Getting to know the fixtures in a kitchen can feel daunting sometimes. Do you have a faucet that you're worried might need to be replaced but don't know if it's time? Well, we've done plenty of research and have the answers waiting here for you. Let's get right into it.
In general, you can expect a kitchen faucet to last between 15 and 20 years. Of course, this varies by brand, material, and faucet quality, so you might only see your fixture last closer to ten years. That said, if you start to notice increased leaking and mechanical issues with your faucet and it's approaching the ten-year mark, you may be better off replacing it.
As we begin, we will cover all things kitchen faucets and discuss when to replace yours. Whether it's time for a remodel or you're curious about the lifespan of this kitchen fixture, we're here to help. With that said, let's take a deeper look at this topic!
How Do You Know When You Need A New Kitchen Faucet?
If the time comes and you need a new kitchen faucet, there are a few signs to look out for. These will often include:
- Visible mineral deposits build up in/around your faucet.
- A faucet that is more than ten years old.
- Rust along the inside or outside of your fixture.
- Persistent leaking and repairs.
Like we said above, sometimes it's better to replace an old faucet rather than repair it, so if you start to see these issues, you may want to consider purchasing a new fixture.
Can A Kitchen Faucet Go Bad?
Yes, an older kitchen faucet can go bad. Considering how often you use a faucet throughout its lifespan, it's not uncommon for the fixture to develop problems and then fail.
That said, if you have a relatively new kitchen faucet (less than ten years old) and experience frequent issues, your fixture could be defective. In this case, we recommend reaching out to the manufacturer directly and inquiring about whether your faucet has a warranty.
When Should A Faucet Be Replaced?
Most times, you want to replace a faucet once the repair costs outweigh the price of replacing it entirely. For example, if you need to have a plumber fix your faucet multiple times within six months and pay more than $100, it's a better idea to purchase a new fixture instead.
This goes for any appliance or fixture in a home; if issues worsen over time, you want to get rid of the problem rather than put a band-aid on it.
Furthermore, a new kitchen faucet shouldn't cost more than $200, so this won't break the bank.
How Much Should It Cost To Replace A Kitchen Faucet?
Typically, you can expect to pay between $160 and $345 to replace a kitchen faucet, although this varies depending on the job's complexity. If your faucet comes out easily and the new one has a similar installation process, you could spend far less than $160 for labor/parts, but again, everyone is different.
With that said, if the job is difficult and requires more labor, you could end up owing closer to $500 or $600, which nobody wants to go through.
What Is The Best Brand Of Kitchen Faucet?
There are a few brands to stick with for those wanting a high-quality kitchen faucet. Generally, Delta, Kohler, Moen, and Kraus will offer the best fixtures for the sink, which is why we recommend them.
Of this group, Moen tends to be a bit higher-end than the others, although that's not to say you can't spend a lot on any of these brands.
Delta
Starting with Delta, this brand is highly reliable and will last you upwards of 20 years. Furthermore, their faucets have been the top choice for American households for over 50 years, which says a lot about their quality.
In terms of price, you can expect to spend anywhere from $100-$800 for this brand, so there's something for any budget.
Kohler
Another good brand for kitchen faucets we recommend is Kohler. Besides being long-lasting (20-25 years on average), Kohler also scores highly for their quality and consistency.
According to the National Gourmet Institute, Kohler kitchen faucets are the best brand for 2022, which is very impressive.
In addition, you can expect to pay between $100-$3,000 on a Kohler faucet, so again there are options.
Moen
If you want a kitchen faucet packed with technology and defined in its design, Moen is the brand for you. Besides being one of the higher-end faucet manufacturers, Moen also tends to have long-lasting (over 20 years), high-quality fixtures ranging from affordable to ultra-expensive.
According to Kitchen Faucet Depot, Moen is one of the best large-scale faucet manufacturers on the market and has one of the best reputations in the industry, so it's worth looking into.
Kraus
Last but certainly not least, Kraus is another great kitchen faucet brand and tends to be the most affordable of this lineup. Typically, Kraus fixtures will last you about 15-20 years, so they are on par with other major manufacturers.
In addition, Kraus faucets will also cost between $100-$400, making them perfect for those on a budget. Again, any of these brands will be long-lasting and reliable; it will come down to what extra features and quality you're able to afford.
What Is The Most Frequent Failure In A Typical Faucet?
The most frequent failure in a kitchen faucet is the valve. This will be the first part of your fixture to fail, especially in faucets over ten years old.
Generally, sediment from the water will build up inside of your faucet's valve, eventually causing it to deteriorate and leak. Luckily, this shouldn't be super expensive to repair, usually costing around $75.
With that said, if your faucet is relatively new and has a failing valve, that could mean it's defective, which in that case, you want to reach out to the manufacturer directly.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Kitchen Faucet?
On average, you can expect to spend between $65-$150 to fix a kitchen faucet. Of course, this can vary depending on the broken part, and whether or not your sink's faucet has other problems, so you may end up needing to spend more.
For example, to fix a leaking faucet, the national average is around $65, while replacing a part of your faucet could end up being closer to $200, so this is different for everyone.
Current market value can also affect how expensive a replacement faucet or part will be, so many factors affect this.
Is Changing A Kitchen Faucet Hard?
For those wanting to replace their faucet themselves, doing this is pretty easy. To start, removing an existing faucet usually only requires a basin wrench and an extra set of hands, so we recommend having a friend help out.
That said, if your faucet is older and has issues like corrosion, hard-to-reach pipes, or wasn't installed correctly, to begin with, this can make the process a bit harder, so take a look under your sink before starting.
How Do You Replace A Kitchen Faucet?
If you think your faucet will be easy to remove, you can certainly try replacing it. To do this:
- Clear out the underneath of your sink.
- Grab a towel, bowl, or pan to catch excess water.
- Turn off the power to your sink.
- Reach under your sink and turn off the hot and cold water valves.
- Disconnect the water supply lines to your faucet.
- Once disconnected, grab your bowl/pan to catch water in the lines.
- Remove the two water lines from the base of your faucet.
- Using a basin wrench, loosen the faucet from your sink.
- Remove the existing faucet and install your new fixture.
How To Replace Kitchen Faucet Tutorial
Here is a helpful video tutorial on replacing a single-handle faucet from Home Depot's official YouTube channel. In this video, they dive into the basics of removing your existing kitchen faucet and the steps needed to put in your new one, along with other helpful tips.
Do Kitchen Faucets Usually Come With A Warranty?
It is common for a kitchen faucet to come with a warranty. For example, brands like Delta include a lifetime warranty for many of their faucets, one of the more generous options available.
Moen also offers a similar lifetime warranty on their kitchen faucets, promising yours will remain leak and drip-free throughout its lifetime, so that's also very helpful to customers.
Again, you might only have a warranty lasting 1-5 years on your faucet, so this varies by brand.
To Wrap It All Up
Whether you need to replace your existing kitchen faucet or recently bought one, it's good to know how long it will last. From what we found, a kitchen faucet will typically last between 15 and 20 years, although this can vary by brand and faucet quality.
On top of that, some brands, like Moen, Kohler, Kraus, and Delta, tend to be the best options in terms of quality and lifespan, so we recommend them. When it comes to replacing a faucet, we suggest hiring a professional if you aren't 100% sure what you're doing, although, in ideal circumstances, replacing an old faucet won't be too hard.
Regardless, make sure to keep an eye out for leaks and other performance-related problems with your faucet, and don't be afraid to reach out to the manufacturer directly with questions.
Made it to the end? Check out these helpful related kitchen posts below!
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