Faucet Repair Guide

Leaky faucets waste up to 3,000 gallons per year. The fix is almost always a $5 cartridge or washer. Don't replace the whole faucet when a 10-minute part swap fixes it.

Avg Lifespan

15-20 years

Replace Cost

$50-300

Common Fixes

3 problems

Common Problems

95% likely easy 10-20 minutes

Dripping Faucet

Water drips from the spout even when handles are fully closed

Cause: Worn cartridge (single-handle) or worn washer (two-handle)

Parts from

$12

See Fix →

60% likely easy 5 minutes

Low Water Pressure

Water barely trickles out of the faucet

Cause: Clogged aerator screen

Parts from

See Fix →

45% likely easy 5-10 minutes

Water Spraying Sideways

Water sprays in odd directions from the faucet

Cause: Damaged aerator or misaligned spout O-ring

Parts from

See Fix →

Is It Worth Fixing?

A faucet replacement costs $50-300. Most common repairs cost $10-50 in parts. If your unit is less than 15-20 years old, repairing it is almost always the better financial decision. Even if you're not comfortable with DIY repairs, a service call ($100-200) plus parts is still cheaper than replacing the entire unit.

When to replace: If the unit is past its expected lifespan, has had multiple failures, or the compressor/motor needs replacing (these are expensive components that signal end-of-life).

Brands We Cover

DeltaMoenKohlerAmerican StandardPfister

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a faucet typically last?

A typical faucet lasts 15-20 years. With regular maintenance, many last even longer. If yours is approaching the end of its expected lifespan and a major component fails (compressor, motor), replacement may be more cost-effective.

Is it worth repairing a faucet or should I replace it?

If the repair costs less than 50% of a new faucet ($50-300) and the unit is under 75% of its expected lifespan (15-20 years), repair is usually the better choice. Most common faucet repairs cost $10-50 in parts.

Can I fix a faucet myself?

3 of 3 common faucet problems are rated "easy" and can be fixed by most homeowners with basic tools (screwdriver, multimeter). Always disconnect power before starting any repair.

What tools do I need to repair a faucet?

Most faucet repairs require a multi-bit screwdriver, adjustable wrench, and multimeter. Total tool investment: under $50. We list the specific tools needed for each repair in our guides.