3 Signs You Need to Replace Your Kitchen Faucet

Your kitchen faucet is always hard at work, whether it’s rinsing off your dirty dinner dishes or washing fruits and vegetables. If it’s not functioning properly, it can throw off your home’s balance. Therefore, understanding when you need to replace your kitchen faucet is essential for a well-functioning home. If you notice any of these three signs, be sure to contact plumbing services in Ottawa to get it replaced as soon as possible.

It’s Old

You should keep track of how old your kitchen faucet is to determine whether or not it needs to be replaced. Although the lifespan of your faucet will depend on its make and model, a general rule is that you should replace a faucet that’s over 15 years old. 

If you want to figure out the specific type of faucet you have, there are several steps you can take:

• Locate the logo: The easiest way to identify your faucet is to look for a logo. This is usually on the body of the faucet, spout, handle or escutcheon, which is the plate underneath the faucet. 

• Find the model number: If you look on the back or underside of the spout, on the escutcheon or on the back of the decorative ring, which is found on the bottom of the spout, you may be able to find the model number. If you still have the installation guide that arrived with your faucet, this is another good place to look for the model number.

• Count the splines: If you can’t find a logo, name or model number, you can identify your faucet by counting the splines. To do this, remove the handle and faucet stem. Then, count the number of splines on its broach and measure the stem’s length. Each spline is different and can be associated with a specific brand.

It’s Rusty

If your faucet is rusty, this is another clear sign that you need to replace it. Does your faucet get stuck when you try to move it? Does the water take a few seconds to come out after you turn on the faucet? If you answered yes to these questions, your faucet is probably rusty. 

The most common places where rust grows are around the base and spigot. You should replace your faucet immediately if you notice rust, as leaving it alone can lead to leaks and even compromise the quality of your pipes. Although rusty water can’t make you sick, it can make your food taste bitter if you cook with it.

It Has a Strange Taste or Smell

The last thing you want is water that has a funny taste or smell. If you’ve been racking your brain trying to figure out why your kitchen water tastes or smells different from the water in other rooms in your house, it’s most likely due to a rusty faucet. Rusty water tastes metallic because deposits of zinc, manganese or iron have leached into it. It can also make your water smell like oil, asphalt or even rotten eggs. If you encounter any of these problems, you know it’s time to replace your rusty faucet.

How Plumbing Services in Ottawa Can Help

Although you can definitely try to replace your rusty faucet on your own, it can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Therefore, the best way to quickly and effectively get the job done is to contact a skilled professional. At Handyman Connection, we’re your number one source for all of your plumbing needs. Our team of experienced and dedicated handymen will walk you through each step of the process to ensure a seamless experience. Call Handyman Connection today to learn more about our plumbing services.