There are several ways to tell when a broken, outdated, or substandard faucet assembly needs to be repaired. The first sign is the presence of perennial leaks and water stain around the seat of the facet cover where it becomes flush against the basin shell.

Noticing a slowly progressing puddle whenever shifting from hot to cold, or cold to hot water is a sign that something in the faucet assembly is broken, or in need of repair. Like the top of a sink, the condition of the bowels of a faucet are just as important.

Whenever moisture and seepage is detected underneath a sink, and it has nothing to do with the drain and piping, the faucet is probably the cause.The second indication of a faucet that needs to be replaced is corroded parts. Most faucet manufacturers use quality materials for their components. Faucets have a lifespan of several decades. Depending on the softness and hardness of a region’s water however, corrosion can take its toll on even the best faucet construction. Rust, metal ruptures and stripped fasteners can lead to damage which requires large amounts of work. When these signs are present, it is best to install a completely new faucet assembly.

Preventing Faucet DamageDeciding to update the fixtures in your home is similar to deciding to buy a new vehicle. If the continual expense of replacing faucet parts is beginning to eclipse the value, labor and expense of installing a new faucet, deciding on a new faucet is probably a prudent step.

Once a new faucet assembly is installed there are several things that can be done to extend the new model’s life and minimize damage. One very important feature of a new faucet that is made for long-term use is the presence of wide gaskets. Every place that the faucet butts flush against a surface, or endures use should have a non-degrading rubber or nylon gasket. This includes the basin seat, handle bases and swivel where hot and cold lines are chosen.

The second way to prevent broken faucets, especially high quality faucets, is to perform yearly maintenance inspections on the entire assembly. Gaskets, cores and plungers should be cleared of mineral build-up and lubricated with a potable grease specially designed for faucets. Faucet breaks are usually the result of a cascade of events that can be prevented with proper lubrication and cleaning of certain critical internal parts.

Lubrication and regular inspection is extremely important for high end faucet assemblies that have luxury features like precise temperature, flow controls, and patented parts.

Remember that a little extra time spent on an annual basis inspecting and priming a faucet assembly that costs a few hundred dollars, can avert major plumbing and structural repairs cost many times more!

Fix those unsightly fixtures and faucets to give your Stuart home a quick update. Don’t let that leaky faucet ruin your home and your wallet, call the experts of Allore’s Plumbing at (772) 288-0998.