Do Plumbers Fix Faucets?

The typical reasons for faucet leaks could be any of the following:

• The O Ring: The handle on a faucet is held in place by a stem screw, which has an O ring, a small disc which plans a vital part in a faucet working properly. When that O ring has become loose or worn out, it can cause the faucet to drip o leak. On a cartridge-style faucet, this is a simple faucet repair.
• The Valve Seat: The faucet and the spout are connected by the valve seat in the compression mechanism. Water sediments accumulate there and cause the valve seat to become corroded, which causes the area where the spout attaches to leak. This type of faucet repair can also be done by a homeowner with a few tools and little plumbing knowledge.
• The Washer: Friction between the valve seat and the washer is created each time the faucet is used. This is caused because the washer and valve seat are forced together, wearing the washer out. After some time of this repeated action, the faucet begins to leak around the area of the spout. In most faucet repair is simply replacing the washer.
• Washer Improperly Installed: If a faucet repair of replacing the washer isn’t done correctly or the washer is the wrong size, the faucet will leak. This is usually best addressed by a professional plumber at this time to assure the faucet repair is done correctly and a good night’s sleep will follow.

Getting a leaky faucet repair done is important not only so you can get a good night’s sleep, but to save you money by stopping hundreds of gallons of water wasting each month. Most of these repairs, when done by the homeowner, the faucet repair parts are very inexpensive. However, if the need to call a professional plumber arises, it is worth it in the long run with the water bill and you won’t be wasting one of our precious natural resources. 

How much does it cost to fix a leaky faucet? 

The average cost for faucet repair typically is inexpensive, and the cost can vary from city to city, region to region, depending on the severity of the problem causing the drip. For example, if there is severe corrosion around the valve seat or the stem screw breaks off, the cost can get expensive with replacement parts. If the corrosion is bad enough, replacing the faucet may be necessary. 

Do plumbers fix faucets? 

Yes, professional plumbers have the experience, skills, and tools for many faucet repairs. If needed, they can replace the faucet if a faucet repair isn’t possible. A professional plumber can repair, replace, or install any faucet for commercial, industrial, or residential needs. For faucet repair in campers, however, this is more in line with taking your camper to a camper repair facility if you can’t do the faucet repair yourself, because camper plumbing, while basic, differs from a commercial or residential faucet.

How much does a plumber charge to replace a faucet? 

As we mentioned earlier, cost can vary from city to city, region by region. An average cost for faucet repair if a homeowner does the work themselves is only the cost of the parts needed. If the leaking faucet problem is severe, or you’re unable to replace the parts yourself because of a broken stem or corroded valve seat, you can expect the cost average to vary depending on the difficulty level.  

Can a handyman replace a faucet? 

Yes, since faucet repairs most of the time are simple fixes. However, a journeyman plumber has the specific training on faucet repair, whereas a handyman has picked up the skill along the way. Because a leaky faucet will reflect on your water bill, it is recommended that you double-check for any leaks within the first 24 to 48 hours. 

How to repair a leaky faucet? 

The first step is to turn the water off under the sink and plug the sink drain with a rag. Because the faucet is a decorative and functional, taping the wrench jaw will keep from damaging and scratching the visible parts while doing the faucet repair. Have distilled white vinegar and a scouring pad on hand to remove mineral deposits that may cause corrosion on the internal faucet parts.

Determine what type of faucet you have, each having a different faucet repair process:

• Compression: This is probably the easiest faucet repair because replacing seat washers will stop the leak. Start by prying the decorative cap off the handle and take out the handle screw. You should be able to pull the handle off now. Using a crescent wrench, unscrew the packing nut and stem, then remove the seat washer and replace it with the new one. Check the O-ring and packing nut for leaks while you have the faucet taken apart and replace it as necessary.
• Cartridge: As instructed above with the compression faucet repair, start by prying the decorative cap off and remove the handle screw. Next, tilt the handle back and remove it, if the cartridge is held by a threaded retaining clip, remove it by using needle-nose pliers pulling straight up. Remove the spout and using a utility knife, cut the O-rings off. 
• Ceramic disk: This faucet repair is more detailed than those we’ve covered above. To access the set screw, you’ll need to push the handle back the remove the screw so that the handle can be removed. Next, remove the escutcheon cap and unscrew the mounting screws to the disk cylinder and lift the cylinder out. Using a blunt screwdriver, take the neoprene seals out and the using the distilled white vinegar and scour pad, clean the cylinder openings and rinse. Replace the seals and put the faucet together, being careful not to break the ceramic disk.
• Ball type: This is the most difficult faucet repair because of the many parts in the faucet. For a DIY repair, you can skip the aggravation and purchase a replacement kit. Or consider hiring a professional plumber.