Enjoy Clean, Clear Water with Faucet Repair and Installation
Faucets are found in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room and other parts of your home. Wherever they are, they deliver a steady stream of potable water. When something goes wrong, tasks such as cooking and cleaning can become more difficult.
Fortunately, faucet repair might be something you can handle on your own. But when it’s beyond your skill to fix, a trained plumber can identify what the problem is and what part of the faucet is faulty so repairs can begin. When you don’t feel comfortable trying this kind of home improvement on your own, don’t hesitate to call for a professional plumber, like those at Stark Services. With specialized tools and years of training, they can provide a long-lasting solution to your faucet problem.
We’d like to share some of the most common problems you may come across with your faucets. We’ll also share information on locating 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 constant stream of water, leaks may increase your monthly water bill. Depending on how much water is leaking, it could even result in water damage!
Leaky faucet repair is usually quick and inexpensive. A professional plumber will pinpoint the part causing the leak before either repairing or replacing it for proper water flow.
Missing Hot or Cold Water
Your faucets deliver both hot and cold water. Adjusting the temperature is typically dependent on the faucet’s design, with models featuring either one or two handles. Fixing the handle can often take care of the issue.
But if your problem is lacking hot water, there might be a more complicated problem. This will sometimes be a sign your water heater is damaged, in which case a professional plumber should be called.
Poor Water Pressure
The opposite of a leak, a faulty faucet can hamper water pressure or even stop the flow of water entirely. Not only is this frustrating, but the buildup of pressure can result in other problems somewhere else in your plumbing system.
How your plumber resolves water flow problems will depend on the type of faucet you’re using. Sometimes fixing the issue is as straightforward as cleaning the affected component. Other issues stem from 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 confirmed there’s a problem with your faucet, there’s a few more pieces of information that could simplify repairs. Don’t forget that severe or widespread damage may make new faucet installation a more cost-effective option. Otherwise, it won’t be long before you’re stuck with another plumbing problem.
1. Determine the Type of Faucet
Effective repairs start with confirming the type of faucet you use. This doesn’t mean whether it’s a kitchen faucet or a bathroom faucet, but what internal components are used 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 widespread use today. It relies on a rubber washer and two handles to provide adequate water of the desired temperature.
- Cartridge Faucet: Available in both one- and two-handle designs. A single-lever design controls 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 shifts within the faucet, allowing water to flow. Special chambers within the ball combine hot and cold water to provide the desired temperature.
- Ceramic Disk Faucet: Another single-lever design often confused for a ball faucet. These models use a valve somewhat similar to a cartridge faucet, raised and lowered to create 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 uncover where the problem is coming from. 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 simplify repairs.
Whatever the problem may be, disassembling the faucet is often necessary 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 affected component and giving it a thorough cleaning. But if the component is cracked or broken, replacing it is generally best. These small pieces aren’t expensive, so don’t worry about the cost of replacing a broken part like 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 severe, or maybe you just don’t trust your DIY skills. Whatever the reason, there’s nothing wrong with hiring a professional. They can remove the old faucet and seamlessly install your preferred replacement.
Whether you need faucet repair or faucet installation, the professionals at Stark Services 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 817-668-6689 today!