Is your bathroom or kitchen faucet leaking, dripping constantly, or spraying water where it shouldn’t? Has the flow from your faucet slowed to an annoying trickle? Before you break out your toolbox, consider calling a licensed Alexandria, VA, plumber for faucet repair or replacement.
While tackling a faucet project yourself may seem to be a money-saving move, there are many reasons why hiring a professional is your best bet.
Tools You’ll Need for DIY Faucet Replacement
Replacing a faucet requires specialized plumbing tools that many homeowners don’t have. Here’s some of what is required:
- Basin wrench. This specialized wrench fits into tight spaces behind sinks and under counters to remove nuts and connections.
- Pipe cutter. You may need to cut into supply lines to remove old faucets and install new connections. A sturdy pipe cutter is essential.
- Plumber’s putty or silicone. You’ll need to seal areas around the new faucet to prevent leaks.
- Soldering tools. If you’re replacing a faucet with sweat fittings, you’ll need a propane torch, flux, solder, and other soldering supplies.
- Wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers. Faucet repair involves removing nuts, screws, and fittings. You’ll need a variety of hand tools.
As you can see, faucet replacement or repair requires some specialized items. Before starting a DIY faucet project, be sure you have all the necessary tools. Otherwise, you may make multiple trips to the hardware store or, worse, leave the job unfinished until you can get what you need.
The Risks of DIY Faucet Replacement
Doing the job yourself may save money on labor costs, but attempting DIY faucet replacement as an inexperienced homeowner carries some risks:
- Leaks and other issues from improper installation. If connections aren’t sealed properly, couplings are overtightened, or supply lines aren’t connected correctly, you’ll wind up with leaks and other problems down the road. Then you’ll have to tear out your work and start over – or call a professional Alexandria, VA plumber to fix it.
- Potential damage to valves and supply lines. It’s easy to accidentally kink copper pipes or damage valves behind walls when doing faucet work. A professional will know how to avoid this.
- Injury from hand tools. Sawing into pipes, handling torches, and wrestling with wrenches and cutters carries a good bit of risk with inexperienced DIYers. Professionals are adept at safely using plumbing tools.
- Inability to complete the job. If complications arise, or you just can’t figure out how to get the new faucet operational, you may have to call a plumber anyway – and now there’s extra work involved which means extra costs.
Hiring a Professional Alexandria VA Plumber
Calling in an experienced licensed plumber for faucet replacement eliminates the risks and hassles of DIY. When you hire a reputable Alexandria plumber, here’s what you can expect:
- Expertise and training. Professional plumbers complete apprenticeships and training programs to learn the nuances of faucet repair and installation. Their experience means your job gets done quickly and correctly.
- Proper tools and high-quality parts. Plumbers have all the right tools for any faucet job, and they have access to replacement parts that are durable and reliable.
- Minimal disruption. A good plumber can complete most typical faucet repairs or replacements within a few hours. That means less time with torn-apart sinks and no water supply.
- Warranties and guarantees. Many professional plumbers offer warranties or guarantees on their labor and any parts used, which protects you if anything goes wrong.
- Licensed and insured. Reputable plumbers have all the required licenses and liability insurance coverage to protect you and your home during any work.
Finding the Right Alexandria, VA Plumber
To ensure you get exceptional service for your faucet replacement or repair, research plumbers carefully before hiring one. Here are some tips:
- Read online reviews and ask neighbors for referrals. Check sites such as Yelp and Angie’s List for feedback on plumbers in your area. Word-of-mouth is also very valuable.
- Verify licensing, insurance, and bonding. Any plumber you hire should be fully licensed in Virginia and insured. This protects you from liability issues.
- Get a minimum of three written estimates, and don’t jump on the first bid you receive. Contact several plumbers to compare pricing and services.
- Look for plumbers who specialize in faucet repair/replacement. Those with specific experience in this type of work will do the best job.
- Ask lots of questions. Inquire about their experience, typical process, parts they use, and any warranties. A reliable pro will answer all your questions.
Count on Baumbach Plumbing for All Your Faucet Needs
At the end of the day, a leaky, dripping, or malfunctioning faucet is incredibly frustrating and you want the issue resolved quickly and correctly. Attempting a DIY faucet repair or replacement may seem logical, but it often ends up being more frustrating and expensive than simply hiring a professional plumber.
The expertise, specialized tools, quality parts, and warranties offered by companies such as Baumbach Plumbing provide peace of mind that your faucet will be expertly repaired or replaced. For faucet issues, seek the help of licensed professionals. Contact Baumbach Plumbing today at (703) 250-4200 or online to schedule an appointment.
