Should I Repair or Replace a Leaky Faucet?

Leaky faucets happen to everyone at least once in their lifetime. They’re bothersome and also waste lots of water for no reason.

Therefore, fixing them is mandatory. But many people get confused− should I repair or replace a leaky faucet?

Well, you should repair it if the issue behind the leak is small and replace it if it’s something big. If your repair costs as much as buying a new faucet, you shouldn’t think twice before replacing it. The leak problems generally lie in the O Rings, washers, corrosion, or the age of the faucet.

In this article, I will explain why these faucet leaks happen and whether you should repair or replace them. Read more below to find out all the details.

Is It Better to Repair or Replace a Leaky Faucet?

Leaky faucets are a big headache as they disrupt our washing experience and waste large amounts of water. They also drop our water pressure drastically and increasing water pressure in kitchen faucet becomes inevitable.

To eradicate all these problems, you must fix the leak immediately.

But to fix it, whether to repair or replace the faucet remains a question. The answer lies totally in what the problem is in the faucet and your decision-making skills.

Below I have given some reasons why leaky faucets happen and whether you should repair or replace them in each case. Take a look.

Worn out Minor Parts

In every faucet, some small parts can wear down within a few years of use, even though the whole tap can last longer. These small parts are the O ring, the washer, the cartridge, etc.

The O Ring sits beneath the spout and is generally made of plastic. Its primary purpose is to prevent water from leaking in that area.

But over time, the ring wears out and loses its purpose. During that time, water starts leaking from beneath the spout.

Moreover, the washer also sits just beneath the O ring and can wear out over time. It is similar to the o ring and provides a tight seal within that area.

If the washer wears out as well, you will face leaking issues. In these cases, it’s better to repair the faucet than replace it.

Changing the o ring or the washer will only cost a few dollars, and that change can sustain the faucet for many more years. So, opting for a minor repair is much more cost-efficient.

Loose Handles

Another situation that causes leaks in faucets is the handle losing its grip. When it becomes loose, no matter how often you try turning the tap off, the water still keeps dripping.

This issue also requires repair, as changing the cartridge can easily tighten the handle again. The faucet cartridge replacement cost is not much and you will save a lot of money.

Taking off the handle and reattaching it may also solve the issue. You will see that these small repairing techniques have solved the dripping water problem.

And there’s no need to go as far as replacing the whole faucet system.

Internal Corrosion

Sometimes leaking happens due to internal damage within the pipes. If they are not of good quality, the constant contact with water and mineral buildups may start corroding the pipes. The valve seat also gets corrosion.

In these situations, a leak is an eventual result. If the corrosion has spread too much inside the faucet, it is best to replace it because the water coming in touch with the rust is not healthy either.

If your faucet is brand new and under warranty, you may get a free replacement from the brand due to unforeseen corrosion issues.

Broken Parts

It is possible for larger parts like the handle, spout, or valves to completely break down in a faucet.

This can happen due to application with excessive force on the tap or simply because the product was not of good quality.

If a major part breaks down, the spout will leak. In that case, you have to determine which solution will cost you less.

Specifically, whether repairing the faucet is actually worth it. Because if the spout itself broke, replacing and repairing it should cost the same.

So, if you face a situation like this where the expenses are pretty much the same, replacing the faucet with a brand new and good quality product is much better.

Old Product

Faucets are meant to last for at least 10 to 15 years. If your faucet has crossed that age limit, it will frequently show various problems. Leaking is one of them.

Therefore, if the faucet frequently shows too many problems like leaking, low pressure, etc., it’s better just to replace it.

Because the expenses behind repairing will cost you much more, and there’s no guarantee that it will not break down again.

So, purchase a new faucet with that money instead of spending it on an expired product.

How Much Should It Cost To Fix A Leaky Faucet?

How much a leaky faucet can cost you is a very tricky business. The expenses lie from anywhere between $5 to $400. The price behind this fix mainly depends on what kind of repair you need.

If the solution is something as small as replacing the O Ring or the washer, you can get it done with $10 to $20. On the other hand, if a major part broke down within the faucet, like a handle breakdown, the cost can be anywhere from $100 to $300.

Not to mention, you will also need to spend behind the plumber’s labor charge. If it was a small job, plumbers may charge you $40 to $50. However, depending on the type of faucet and the hours they put in, the wage can go as far as $200.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will replacing a faucet stop it from leaking?

If the leak lies within the faucet, replacing it will solve the problem. However, a replacement may not be the solution if the leak is somewhere else in your sink or waterline.

2. Do I need a plumber to fix a leaky faucet?

If the repair is something very small, like changing a broken screw or the O Ring, you can do it by yourself. However, if the leak is due to something more critical and expensive, you will need a plumber.

3. Is a leaky faucet a big deal?

Yes, it’s a very big deal as you’re constantly wasting a lot of water. This is not only increasing your water bills, but also very harmful for the environment.

Final Words

Leaking faucets reduce the water pressure and waste water drastically. They prevent us from using our water faucet comfortably due to all the side effects.

Fixing a leak is inevitable. But many people get confused and wonder− should I repair or replace a leaky faucet?

In this article, I have given you all the answers. I hope you now know what decision will be best for you.