Do You Need a Plumber to Replace a Faucet? – 7 Factors to Consider

With a faucet that has been leaking for a while, I have been thinking about replacing it. Most of my friends advise me to hire a plumber for it, but do you need a plumber to replace a faucet?

Quite honestly, you don’t need a plumber to replace a faucet – you can do it yourself. But it is not possible to compete with the expertise of a professional plumber, and the costs will not vary all that much either; you might as well hire one.

In case you are growing increasingly confused regarding the matter, here are more insights on what might be wrong with your faucet and whether hiring a plumber is the best idea or not.

Issues With Your Faucet

Not sure whether your faucet needs to be fixed or not? Well, there are some issues with your faucet that you might not be able to detect right away.

Hence, I will be discussing those issues right here for your convenience.

O-Ring Has Worn Out

Once you disassemble your faucet, you will notice that there is an O-ring on the inside. Now, it’s a small disk that can loosen up, affecting the faucet’s overall performance.

In most cases, this is quite an easy repair. So most people tend to execute by themselves without advanced instructions or professional help.

The Valve Seat Has Corroded

You will find the valve seat between the spout and the faucet. The valve seat is an important part of the whole system, and it can often corrode due to mineral deposits from a long period of usage.

Now, if the build-up of the deposits can be cleaned up, then you probably won’t require a plumber for it. However, if the build-up leads to corrosion, then professional help is required.

The Washer Has Worn Out

Do you often see your faucet dripping after your close it? Well, that is due to a faulty washer.

Washers go through the most damage because they are put to hard work every time you use the faucet.

And really, tightening the faucet more does not help. In this case, you might want to call for a professional plumber in case of repairing or replacing the leaky faucet.

The Washer Was Not Installed Properly

That does not mean your faucet will only act up when the washer has worn out.

This can also happen if the washer is not installed properly in the first place. In this case, you have to get a plumber to install it properly.

If you think the washer is not right for the faucet, then you get a new one for it as well.

Do It Yourself Vs. Hire a Plumber

Now, whatever the issue is, should you fix it yourself, or should you hire a plumber to do it for you?

Making the decision right away can be quite a stretch, which is why I will be discussing the factors you should consider.

In Terms of Cost

Surely, you will find some advantages in terms of cost if you do it yourself. A DIY will cost around $30-$150, depending on the parts you are purchasing and so on.

For instance, the cost of faucet cartridge replacement may vary a lot. On the other hand, if you hire a plumber, then it will cost you around $45-$200.

If you really think about it, the cost discrepancy is not that much. But there is some difference nonetheless.

In Terms of Professionalism

Unless or until you are known for fixing the faucets of your friends and family, you have little to no professionalism in this regard. Even if you are known for it, you cannot compare it to a plumber.

So in terms of professionalism, hiring a plumber is really your best shot.

The Extent of the Issue

Some small fixes can easily be done at home. For instance, you can fix a worn-out O-ring, but if the washer fails to perform properly no matter what you do, then you will be bound to call your plumber.

Before you decide to fix the faucet on your own, you should check the extent of the problem.

If the Fix Is Worth It

Sometimes, it is best to replace the faucet instead of repairing it. Some faucets are beyond repair, so you should find a replacement faucet instead of going on an attempt to fix it.

It is best to ask a plumber to replace your faucet for you. Or you can also ask them if replacement is inevitable or not.

A More Detailed Look into the Problem

Has your faucet been acting up for a while now? If the problem seems quite persistent, then maybe there is more depth to the problem than you think.

In cases like this, a plumber will be able to take a deeper look into the Issue than you. Moreover, they will be able to provide the correct diagnosis as well.

Tools and Accessories Required

You will surely need a lot of tools and accessories to fix your faucet. If you readily have them at your place, then great.

And, if not, would you really want to purchase just for one task?

In times like this, it is best to let the professional with all the required tools take care of the problem.

The Availability of Professional Plumbers 

Now, here’s a reason why many people tend to do all the faucet fixing themselves – the lack of professional plumbers.

Sure, there are many available in your area, but just how many of them are good?

If there aren’t any good ones around, then you can use the help of YouTube to fix your faucet instead of spending money on a plumber without many good reviews.

Should You Fix or Replace the Faucet?

Does your faucet just needs to be fixed, or do you have to replace it? This is something difficult to determine, as most people end up thinking that just fixing it is enough.

Here is how you should determine what would be the best for your faucet −

Have You Fixed It a Few Times Already?

Did you fix your faucet four times already? Sure, you thought it would last for 3 years, and it has only been 2, but it really is time to give up.

Finding a replacement faucet might be easier than discovering new problems with the faucet every week.

Is It the Same Problem Over and Over?

It’s one thing if the faucet has different problems each time; and another if it is the same problem over and over again. This can indicate that the faucet has a faulty part, which cannot be fixed no matter what – so replace it.

Is It Taking a Toll on Your Wallet?

Replacing a faucet might seem to be expensive upfront, but it is reasonable in the long run. At the same time, fixing it, again and again might seem cheap upfront, but it takes a toll on your wallet in the long run. So make your decision wisely.

What Does Your Plumber Say?

Have your plumber take a look at your faucet to see if it acts up more than once. If your plumber thinks your faucet will function well with a fix, then go ahead with that. Or else it is best to replace it.

Final Words

What do you think? Do you need a plumber to replace a faucet? Even if you think you can ace it by yourself, I would recommend you hire one if you have never done it before.

With some experience, you can go ahead with it and save those extra bucks.