Most kitchen faucets generally last for 15-20 years. If yours is nearing the end of its lifespan, it might be time to consider a replacement.
If your faucet constantly needs repairs. One of the most common signs that it’s time to replace your kitchen faucet is when it needs constant maintenance to function.
Repairs aren’t the only issue you might face, though. Another sign that you need a new kitchen faucet is if your water pressure has significantly decreased over time since installation of the original sink unit, like in some cases where sediment or rust accumulated in an older model’s internal components or areas near the aerator that reduce water flow.
Also decreased performance of two different brands/models can be caused by poor quality control of the manufacturing process.
Ultimately, you’ll know it’s time to replace your kitchen faucet when it no longer serves its purpose in providing water for your kitchen needs.
If you use your faucet every day and have anyone living with you, especially children, who might need to wash their hands frequently or take a shower, look for one that will continue to provide optimal performance overall.
Replacing an aging unit now with a new model can save yourself the hassle of numerous repairs down the line.” This post will find out some features for you know when should replace new kitchen faucet?
Some questions indicate for you that your kitchen faucet should replace:
Do I need to replace my old one if it is less than 10 years old?
Maybe, but this depends on how much use it gets and whether you have had previous problems with it or not. If your kitchen faucet no longer performs as efficiently as it used to, then a replacement might be necessary.
If not, regular maintenance can usually do the trick in repairing temporary malfunctions from time to time.
Has water been leaking from beneath the faucet over time?
If there is a leak coming from beneath your kitchen faucet and you can’t seem to find out where it’s coming from, there might be excess water pressure in your pipes.
That excess pressure flows through the rest of the lines in your home and eventually finds its way under your sink. Get a professional plumber to fix this issue for you. If the action often happens, that means you should consider replacing a new one.
Does water splash or spray out when you shut off this faucet?
If you notice water spraying out when you turn off this unit after use, it’s time to replace your faucet. There are parts of the hose that might be fraying or breaking down, which can cause excess pressure or even leakage in some cases.
Look for a new option with durable materials and an efficient design. Also, make sure the spout is angled correctly–usually pointing at roughly 9 o’clock position if facing kitchen sink head-on.
Using a poor-quality faucet replacement might lead to the same problems that your current unit has due to low-quality manufacturing standards.
Do you hear unusual sounds coming from the kitchen faucet, like rattling or screeching, that seem to amplify as more pressure is added (or vice versa)?
If you hear any odd noises when using this unit, there might be room in the internal components for air or sediment accumulated over time.
When water flows out through your faucet, it can produce an “air hammer” sound in some cases, which is amplified by hard water build-up or debris inside of the hose.
Make sure all metal parts are securely fastened together and take apart the faucet head to check for blockage if needed. If issues continue, consider replacing when a new model altogether.”
Is there hard water build-up near the control valve at the base of the handle?
Suppose you notice a build-up of mineral deposits around the control valve. In that case, your water is probably full of minerals and sediment, which can produce a white chalky residue or spots on your faucet.
You’ll need to disassemble the unit to clean up these areas with a bleach solution to avoid rust stains down the line.
Does your kitchen faucet handles release with too much force and make an unpleasant sound when turned off?
If your kitchen faucet is difficult to turn off once you’re done, there might be a water pressure issue in your city. This can either mean excess pressure from the lines or even a leaky faucet head if it’s coming through between fittings.”
If you notice a significant decrease in water pressure coming from your kitchen faucet compared with the rest of your lines, there might be a clog somewhere along the line.
There could also be excessive mineral deposits inside of the hose that causes friction and reduce flow rate over time, which means you should replace the new faucet with higher pressure.
If your answer is” yes” for the most question, that means” time to replace your kitchen faucet.”
5 Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Kitchen Faucet
1) It’s been leaking for weeks, months, or even years.
The kitchen faucet has been dripping for months or years, and while it may appear to be a minor issue that can be fixed with some plumber’s tape, the situation is much more difficult than you may believe.
When water leaks from your faucet over time and isn’t fixed properly, it can cause a slew of issues in addition to wasting a lot of water:
- The growth of mold beneath sinks
- Cabinet damage caused by leaking plumbing fixtures
- Wet conditions have caused rotted wood under floors around leaking pipes.
2) The handle is shaky and loose.
If the handle on your kitchen faucet is loose and wobbly, it should be replaced. The issue could be as minor as a leaking washer at the bottom of the spout or as serious as rust on the rivets that secure the handles to the fixtures.
In either case, water spills across countertops, resulting in costly damages for homeowners down the road, so it’s always best to fix it now.
3) The spray nozzle will not stay put.
If the spray nozzle on your kitchen faucet won’t stay put, it’s probably time to replace the entire fixture. Corrosion, old age, and wear-and-tear are just a few of the possibilities.
Replacing a single component of an older faucet can be costly and difficult, as some details require special tools to remove them from their original location (like filters). Getting a completely new one is less expensive and easier for you.
4) Your faucet’s color or finish has faded.
The kitchen is the hub of the home, where family and friends gather to cook and share meals. However, if the color or finish on your faucet has faded, you should replace it before the food contaminates; otherwise, clean water.
When kitchen fixtures such as the sink, stovetop, and dishwasher are not properly maintained over time, they can become filthy.
That means any water that comes from them will have traces of dirt on it, which could lead to contamination during cooking unless you regularly replace these fixtures with newer ones.
5) After a few minutes of running, your water flow noticeably decreases.
When you notice a significant decrease in water flow after running your kitchen faucet for five minutes, you know it’s not working properly.
If the water in your sink starts to run slowly, it could be a sign of a problem with the plumbing system, which should be replaced or repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Tips for do-it-yourselfers when installing kitchen faucets?
Check your faucet installation instructions. Some units are easier to install than others, but you should always check the installation instructions for specific details of any model before doing so.”
If you have an older unit that still works well overall, consider upgrading over replacing it if this is your only complaint about your current kitchen faucet–like if you find yourself constantly repairing it rather than maintaining it–then you might want to consider a replacement even though it’s still working fine.
Conclusion:
If you notice any of these things on your current faucet, it’s time to look for a replacement.
Many options are available with different costs and features to suit all budgets and design preferences, but make sure the unit is made from high-quality materials and will last through repeated use without breaking down.
If you can afford it, choose a model with some or all metal parts instead of the cheaper plastic components that break down over time. Also, consider ease-of-use factors such as design, size, and water pressure when making your decision.
Read more:
Top 10 Best Kitchen Faucets: Reviews & Tips 2021
Top 9 Best Touchless kitchen faucet: Review in 2021
Top 8 Best Kohler Kitchen faucets with Various Styles 2021
Top 8 Best Kraus Kitchen Faucet Reviews in 2021