Turning on the faucet is one of the first things that we do when we go into the bathroom each morning. We turn the faucet to start our hot shower, brush our teeth, or give our kids a good clean bath. In fact, we use our faucets so often that we do not even really think twice about these very important pieces of residential plumbing. What would you do without a functioning faucet in your bathroom? 

Over time, you might notice that your bathroom faucet needs to be updated. A local plumber can assist you with this task, but how do you know when it is time? Ask yourself some of these questions to determine if your bathroom hardware could use an update.  

Do the handles leak? 

Faucets are not designed to last you for a lifetime. They are made of many different parts that can wear down and deteriorate over the years. Leaking faucets are usually one of the first indicators that it is time to upgrade. You will most likely notice these leaks spring up where the faucet meets the wall. Water runs down the wall, creating a mess and wasting a very valuable resource. A leaking faucet could be costing you money. 

Sometimes, a leaking faucet could be corrected by replacing a seal or a gasket. Simple fixes like these might work for a short-term solution, but you should consider a more permanent fix. This is a great time to update the look and feel of your bathroom with new hardware. 

Are your handles rusted? 

Do you feel the rough corrosion of metal each time you turn the handle? Some faucets are particularly prone to developing rust and corroding over a long period of time. It is even more likely that your faucets will develop rust if they are exposed to certain chemicals. Even just the water can corrode the faucet over time. An iron-based faucet, found in many homes, may rust easily when exposed to hard water. 

Rusty handles can be managed for a long time before the faucet needs to be entirely replaced. You can try to remove rust the natural way by soaking the faucet in vinegar for two to three hours. Alternatively, some homeowners find great success at removing corrosion by soaking the faucet in a can of dark cola soda for a few hours. 

Can you spot mineral buildup? 

Along the same vein as rusted handles, you might start to notice a fair amount of mineral buildup. This might be located inside the faucet or around the outside of it. Exposure to hard water sources is the most common culprit in the mineral buildup, but that may not be something that can be prevented in your particular home. Instead, you will need to pay very careful attention to how these minerals affect your faucets. 

Unfortunately, these minerals can really build upon the inner-workings of your faucet. They can affect gaskets, filters, and seals on the inside of the plumbing. However, they can also damage the patina of the metal on the outside. Once this mineral buildup becomes apparent, the only thing you can really do to correct the issue is to replace the entire faucet. 

Does your faucet constantly drip? 

Drip, drip, drip. Does the constant dripping of your faucet keep you up at night? Your water bill is going ever higher with each water drop that comes out of your faucet all day and night. Constant dripping is a serious sign that something is amiss with your current faucet. Make sure that the water is completely turned off to determine just how much water is dripping from the faucet. If it is significant, then it is probably time to replace your faucet. 

A new faucet might be an initial expense that you must cover, but it could save you money on your utility bills each month. You can also rest assured that you are not simply wasting water with a leaky faucet. A new faucet can help to save you money and help you save the environment simultaneously. 

How old is your faucet? 

Everything in your home has an expected lifespan. Every appliance, piece of furniture, and the technological gadget has an eventual expiration date on it. The same holds true for the faucets in your home. Depending on the unique make and model of your particular faucet, you might get a longer or shorter lifespan. However, most homeowners get around ten to fifteen years out of their faucet before it requires replacement. 

Do you need to update your bathroom? 

Homeowners who are in the market to sell their home for top-dollar may want to consider some of the smaller touches that can make a house feel like a home. Houseace, who offer bathroom renovations in Sydney, state, “Fresh paint and hardware in the bathroom can go a long way toward convincing buyers to put in an offer on a house. Consider replacing the faucets in your bathroom to give the space an updated and more modern feel.” 

The metal fixtures will glisten and gleam without the patina of age or corrosion from exposure to chemicals. Even if your bathroom has been around for decades, replacing your faucets is an excellent way to make it feel like new again. 

Assessing the Need for a New Faucet

Assessing your need for a new faucet can be simple and straightforward. Ask yourself these six questions to determine whether your home is a good candidate for new hardware in your bathroom. A simple update like a new faucet could give your bathroom a major facelift and improve the functionality of your space. You might even save some money on your utility bill if you are currently dealing with a leaking faucet. 

When you’re ready to replace your faucet, make sure to reach out to a local plumbing expert. If you need any kind of residential plumbing done in the Albuquerque area, contact Dub-L-EE Construction. We can help you with all of your residential construction and plumbing needs!