Have you ever tried to sleep with a faucet dripping in the next room? It’s enough to drive you to the brink of sanity. Faucets are great when they’re working, but like anything, they’re vulnerable to function issues, including dripping and more.
You can DIY some faucet repairs if you can diagnose them and you understand the configuration of your specific faucet model, but sometimes you’ll need to bring in a professional plumber.
The plumbers at TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical can get your faucet repaired in a flash, or they can install a new one of your choice when necessary. TR Miller has been serving the faucet repair and installation needs of suburban Chicago residents since 2008. As a family owned company, we understand and prioritize your needs.
Common Faucet Issues
Our plumbers handle many common faucet issues every day, such as:
1. Low Water Pressure
If your faucet’s water pressure is low, its aerator is likely clogged with sediment. You can easily remove the aerator and clean it out. If that doesn’t work, you may have a rusty pipe that is slowing the water flow. It will need to be replaced.
2. Leaks From the Base
Leaks from the base can be caused by a worn O-ring or rubber washer, or by a loose screw. All of these you can fix easily yourself. You just have to diagnose the problem, and know the right size O-ring or washer to buy if that’s the cause.
3. Dripping Faucet
A good old annoying dripping faucet usually requires just a new O-ring or washer inside the valve. The faucet also may have loose parts or connections that you can tighten. Sometimes high water pressure can overwork the faucet parts and lead to leaking, or the parts can become corroded. You can replace parts, but it may end up being more economical to replace the faucet.
4. Hard To Turn Handle
If your handle is hard to turn, it’s likely the result of mineral buildup, which requires disassembling the faucet and cleaning the parts with a mineral remover. Another issue may be a valve stem that needs to be replaced.
5. Faucet Noises
Faucet noises, like a whistling sound, are generally not an indication of a faucet problem, but an underlying plumbing issue that requires the help of a professional.
6. Sprayer Won’t Work
If your sprayer isn’t working, it could be a hole in the hose, a clogged nozzle, or a loose connection. If you can’t find and fix the cause, you can just buy a new sprayer without replacing the faucet.
Types of Faucets
If you’re going to tackle any repairs yourself, it’s good to know the various types of faucets.
- Compression washer faucets: This is the oldest type of faucet, using washers to seal against the flow of water. They have two handles that move side to side.
- Disc faucets: They have a cylindrical body with a single handle, and are more durable and expensive than most other faucets.
- Cartridge faucets: They contain a cartridge that controls the flow of water, and two handles that move up and down.
- Ball faucets: A ball joint controls the hot and cold water, and they have a single handle that moves side to side to control the temperature, and up and down to control the pressure.
DIY Faucet Repairs
Many faucet repairs you can DIY if you have the time and the inclination. Often, you’ll need to look up your specific faucet model and type for instructions on how to fix various issues, and then take a trip to the hardware store. Just be sure to turn off the water to the sink before you make repairs.
When to Call a Plumber
When you can’t diagnose the problem with the faucet, or you don’t have the time to figure it out and fix it, a plumber can be your best friend. Give TR Miller a call, and we can handle it for you. When parts are corroded or damaged and need to be replaced, you’re also probably better off getting professional assistance.
Faucet Replacement
Sometimes the best solution is to have a new faucet installed. For example, if you have corroded parts that need to be replaced, the cost of the part replacement and the cost of a new faucet installation may be pretty close in number. A new faucet can also be a nice, inexpensive upgrade to your home. TR Miller can handle the installation of any faucet that you choose.
Why Choose TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical?
TR Miller has been providing plumbing services to suburban Chicago residents since 2008, and as a family-owned and operated company, we care about our customers and their families.
No matter what you need, we’ll give you our full attention. From faucet repairs and installation to plumbing inspection and maintenance, we are here to assist.
When you need a plumber you can trust in the Chicago area, give TR Miller a call and experience for yourself why we’re a leader in plumbing services in the region.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Faucet?
The cost of the faucet itself can vary widely. Installation costs are generally between $100 and $400 depending on the type of faucet chosen.
Why Is My Faucet Dripping?
The most common cause of a dripping faucet is a worn out O-ring or washer, but it could also be caused by a loose connection. These issues are very simple to fix.
Does a Dripping Faucet Increase My Water Bill?
Yes, a dripping faucet can increase your water bill since the flow of water is not stopping properly. A drip is generally very easy and inexpensive to fix, so it’s not something you should ignore.
How Long Does It Take to Fix a Faucet?
Most repairs only take an hour or less. If you do it yourself and are unfamiliar with how your faucet works, it may take longer due to research time.
What Part of a Faucet Needs to Be Replaced the Most Often?
In a faucet, the washer, O-ring, or cartridge are the most common parts that need replacement since they are subject to wear.
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