A faucet is one of the most important elements of a bathroom. Over the years, they may begin to show signs that they require repair or replacement. But what are the signs? And how long do bathroom faucets typically last? We researched the answer to these questions for you as well as other topics surrounding bathroom faucets.
Overall, bathroom faucets tend to be pretty durable and may not require replacing as often as other home fixtures may. Most bathroom faucets tend to have a life span anywhere between 12 and 20 years, and sometimes more. The brand, model, and type of faucet you have will have a huge impact on your faucet's lifespan.
If your bathroom faucet is starting to malfunction, it can be extremely frustrating. Not only do you need the bathroom to wash your hands, but it's also where are you perform your daily grooming habits. But before you can repair or replace your faucet, you will need to know what type of faucet you have. Read on to learn about the various types of faucets and their lifespans.
Single Handle
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Single-handle faucets can last anywhere from 12 to 20 years. The faucet is just as the name describes; it has only one handle used to control the water pressure and temperature simultaneously. The benefits of these types of faucets are that they take up very little space and don't require a huge process to install.
In fact, they only need about a 2 to 3-inch space to install. They are definitely a DIY install faucet. Single handle faucets can come in various materials, including stainless steel, plastic, or Zinc.
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Spread Fit
Spread fit faucets have three separate joints that stick out from the top of the bathroom sink area. This is a good option if your sink has a lot of space on top. They include two knobs for hot and cold temperature settings and can come in various materials, including stainless steel, brass, and plastic. These faucets can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. Their install process is fairly simple, only requiring access to the area beneath the sink to install at secure the joints.
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Wall-Mounted
Wall-mounted faucets can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. You will typically see these types of sink faucets on floating sinks and in modern bathrooms. It is important to carefully measure your installation area when installing the faucet on the wall, as you will need to make sure that it reaches the sink and that it doesn't disrupt the plumbing.
Wall-mounted faucets can come in a variety of designs and material options, including various metals and plastic. Their main advantage is that they don't require any room on the sink and make more space for personal or decorative items.
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Zinc
Zinc is one of the most commonly used metals when designing the faucets for the sink or tub. They can last over 15 years, and one of their main advantages is their affordability. These faucets will require proper maintenance and polishing to prevent them from turning a dull gray color.
Zinc faucets can come in wall-mounted, center set, or single-handle faucet options. Depending on the type of model of the faucet you have, you may install it yourself. The wall-mounted options may be best installed by a professional. Another benefit of zinc is that it is fairly lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
Plastic
Plastics faucets can last around 10 to 20 years. Plastic is probably the least expensive option when it comes to faucet materials. These facets are usually the easiest to install, and unlike metal-based faucets, they are not likely to chip or peel and make their way into your water supply. You need to make sure to clean these faucets thoroughly, as they can become breeding grounds for mold and mildew in your shower or around the sink.
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Brass
Brass faucets can last anywhere from 12 to 20 years. These faucets are usually combined with other metals such as copper or zinc to make them more durable. They can come in various faucet designs such as center set, spread fit, and single-handle. Brass faucets will need to be polished every few weeks to prevent them from turning dull and developing surface stains. The brand and model of your faucet will determine how easy it will be to install, with wall-mounted faucets being the more challenging setup.
Bridge
Bridge faucets have a bridge-like design that makes them super easy to install. These faucets are typically made of metal, including stainless steel, bronze, zinc, or brass. This means that they will need regular cleaning to keep them shiny and bright. You also see these more in high-end home decoration stores as they may be more expensive than other types of sinks.
They usually have two knobs to control the water's temperature, and they can also feature a pull-away spray faucet. These faucets can last over 15-20 years.
Center Set
Center set faucets, also known as "dual-handle" faucets, are probably the most commonly used type of faucet. Depending on their brand and model, they can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. These faucets have a relatively small body with two knobs or handles on the side of a spouse to control the temperature and water pressure.
