Forget the DIY Faucet Installation and Hire a Professional

Do You Really Need to Replace a Bathroom Sink Faucet?

Before you decide what type of faucet to replace the existing fixture with or which installation option to choose, you need to know if this job is actually necessary. No universal symptom signals the need for a new bathroom sink faucet. But a few signs can clue you into the need for a change.

A persistent leak that the plumber can’t correct is an obvious sign that you need a new faucet. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one drip per second from your leaky faucet could waste 3,000-plus gallons of water annually. This means your faucet could impact the environment and your bank account. If your faucet leaks, and you don’t have an obvious or easy fix, you will likely need to replace it.

Even though leaks are a top reason for bathroom sink faucet replacement, this common plumbing problem isn’t the only issue you might encounter. Some homeowners need to replace the fixture due to corrosion and wear, while others may no longer like the aesthetics. Whether the pipes are corroded past the point of return, the chrome coating on the fixture has started to peel, or your bathroom just needs a design overhaul, call the plumber.

How Can DIY Bathroom Fixture Replacements Turn Into Plumbing Problems?

Your home’s plumbing system is complex. Failure to connect pipes properly, use the right tools, seal joints, spot potential problems, or choose the right fixtures or materials can result in leaks or damage to your home’s system.

While something as seemingly simple as a sink faucet replacement may not give you cause for pause, this job is best left to the professionals. If everything goes perfectly, you happen to have the just-right tools on hand, and you’ve chosen the ideal faucet to replace the old fixture, you possibly won’t have a major problem. But this type of installation rarely goes exactly as planned.

What Types of Issues Can Interfere With a Faucet Installation? 

Have you successfully turned the water off and followed a step-by-step tutorial? What if a nut won’t loosen, the water starts dripping again, the new pipes you bought don’t fit the space, the drain doesn’t line up, you can’t install the overflow valve, the entire old faucet is too corroded for you to remove, the connections won’t connect, or you realize the new faucet in no way fits the holes pre-drilled into your bathroom sink’s vanity countertop? Now what?

You don’t want to run into these types of mid-replacement scenarios. Instead of a botched attempt that could cost you money in extra or emergency repairs, skip the DIY job and go straight to hiring a contractor.

Should You Choose the Faucet Yourself?

Now that you know more about the potential problems you face with a DIY installation, turn your attention to the fixture itself. Again, one possible problem DIYers encounter is a mismatch between the new fixture and the pre-drilled holes in the countertop, sink, or vanity. The wrong connections and pipe length fit are other mismatch-related issues that could affect the installation process.

To reduce the likelihood of mismatches and make sure your new faucet is the right fixture for your existing sink and plumbing system, talk to a professional. This can save you time and money. You won’t need to take trips back and forth to the home improvement store just to exchange faucets or plumbing parts. Instead, the professional can inspect the existing fixture and help you to select one that fits your plumbing needs.

How Long Does a Professional Plumbing Installation Service Take?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. These include the condition of the existing plumbing or fixture, the type of new faucet you want to install, or other related system issues the plumber could encounter during the installation process (such as corroded pipes or a clogged sink drain).

For example, if the basin nuts under the sink are completely corroded, the plumber will likely need to spend extra time removing the old faucet. Likewise, if the nuts that connect the water lines to the fixture are stuck, the plumber may need to extend the installation process.  In addition if the shut off valve (angle stop) under the sink is frozen or corroded, it needs to be replaced prior to replacing the faucet itself.

Other issues that will require a longer installation time include the complete replacement of a vanity or sink, drain backups, and changes in the size, shape, or placement of the fixture.

Are you ready to remodel your bathroom? Do you need help with a potential plumbing problem? Contact  Jim Dhamer Plumbing and Sewer, Inc. at (630) 964-2222 for more information.

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