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After 15+ years and over a thousand faucet service calls across the East Valley, here's the honest answer: about 60% of the time, a $12-$25 cartridge replacement fixes the problem completely. The other 40%, you're better off replacing the whole faucet.
The decision to replace vs repair a faucet comes down to three factors: age, corrosion level, and repair history.
Repair When:
- As a result, single-handle drip — Almost always a worn cartridge. Moen 1225 ($18), Delta RP50587 ($22), or Kohler GP77759 ($15). Takes 20 minutes to swap. We carry all three in the truck.
- In addition, two-handle drip — Worn seat washer or O-ring. $8 in parts, 15 minutes labor. If the seat itself is scored, a seat wrench + new seat is another $12.
- Furthermore, low flow — Calcium-clogged aerator. Unscrew, soak in vinegar, reinstall. Free fix if you do it yourself, $65 service call if you want us to check the whole faucet while we're there.
- Moreover, faucet is under 8 years old — Modern faucets last 15-20 years if the cartridge is swapped once. Don't throw away a $200 faucet over a $18 cartridge.
Replace When:
- For this reason, corrosion at the base — Green crust around the base plate means water is leaking underneath. Once corrosion eats the mounting threads, no cartridge fix will help.
- The spout wobbles — The internal spout bearing is worn. On most faucets this isn't a replaceable part. If the spout rocks side to side with play, it's done.
- Consequently, you're fixing it for the third time — If you've replaced the cartridge twice in 3 years, the valve body itself is worn. Diminishing returns.
- The faucet is 15+ years old — Parts availability drops sharply after 12-15 years. Manufacturers discontinue cartridges. If we can't source the part, replacement is the only option.
Arizona-Specific Factor: Hard Water
In other words, phoenix metro water runs 15-25 grains hard. That calcium buildup accelerates every failure mode. A faucet in Seattle lasts 20 years; the same faucet in Phoenix lasts 12-15. Factor that into your replace-vs-repair math.
On the other hand, one thing we see constantly in East Valley homes: the customer replaced the faucet, but not the supply lines. The old braided supply hoses have mineral buildup inside that restricts flow to the new faucet. When we install a faucet, we always replace the supply lines too ($8/pair). It's the difference between "new faucet, same weak flow" and actually solving the problem.
What Replacement Costs
However, supply your own faucet: $95 labor (includes supply line swap and plumber's putty/silicone). We install Moen, Delta, Kohler, Pfister, and most Amazon/Costco brands.
We supply the faucet: $145-$225 total depending on brand and style. We mark up $0 on the faucet — you pay retail + our labor.
If you're unsure whether to replace vs repair your faucet, follow the 8-year rule: under 8 years old, repair. Over 15 years, replace.
Therefore, still unsure whether to replace vs repair faucet problems? Follow the 8-year rule: under 8 years old, repair it. Over 15 years, replace it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I decide whether to replace vs repair faucet?
Use the 8-year rule: under 8 years old with no corrosion, repair it. Over 15 years or with visible mineral damage, replace vs repair faucet economics favor a new unit.
Is it cheaper to replace vs repair faucet long-term?
If you have already paid for two repairs, replacing is cheaper long-term. The replace vs repair faucet break-even point is typically the third repair visit.
What brand should I pick when I replace vs repair faucet units?
Moen and Delta offer the best parts availability in Arizona. When deciding to replace vs repair faucet models, picking a common brand simplifies future maintenance.
