Do You Need Faucet Repair?
There is nothing more annoying, or worrisome, than a bathroom or kitchen faucet that is dripping or leaking. For experienced homeowners, faucet and sink repairs are almost second nature, but not every homeowner is a handy DIY person. For those homeowners, calling a professional plumber or a handyman is their go-to when there is a problem.
How much do plumbers charge for faucet and sink repairs?
Plumbers have varying rates and billing methods. This can range from a flat rate or by the hour plus parts, which can vary based on the model of the faucet and sink repairs needed.
A basic faucet installation can start around $150 for the first hour and go upward to $300 per hour, plus parts. This will include the plumber disconnecting and removing the defective faucet, and then installing the new faucet. The removal process includes not just removing the faucet but disconnecting the water lines.
If the sink is being replaced, this has more details involved and is heavier than the faucet. The faucet and sink repair rates for a sink may still start at the same hourly rate, typically in the Dallas, Texas area is around $150 for the first, plus the cost of the new sink.
How much does a handyman charge to replace a kitchen faucet?
In most cases, a handyman is less expensive than a professional plumber for faucet and sink repairs. However, a plumber is required to have certification, insurance, and licensing. Their higher cost is justified to cover their career investment. Much like a dentist, doctor, mechanic, or other careers that take education and investment.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a faucet?
If the repairs are simple, faucet and sink repairs are the less expensive way to go. However, if the repairs are complex, upgrading to a new faucet and sink may be the better option. When it comes to dollars and cents, it is mainly a personal decision based on budget and desire.
How do you fix a sink faucet?
If you’re ready to venture into DIY homeowner repairs, you can do your own faucet and sink repairs. There are different steps based on what type of faucet you have. The following are steps to the most common type of faucet:
A Ball-Type Faucet
There are many parts to this type of faucet, fortunately, there are kits available that have the parts available at your local home improvement store or hardware store. The steps for this faucet and sink repair job are:
- Pry the small index cover off the faucet so the hex screw is revealed.
- Using a hex-key wrench, loosen the screw and lift the faucet handle off.
- Using adjustable pliers, remove the faucet cap and collar.
- If you purchased a faucet-repair kit, there is a special tool enclosed. Use it to loosen and remove the faucet cam along with the cam washer, and rotating ball out.
- Use needle-nose pliers to get inside the faucet body and take the rubber seats and springs out.
- Insert the new spring and rubber seat using a pencil tip.
- Repeat this process with the second seat and spring.
- Reinstall the stainless-steel ball aligned with the corresponding tab.
- Install a new rubber gasket on top of the stainless steel ball.
- Align the keyway with the corresponding slot on the cap and hand-tighten the top cap assembly onto the existing faucet.
- Using a spanner wrench, install the nut, tightening to the right tension on the stainless steel ball.
A Cartridge Faucet
Faucet and sink repairs for this type of faucet is much easier. There are less parts and fewer steps:
- Remove the decorative cap off the handle, then remove the handle screw.
- This will allow you to tilt the handle back and lift it off.
- With needle-nose plyers, remove the threaded retaining clip that holds the cartridge. This will allow you to life the cartridge up and out.
- Remove the spout and with a utility knife, cut off the old O-ring. Then using a heatproof plumber’s grease, coat the new O-rings.
- Make sure the replacement cartridge is the same size as the old one and then insert the cartridge into place.
- Then reconnect the faucet in reverse how you dismantled it.
How many years should a faucet last?
A quality faucet and sink, repairs done as needed, can last up to 20 years. However, if you live in an area with hard water, the mineral deposits can wear any type of faucet out faster than anticipated.
In Conclusion
After reading this blog, you may decide that faucet and sink repairs need to be left to the professionals, and that’s okay! It is better to have the job done from the start by a professional, get the job done right, and have a warranty on the work. If you start a faucet and sink repair yourself, as soon as you find yourself in trouble, call the plumber! The further you get into the repair, the more you could be damaging. Now is the time to call us at (214) 402-5454 if you need faucet and sink repair in Dallas, TX.
