If You’re Having Faucet Trouble, Read On
When is it necessary to replace my faucet?
There are generally two reasons to replace your faucet. The first one is when it is leaking. The second one is when you are ready for an aesthetic change because of remodeling. Leakage can be quite costly, and can be a sign of more serious issues.
It can range from a larger than normal water bill to really expensive projects because the problem was not resolved sooner than later. Some leaks are easy fixes and others require a trained and experience professional plumber. If you are the handy man type you can save yourself a few bucks with the simple signs of damage we will discuss next.
What are some signs of damage?
There are several signs of damage to look for and if you stay on top of maintaining your faucet then you will get the maximum value from it. The first obvious sign of damage is leakage. Another could be a bad O ring which wears out, which is common for a cartridge-type faucet. Next look for valve corrosion, this is a result of an accumulation of water sediment.
A worn out washer or seal would be another sign of damage, which causes leakage. Both of these parts are fairly easy to inspect and change. A loose part such as a packing nut or adjusting ring would also be a sign of damage.
Different types of faucets have different areas to check for damage. For example, if you have an extendable faucet made of rubber, metal or plastic, pull it out and check for signs of leaks or cracks there. If you have a compression faucet, there could be a damaged seat.
The last sign of damage would be a broken pipe. After you have checked all the items we just discussed, this is the last one. However, you would want to enlist the services of a trained and experienced plumber for this project. They will know exactly where and how to look to look at your water pipes.
How can I avoid my faucet from being broken in the future?
Make sure all the parts have been tightened properly. Keep the valve seat cleaned to eliminate issues with the O ring. The best piece of advice that can be given is to have a plumber regularly inspect your property for early signs of damage. Keep our telephone number handy just in case.
Fix those unsightly fixtures and faucets to give your Chattanooga area home a quick update. Don’t let that leaky faucet ruin your home and your wallet, call the experts of Metro Sewer and Plumbing at (423) 855-0967.