repairs.
Whatever the problem turns out to be, taking apart the faucet is often necessary for repairs. A quality repair kit should include tools like slip joint pliers or a basin wrench to reach the internal components.
3. Determine Whether a Part Needs Cleaning or Replacement
Sometimes a problem can be fixed by simply reaching the affected component and giving it a thorough cleaning. But if the component is cracked or broken, replacing it is generally best. These small pieces aren’t expensive, so don’t worry about the cost of a new part for the spout, O-ring or any washers.
This may be more complicated for special faucets, like for an outdoor garden hose.
Consider a Professional for Faucet Installation
Sometimes the damage is too widespread, or maybe you just don’t trust your DIY skills. Whatever the reason, there’s nothing wrong with reaching out to a professional. They can remove the old faucet and seamlessly install your choice of replacement.
Whether you need faucet repair or faucet installation, the professionals at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help. We’ll ensure an affordable solution that doesn’t cost you everything but the kitchen sink.
Request an appointment or free estimate by getting in touch online or over the phone at 440-252-1375 today!