The kitchen faucet is one item in the kitchen that gets used repeatedly without fail. A good kitchen faucet should last a home well for a very long time, but sometimes, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible. With a number of kitchen faucets available, it's possible to do it on your own but you might be wondering how long it takes to replace one. We've investigated to get an approximate replacement time for you.
Provided that you have all the necessary basic tools and plumbing experience, changing a kitchen faucet is relatively quick. You can do this anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on what needs to be changed and if there are any additions you will be installing with the kitchen faucet.
Replacing the kitchen faucet is an easy process, but you might also be wondering about other things you should know when changing a kitchen faucet. Fortunately, we've researched all the possible questions you have in mind so do continue reading to learn more.
How Long Does It Take To Replace A Kitchen Faucet?
The kitchen faucet is one of the most used fixtures in the kitchen. It is used for everything, from washing produce to filling pots of water for cooking. Because of this, kitchen faucets often take a beating and they need to be replaced when they stare being inefficient.
If you have the basic tools such as a basin wrench and adequate DIY plumbing knowledge, replacing a kitchen faucet should take you anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. If there are other issues that you might find while replacing the kitchen faucet, then it may take longer than an hour.
For more complex faucets like pull-out faucets or pot fillers, it may take a little longer than an hour and could last you an entire day. There might be extra work that you have to do when installing these types of faucets.
How Much Does A Kitchen Faucet Cost?
Kitchen faucet prices range anywhere from $50 to over $2,000, depending on the brand and type of faucet you are going to use. Depending on the budget that you'd like to spend, you should be able to find one that will best suit your needs.
Bar Faucet
These are tall fixed gooseneck faucets that allow users to easily fill tall pots, pitchers, and glasses with ease. These bar faucets are just about as basic as they could get, and they cost typically around $5o to $100.
One caveat about using a bar faucet is that it may not fit the regular kitchen sink hole pattern. Bar faucets are usually installed in wet bars or prep areas away from the main kitchen.
Check out this bar faucet on Amazon.
Pull-out Faucet
These faucets feature a flexible hose that you can pull away from the kitchen sink. These pull-out faucets are perfect to use for washing dishes and produce, but this flexibility does come with a price.
A typical pull-out faucet will cost anywhere from around $50 to $150, depending on the style and you also have to consider extra costs when the hose breaks from overuse.
See this pull-out faucet on Amazon.
Pot Filler
A pot filler faucet features long arms that are jointed, making it easy for the user to swing out the faucet to easily fill pots in the sink. These faucets were specifically created to make filling pots a breeze, and they are typically installed in sinks that are close to the stove.
Get this pot filler faucet on Amazon.
Should I Replace My Kitchen Faucet
Kitchen faucets are generally sturdy and if you've invested in a good quality faucet from the very beginning, it should last you for a long time. However, some faucets may wear out earlier than others, and here are some signs that you need to replace your kitchen faucet.
1. Your faucet is quite old
Most quality kitchen faucets last for a very long time, some even lasting for about 10-15 years before they need replacing. Some brands may print their model numbers on the back or underside of the spout and you can check the lifespan of your faucet.
However, if you are unsure of your faucet's age and you feel that it is quite old, then it may be time to consider replacing it.
2. Mineral deposit build-up
If you live in an area with hard water, you may notice that your faucet may have some mineral deposit build-up. This is an unavoidable phenomenon and these deposits can affect the appearance of your faucet, as well as cause blockage in the spout.
For homes that are in areas with hard water, a water softener can help prevent mineral deposits from building up in your faucets. If these deposits are already visible, you may want to consider replacing them because your faucet may not be working optimally because of the build-up.
3. Rusty and corroded faucets
It is inevitable that faucets will get rusty and corroded over time. When you feel that your kitchen faucets are starting to stick and when you move it, or when water takes a couple of seconds before it comes out, it may be time to replace them.
You may also see the water change in color due to rust when it flows, and by this time it is important to replace your faucet before it completely breaks down. Otherwise, your faucet will just continue leaking and it will be less effective to use.
4. It needs repair all the time
While it is true that replacing isn't the only option for kitchen faucets, we also have to consider the number of times you have been fixing it to keep working. If you find that your kitchen faucet is constantly in need of repair, then it might be time to consider replacing it.
The amount you may be spending to keep fixing it may cost more than just getting the entire faucet replaced.
5. You want an efficient faucet
Some old kitchen faucets are not very water-efficient and they can waste a lot of water. Newer, more modern kitchen faucets are built to spend less water when running, so changing your old kitchen faucet may be an effective way to cut down on utility bills.
If you are also changing a kitchen sink due to damage, you may also need to change the kitchen faucet along with it. Having a new sink and faucet will definitely last longer if they were installed together.
Tips on Choosing A Kitchen Faucet
When you go into a hardware store, you may find yourself overwhelmed with the number of kitchen faucets they have to offer. Here are some tips on choosing a kitchen faucet for your home.
Practicality over style
There are a lot of stylish kitchen faucets out there that will suit any design aesthetic, but it is more important to choose a kitchen faucet based on its practicality and dependability. Pick a kitchen faucet that will look great in your kitchen, but also remember that it will be used a lot so consider the things and the people who will be constantly using it.
Spend enough
You may find that there are kitchen faucets that are cheap, and while they do the job, you may find yourself with an item that needs to be replaced quickly due to wearing. Consider investing in good, quality kitchen faucets that will last and don't overspend on features that you don't need.
Consider the use
Kitchen faucets have a lot of uses and choosing one should depend on how you will be using them. For those who cook a lot with pots, an obvious choice for them would be a pot filler because it is convenient to use. For most, however, pull-out faucets are more practical because they are easy to use for both cooking and cleaning purposes.
Pick a tough finish
This one depends on the style and design of your kitchen, as well as the habits of those who will be using it. Consider choosing a finish that is durable and tough, but also corresponds to the cleaning habits of its users. Most faucets are made of polished chrome, satin nickel, or bronze finishes, so check which one will work best for you.
Final Thoughts
Kitchen faucets are one of the most used items in the kitchen, and it is probably one of the items that need replacing as soon as it wears out. Good quality faucets will last for years, but when it is time to replace them, you should be able to do it yourself.
With basic DIY plumbing knowledge and some basic tools, you can change your own kitchen faucet pretty quickly. Just make sure to choose sturdy, quality faucets and you won't have to do the replacing for many more years to come.
Are you looking for more information about kitchen faucets and sinks? We have some articles that can help you:
Do Kitchen Sinks Come With Drains?
Kitchen Sink In Island – Pros And Cons
