Faucet Installation & Repair

Faucets experience constant use and gradually develop issues requiring professional attention. Dripping faucets represent the most common and wasteful problem—a faucet dripping once per second wastes over 3,000 gallons annually, adding significantly to water bills. Most drips result from worn internal components including cartridges in modern single-handle faucets, rubber washers and seals in compression faucets, ceramic disc cartridges in disc faucets, or O-rings and seals throughout the assembly. Repair depends on faucet type and typically involves disassembling the faucet, identifying worn components, replacing deteriorated parts, reassembling properly, and testing for leak-free operation. Low water pressure from faucets frustrates users and hampers functionality. Causes include mineral buildup in aerators (easily cleaned or replaced), clogged or damaged cartridges, partially closed shutoff valves, supply line restrictions, or whole-house pressure issues. We systematically diagnose and resolve pressure problems. Leaks around faucet bases suggest O-ring deterioration or improper sealing. These leaks can damage countertops and cabinets if not addressed promptly. Repair involves disassembly, O-ring replacement, proper reassembly with adequate sealing, and testing. Loose or wobbly faucets result from inadequate mounting, worn mounting hardware, or vibration loosening connections over time. Proper mounting restoration prevents damage to sink surfaces and maintains proper faucet alignment. Sprayer problems in kitchen faucets including stuck sprayers, weak spray, or leaking spray heads often result from mineral buildup, damaged diverters, or worn spray heads. We clean, repair, or replace spray components as needed. Handle issues including difficulty operating handles, stripped handle connections, or broken handles require component replacement. Temperature control problems including inability to achieve desired temperature or temperature that changes unexpectedly suggest cartridge issues or problems with mixing valves. Proper diagnosis identifies whether repair or replacement makes better economic sense based on faucet age, condition, and repair costs versus replacement costs.

Professional faucet installation ensures proper function, prevents leaks, maintains manufacturer warranties, and provides lasting reliability. Our faucet installation services handle all types and styles for kitchens, bathrooms, utility sinks, and specialty applications. Bathroom sink faucet installation involves assessing existing configuration including hole count and spacing (single-hole, centerset 4-inch, widespread 8-inch), removing old faucets including handles, spouts, and drain assemblies, cleaning installation area thoroughly, installing new faucet according to manufacturer specifications, connecting supply lines with new shutoff valves if needed, installing drain assemblies with proper sealing, testing thoroughly for leaks and proper operation, and ensuring adequate clearance and comfortable use. We install all bathroom faucet types including single-handle center-set, three-piece widespread, wall-mounted, and vessel sink faucets. Kitchen faucet installation requires additional considerations including proper sizing for existing sink holes or deck plates, adequate clearance for pots and tall items, proper spray hose installation and weighting for pull-down models, ensuring spray head retracts properly and stays retracted, side sprayer installation for models with separate sprayers, and mounting stability for tall single-handle designs. We install standard kitchen faucets, pull-down and pull-out spray faucets, commercial-style pre-rinse faucets, pot filler faucets, and drinking water faucets for filtration systems. Shower and tub faucet installation involves rough-in work (installing valves during construction or remodeling), ensuring proper rough-in depth per manufacturer specifications, proper supply line connection, installing anti-scald and pressure-balancing features per code, pressure testing before covering, and finish installation including trim, handles, and spouts after tile or surround completion. Laundry and utility sink faucet installation addresses these functional areas with appropriate faucet types. Outdoor faucet (hose bib) installation includes proper pipe sizing, frost-proof designs for freeze protection, backflow prevention, and proper mounting and sealing. All installations include high-quality supply lines (we recommend braided stainless steel), proper shutoff valve installation for future service access, thorough leak testing, and operation verification. We handle all major faucet brands including Moen, Delta, Kohler, Pfister, American Standard, Grohe, and others. Professional installation typically takes 1-3 hours depending on complexity and ensures reliable, leak-free operation backed by our workmanship warranty.

Selecting appropriate faucets involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, quality, and budget. Understanding faucet types and features helps you make informed decisions. Faucet configurations include single-handle faucets with one lever controlling both temperature and flow (most popular for ease of use), two-handle faucets with separate hot and cold controls (traditional style, good temperature control), three-hole widespread faucets with separately-mounted handles and spout (elegant appearance, typically 8-inch spread), and wall-mounted faucets mounted on wall rather than sink or counter (modern appearance, easier counter cleaning). Kitchen faucet features include pull-down or pull-out spray heads providing flexibility and extended reach, multiple spray patterns for different cleaning tasks, high-arc spouts providing clearance for large pots, touchless or motion-activated operation for hygiene and convenience, integrated soap dispensers, and pot-filler faucets mounted at ranges. Bathroom faucet considerations include vessel sink faucets with tall spouts for above-counter bowls, waterfall spouts for contemporary aesthetics, and appropriate height for your sink style. Finish options affect both appearance and maintenance—chrome is classic, durable, and easy to clean; brushed nickel offers warm tone and hides water spots; oil-rubbed bronze provides traditional appearance; stainless steel matches appliances and resists fingerprints; matte black offers contemporary bold style. Quality indicators include solid brass or stainless steel construction (avoid plastic components), ceramic disc cartridges (longest-lasting valve technology), metal handles and hardware, comprehensive warranties (lifetime warranties indicate manufacturer confidence), and WaterSense certification for efficiency. Price generally reflects quality—economy faucets ($50-$150) work for basic needs but may need earlier replacement, mid-range faucets ($150-$400) offer good quality and features with adequate longevity, and premium faucets ($400+) provide top materials, advanced features, best warranties, and longest lifespan. We help customers select faucets balancing aesthetics, functionality, quality, and budget, and we're happy to install faucets you purchase or recommend quality options matching your preferences and needs.