They can be installed within a matter of minutes and can come in various materials, including various metals and plastic. If you are looking for an easy to clean shower or sink faucet, these may be worth taking a look at.
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Sprinkle
Sprinkle faucets have an antique-like allure and are a great option if you are looking for an easy install and have limited space. You will usually find these faucets made from various metals, including bronze, zinc, stainless steel, and brass. They feature a long cylindrical spout (which may have an arch or rectangular-shaped) and one or two knobs to control the water temperature and pressure. A good sprinkle faucet can last well over 15 years.
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Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the most commonly used metals when it comes to bathroom and kitchen faucets. These faucets can last 18-20 years or more if properly maintained. Stainless steel faucets can be wall-mounted or installed on top of the sink, depending on the brand and model. Simple models can be installed within a matter of minutes. The material itself is fairly tough and will not wear out or dent easily.
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Are all bathroom faucets the same size?
No, bathroom faucets come in a variety of sizes to suit the space and set up of various sink tops. The average faucet will take up anywhere from 4 to 8 in of space on your sink. It's best to measure the area on the top of your sink to determine what size faucet you need.
How do I know what type of faucet I have?
If you are looking to replace a faucet and are unsure what the current brand and model is, there are a few ways to get this information. Let's take a look at them.
Try To Find The Brand Logo
One of the best ways to determine the type of faucet that you have is to look at the spout and handles to find the brand's logo. You may need to clean around the faucet to uncover it if it's covered with grime or dirt. If the logo is a symbol or a shape that you don't recognize, you can take a picture of it and go to "Google Images" to find the brand name.
Inspect the Components of The Faucet
You can also grab a flashlight and look at the faucet components that are beneath the sink. Sometimes these components will also contain brand names and logos.
Locate The Model Number
If you can't seem to find a local, you can also try to find the model number of the faucet that may be visible on the bottom of any of its components. If you find the model number, you can typically type it into the Google search bar online to determine the manufacturer or brand.
Find Your User Manual
If you still have your user's manual, that's also a great place to find your faucet brand and model. If you have similar faucets in your home, check to see if you have the user manuals for those as well, and it may lead you to the brand for the one in question.
Should I repair or replace my bathroom faucet?
The best way to determine whether you should repair or replace your bathroom faucet is to get a good idea of how much the repair will cost. If you have to spend over $250 and the faucet is over 10 years old, a replacement may be a better option.
The most common signs of a broken or aged faucet include the following:
- The faucet constantly drips, even when the knobs are closed.
- The handles of the faucet squeak and stick when they are turned, even after grease is applied.
- The faucet pours water that is discolored, hinting that there is corrosion within its interior.
- The water pressure of the faucet is low even when the water valve is completely open.
What is the average cost to replace a bathroom faucet?
Depending on where you live and the type of faucet you are replacing, installation can cost anywhere from $100 to $600. The parts for the installation can range from $50 to $150 or more, depending on the brand and model of the faucet. The labor can range anywhere from 100 to $500. You may also be able to install the faucet yourself, especially if it's not wall mounted.
How do I know if my faucet cartridge is bad?
If your faucet cartridge it's bad, it may display a few signs of malfunction, including difficulty with adjusting the temperature of the water, hot water entering the toilet supply, and water constantly dripping from the faucet.
What happens if you don't fix a leaky faucet?
If you leave a leaky faucet unchecked, not only can it place additional stress on your plumbing, but it can also clog your system, overflows, and bathroom drain. This can result in water leaks throughout your home and a potentially expensive repair job if multiple floors or walls become wet. On top of this, if the walls get wet, it can pose a fire hazard. A leaky faucet can also run up your water bill over time, as they typically get worse if left untreated.
Wrapping Things Up
A faucet can last for a very long time, especially if it is made of metal and of decent quality. There is a wide variety of faucet models and materials to choose from. If you are looking to purchase a new faucet for your bathroom, you can go online to check the best prices or to any nearby home improvement store.
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