Your kitchen faucet is one of the most overused and hardworking appliances in your home. It also makes sure your dishes do not go into the dishwasher with a lot of grime. Moreover, it allows you to wash fresh vegetables, fruits, and meat. You’ll notice that it is almost always centrally-placed. All so handwashing can be easier and accessible for everyone.
In addition, your home and kitchen generally depend on the faucet’s functionality. All for smooth day-to-day operations. When it malfunctions, a lot of your kitchen activities get thrown off balance. So to avoid a grimy, slimy kitchen, replace your kitchen faucet fast. That’s before you can’t rely on it anymore. Now the question is: how will you know when to replace it? Here are some signs you should look out for:
Visible Mineral Deposits
If you notice reddish-brown or white buildup, it may signify that minerals from processing hard water have accumulated inside and around your kitchen faucet. Now hard water can affect the inner mechanisms of the faucet. Such as the gasket, filters, and flanges. Thereby leading to the sub-par performance of your faucet.
Unless you invest in a water softener, the buildup of these deposits from tap water is unavoidable. Even if you replace your faucet with a new one. So once these deposits seem to be significantly visible to you, it is it. I mean likely time to replace the faucet. Consider installing a water softener. That’s to avoid the buildup of mineral deposits.
The same goes for the buildup of rust. Rust typically builds up internally before it is visible around the base, sink, and inside the fixture. You can usually smell and taste the rust when drinking water. Therefore, if your faucet sticks or cracks, consider replacing it immediately. Furthermore, you can also look at some of the kitchen faucet reviews. All to help decide which one is best for you and your kitchen.
Leakages and Mold
If you have a sink that leaks, and you tried repairing the internal components several times just stop. Because it is best to stop wasting money on repairs. Just replace the whole apparatus.
A leaky faucet is not only annoying. It can also lead to mold growth. Therefore, replacing the faucet altogether will save you money. Yet it will rather save from many more temporary repairs.
Faucet’s Lifespan
Like every other fixture, faucets also have been designed with a specific lifespan in mind. The usable life of your faucet depends on a few factors. Such as the manufacturer, the model, and its maintenance.
However, if you do not know the lifespan of your faucet, replace it. For you should generally replace it every 15 years or later.
Low Water
Also, you may sometimes notice that though your faucet is turned on, the water quantity has lowered. This could be due to hard water. All which causes corrosion inside the pipes that reduce the diameter of the tube. That’s leading to less water coming out. This can become frustrating when you have dishes to clean in a limited amount of time. If this is the case, it is advisable to replace your faucet and piping as soon as possible. All to ensure smooth operations in your kitchen.
Clogged Faucet
Clogged materials in your faucet can spittle out a low amount of water. All which may be unclean and dirty. When this occurs, the water is deemed to be unsanitary. Also to be used for drinking and cooking.
Damaged Components
A typical faucet generally consists of:
- a spout
- handle(s)
- lift rod
- cartridge
- aerator
- mixing chamber
- and water inlets.
Any one of these is susceptible to being damaged at any time. Usually, they can be repaired to provide a smooth water deliverance. However, if it is being repaired more than once, you should consider replacing the entire faucet. Again and all for better performance and saving money.
What Should You Do?
When you notice your faucet leaking or it has a visible buildup of minerals inside and around, or the water has a rusty smell to it, yup yuP!! For here are some things you can do. All as a temporary solution prior to buying a replacement faucet:
Turn Off the Water Supply
Immediately turn off the valves of the main water supply. When there’s leakage from your faucet it’s not good.
First of all, water is the most precious natural resource. Every drop of water saved will reduce your water bill. However, if you use your faucet for years, your valves may be covered with rust. Now that’s requiring you to take the help of a professional plumber to make the rusted valves budge.
Moreover, you can check underneath the sink cabinet for leakage from the pipes or mold growth. If you are still unsure about the problem, ask for a plumber’s help. Especially to identify the issue and provide a solution.
Keep a Spare
If you are renovating your kitchen and shopping for a new faucet. Or your old faucet is reaching toward the end of its lifespan. Please purchase a spare one. That may come in handy during an emergency. In addition, you’ll also need to purchase nuts, bolts, and screws. All needed to put the faucet in place. All because the old ones may be too rusty to be used again.
Buy the Appropriate Faucet
Several new models and designs of kitchen faucets are available. You may be tempted to buy a more stylish one. However, if it does not meet the requirements of your kitchen. For buying a stylish faucet would be nothing more but a waste of your money. Buy the one that meets the needs of your kitchen. Also one that is kind to your wallet.
Hire a Professional
In addition, kitchen faucet designs have advanced with time. There are now wall-mounted faucets. All available with a rotating and extending arm. To install this type of faucet, you’ll need the services of a professional plumber. Especially as it requires breaking down your wall.
In addition, you can also seek the help of professionals when you have trouble fixing your faucet. I mean due to rust, corrosion, or some other things that you are unfamiliar with. Also, or if you do not know where the issue lies in your damaged faucet.
In a Nutshell
In conclusion, the kitchen is the heart of every home. Moreover water is too and also a precious natural resource. One that nourishes our food and our lives. So dishwashing, handwashing and cleaning groceries are all a part of it. For I mean sanitation is requiring water to do the job.
Finally, kitchen faucets play a huge role in making that job easy. As well as simple for everyone. Therefore, whenever you notice something odd about your faucet. Look, I mean if it delivers dirty water. For then consider replacing it as soon as possible. That’s before your kitchen becomes a mess.