Proper faucet maintenance extends life, prevents problems, and maintains appearance and functionality. Regular cleaning involves wiping faucets after use to prevent water spot buildup, using mild soap and water for cleaning (avoiding abrasive cleaners that damage finishes), immediately drying after cleaning to prevent mineral deposits and water spots, and using finish-appropriate cleaners for special finishes. Aerator maintenance is critical—aerators (screen assemblies at faucet outlets) catch debris and regulate flow but accumulate mineral deposits over time. Remove and clean aerators every few months by unscrewing (many unscrew counterclockwise, but some screw in counterclockwise and unscrew clockwise), disassembling components, soaking in vinegar to dissolve minerals, brushing clean, and reassembling properly. This simple maintenance prevents low pressure issues and extends faucet life. Handle care includes using gentle operation (avoiding forcing or over-tightening), addressing loose handles promptly before wear worsens, and lubricating if needed (some faucets benefit from occasional silicone lubricant on moving parts). Spray head maintenance for kitchen faucets involves periodic cleaning of spray head holes to remove mineral buildup (soaking in vinegar works well), checking and cleaning spray head screen/aerator, ensuring spray head retracts and remains retracted properly, and checking hoses for kinks or leaks under sink. Leak monitoring catches problems early—periodically check under sinks for moisture indicating leaks, listen for dripping when faucets are off, watch for water pooling around faucet bases, and monitor water bills for unexplained increases. Early detection allows minor repairs preventing major damage. Water quality affects faucet longevity—hard water accelerates mineral buildup and can damage internal components. Consider water softener installation if you have very hard water, as it extends faucet life and reduces maintenance. During freezing weather, protect outdoor faucets by shutting off interior valves serving outdoor faucets, draining outdoor faucets, and using insulated faucet covers. Proper maintenance significantly extends faucet life and prevents most common problems.

Deciding whether to repair or replace malfunctioning faucets depends on several factors including age, condition, repair costs, and your preferences. Repair makes sense when faucets are relatively new (under 5-10 years old), problems are minor and isolated (single component failure like a worn cartridge or O-ring), the faucet functions well otherwise, parts are readily available, repair costs are reasonable (typically under $150), and you're satisfied with the faucet's appearance and features. Most dripping faucets, low-pressure issues, and minor leaks can be repaired economically. Replacement makes better sense when faucets are old (over 15 years), problems are multiple or recurring, parts are unavailable or expensive, repair costs approach replacement costs (50% or more), visible corrosion or finish deterioration exists, you want updated styling or additional features (pull-down spray, touchless operation, etc.), you're remodeling and updating fixtures, or the faucet has fundamental design flaws. Replacement benefits include water efficiency—modern WaterSense-certified faucets reduce water use without sacrificing performance, potentially saving thousands of gallons annually; improved functionality with features like pull-down sprayers, multiple spray patterns, and touchless operation; enhanced aesthetics updating your space's appearance; improved reliability from new faucets with warranties; and elimination of ongoing repair costs. Cost considerations show repair typically costs $100-$250 while replacement costs $200-$600+ including faucet and installation. However, ongoing repairs accumulate costs over time while replacement provides lasting solution. Age guidelines suggest faucets over 20 years old should generally be replaced even if repairable, as parts availability diminishes and efficiency/features lag modern standards. Faucets 10-20 years old should be evaluated based on condition, available parts, and whether you're satisfied with functionality and appearance. Faucets under 10 years old can usually be repaired unless serious problems or multiple issues exist. We provide honest assessments helping you evaluate repair versus replacement options based on your specific situation, preferences, and budget, always prioritizing your best interest rather than maximizing our revenue.

Faucet installation and repair require plumbing expertise, attention to detail, and familiarity with various faucet types and brands. At Down Right Plumbing, Doug has extensive experience with faucet installation and repair throughout Rockwall and the DFW area, providing quality service and expert workmanship. Our comprehensive faucet services include repair of dripping, leaking, or malfunctioning faucets, complete faucet replacement with removal and disposal of old fixtures, new faucet installation for remodels and new construction, spray head repair and replacement for kitchen faucets, aerator cleaning and replacement, cartridge and valve replacement, and outdoor faucet installation and repair. Doug is experienced with all major faucet brands and types including single-handle, two-handle, widespread, pull-down, pull-out, touchless, and specialty faucets. We arrive with professional tools and commonly needed parts, allowing us to complete most faucet services in a single visit. Our installations include proper mounting with leak-free sealing, quality supply line installation with shutoff valves, proper drain assembly installation (when applicable), thorough testing ensuring proper operation, and verification of adequate clearance and comfortable use. All work is backed by workmanship warranties, and manufacturer warranties are maintained through our professional installation. We provide transparent upfront pricing before beginning work—you'll know exactly what to expect with no hidden fees. We can install faucets you've purchased or help you select quality options matching your needs, style preferences, and budget. Most faucet services are completed in 1-3 hours, and we offer same-day service for many faucet issues throughout the Rockwall area. Doug respects your home with careful work practices and thorough cleanup after completing services. We're fully licensed and insured. We serve Rockwall, Heath, Fate, Royse City, McLendon-Chisholm, and throughout DFW. Whether you need a dripping faucet repaired, want to upgrade to a modern faucet with enhanced features, or are completing a kitchen or bathroom remodel, trust Down Right Plumbing for professional faucet services ensuring reliable operation, leak prevention, and lasting satisfaction. Contact us today to schedule faucet repair or installation service.