Repair or replace?
If you're unsure, ask the pro for both options when you call. A good answer explains the tradeoff instead of just picking the bigger job. For repairs, see faucet repair.
Signs your faucet is worn out
- White or green crust that keeps coming back, even after cleaning
- Rust spots, or a finish that's peeling or flaking
- A wobble that comes back after the mounting nut is tightened
- Leaks from more than one spot
- Handles that no longer line up or turn smoothly
What a faucet replacement involves
- Shut off the water at the valves under the sink and drain the lines.
- Disconnect and remove the old faucet. Old mounting nuts are often corroded, and this is usually the slowest part of the job.
- Clean the sink deck so the new faucet seals flat.
- Check the shutoff valves. If they're old or won't close fully, this is the time to replace them.
- Install the new faucet with new supply lines.
- Turn the water back on and test for leaks at every connection, with hot and cold both running.
Choosing a new faucet
A few things to check before you buy:
- Hole count and spacing. Count the holes in your sink or countertop. For bathroom sinks, measure the distance between the outer holes.
- Spout height and reach. Make sure a tall spout clears any window or shelf, and that the water lands near the center of the sink.
- Handle style. Single-handle faucets are easier to use with full hands. Two-handle faucets suit some older sinks and styles.
- Parts availability. Well-known brands tend to keep replacement cartridges available for years.
- WaterSense label. WaterSense bathroom faucets use less water without feeling weak.
Room-specific guidance is on the kitchen faucet and bathroom faucet pages.
Buying your own faucet
That's fine. Many homeowners pick out their own faucet. Before the appointment, open the box and make sure all the parts are there, and keep the instructions. Mention the brand and model when you call. More on installing a faucet you bought.
What affects the cost
We don't list prices, because they depend on the job and are set by the professional who does the work. Things that affect the cost include:
- Whether you supply the faucet or the pro provides one
- How hard the old faucet is to remove
- Whether shutoff valves or supply lines need replacing
- Extras like a new drain, soap dispenser or water filter faucet
Ask for a price before the work starts.
Replacing faucets in Sultan homes
A lot of Sultan's housing went up in the 1990s and 2000s. Many of those homes still have their original kitchen and bathroom faucets, which are now 20 to 30 years old. At that age, replacement is often a better spend than another round of repairs.