You usually don't pay much attention to the kitchen faucet until it starts breaking down. Once issues begin, they interfere with cooking, dining, and other aspects of your daily life.
Maintaining the faucet properly is key to its longevity. Understanding what other factors contribute to the integrity of this plumbing fixture can help you avoid unpleasant surprises.
So, how long should a kitchen faucet last? Let's take a closer look.
Average Lifespan of a Kitchen Faucet
The average lifespan of a kitchen faucet is between 10 and 15 years. The figure depends largely on the quality of the fixture and the amount of use.
Sturdier materials used by high-end brands usually contribute to the integrity of the faucet. For example, solid brass faucets last longer than stainless steel fixtures. Meanwhile, zinc alloy can be less expensive but may need to be replaced much sooner.
The bottom line is higher-end faucets made of quality materials can last 15+ years while non-branded or inexpensive options may give out after 5-7 years.
Factors That Affect Kitchen Faucet Longevity
When choosing the best kitchen faucet for your needs, you need to consider a number of factors, including:
Quality of Materials and Build
As mentioned earlier, materials like brass or stainless steel tend to last significantly longer than those made from plastic or zinc alloy. High-end faucets are not just made from better materials. They often feature superior internal components and are engineered to last.
Frequency and Intensity of Use
In larger households, where faucets experience heavy daily use, internal components wear out more quickly. Meanwhile, faucets in single-person homes or lightly used kitchens tend to last longer.
In many cases, all you have to do is replace smaller parts like valves, washers, and aerators to increase the faucet's longevity and efficiency.
Water Quality
Hard water with high mineral content can cause scaling, corrosion, and clogging. All of these reduce the lifespan of your kitchen faucet. If you live in an area where hard water is a problem, you need to invest more time in faucet maintenance.
Installation and Maintenance Quality
Even the best faucet will not last long if installed incorrectly. Improper installation can cause leaks and undue stress on the fixture. At the same time, routine maintenance accelerates wear and tear.
Unless you have considerable experience, do not handle faucet installation yourself. Hire a professional plumber to do it.
Signs It's Time to Replace Your Kitchen Faucet
Even if the expected lifespan isn't up yet, you may still need to replace your kitchen faucet. Some of the main signs that it is time to do so are:
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The faucet is leaking or dripping frequently despite repairs
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Foul odors coming from the faucet (could signal mold formation)
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Rust or mineral buildup which cannot be cleaned properly
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Decreased water pressure (even after you cleaned or replaced the aerator)
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Unusual noises coming from the faucet (e.g., a squeaky handle)
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Visible rust on the faucet
The longer you put off faucet replacement, the more damage the old fixture is likely to cause. You may end up dealing with health issues related to poor water quality and repairs due to water damage.
Maintenance Tips to Extend Your Kitchen Faucet's Life
No matter how old your faucet is, a smart approach to maintenance can increase its lifespan. Here are a few ways to do it.
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Check the aerator every 6 months to make sure it is in top shape. If not, find a replacement faucet aerator and install it (it's a DIY job)
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Clean the faucet regularly to prevent hard water, rust, and mineral buildup
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Check the faucet for leaks and drips regularly
Proper kitchen faucet maintenance is not complicated. A few minutes of your time every month can add years to the fixture's lifespan.
Keep Your Kitchen Faucet in Top Shape
High-quality kitchen faucets last 10 – 15 years. However, without proper maintenance, they can give out sooner. One of the ways to keep your faucet in top shape is to maintain the aerator.
At Aerator.com, we provide extensive information about aerator cleaning, repair, and replacement. Visit our catalog to find high-quality faucet aerators for your kitchen needs.