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 provide a steady supply of potable water. When something breaks, tasks like cooking and cleaning can become more difficult.
Luckily, faucet repair might be something you can perform on your own. But when it’s beyond your skill to fix, a trained plumber can identify what the problem is and what component of the faucet is faulty so repairs can begin. When you don’t feel comfortable attempting this kind of home improvement on your own, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber, like those at Comfort Masters Service Experts. With special tools and years of training, they can ensure a long-lasting solution to your faucet problem.
We’d like to share some of the most common problems you might 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 might 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 come across with your home plumbing. Whether it’s a dripping faucet or a wasteful stream of water, leaks will often increase your monthly water bill. Depending on how much water is leaking, it may even result in water damage!
Leaky faucet repair is usually quick and inexpensive. A professional 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. Choosing the temperature is usually dependent on the faucet’s design, with models featuring either one or two handles. Repairing the handle can often resolve the issue.
But if your problem is lacking hot water, there may be a more complicated problem. This will sometimes be a sign your water heater is damaged, in which case a professional plumber should be notified.
Poor Water Pressure
The opposite of a leak, a broken faucet can hamper water pressure or even stop the flow of water entirely. Not only is this frustrating, but the additional pressure can create other problems deeper 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 straightforward as cleaning the affected component. Other issues can be traced to 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 verified there’s an issue with your faucet, there’s a few more pieces of information that could simplify repairs. Keep in mind that severe or extensive damage may make new faucet installation the better option. Otherwise, it won’t be long before you’re dealing with another plumbing problem.
1. Determine the Type of Faucet
Effective repairs begin with knowing 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 common 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 adjusts water flow by raising and lowering the valve within 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 within the ball combine 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 more 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 pinpoint where the problem started. Most designs are split into two sections, the faucet body and one or two faucet handles. Knowing the type of problem they’re dealing with can make things easier.
Whatever the problem turns out to be, disassembling the faucet is often required for repairs. A decent repair kit should possess tools like slip joint pliers or a basin wrench for reaching the internal components.
3. Confirm Whether a Part Needs Cleaning or Replacement
Sometimes a problem can be fixed by simply reaching the specific component and cleaning it thoroughly. But if the component is cracked or broken, replacing it is typically for the 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, such as an outdoor garden hose.
Consider a Professional for Faucet Installation
Sometimes the damage is too widespread, or maybe you just don’t have a lot of DIY skills. Whatever the reason, there’s nothing wrong with hiring a professional. They can remove the old faucet and quickly install your preferred replacement.
Whether you need faucet repair or faucet installation, the pros at Comfort Masters Service Experts 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 847-250-6729 today!