Faucet and Fixture Installation Phoenix - Expert Installation and Repair

Faucet Repair and Common Problems

Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets are the most common fixture problem we see. That constant drip-drip-drip wastes water, creates annoying sounds, and stains sinks with mineral deposits. A faucet dripping once per second wastes about 3,000 gallons annually—approximately $15 in water costs.

Most dripping faucets need internal component replacement. Modern faucets use ceramic disc cartridges, compression washers, or ball valve assemblies controlling water flow. When these components wear out, faucets drip even when closed completely.

For compression faucets (older two-handle models), we replace rubber washers that compress against valve seats to stop flow. These washers wear out from repeated use and Phoenix's hard water. Washer replacement costs $150-200 and restores leak-free operation.

For cartridge faucets (most modern single-handle models), we replace the entire cartridge—the valve assembly inside the faucet body. Cartridges last 5-10 years before needing replacement. Cartridge replacement costs $150-250 depending on the faucet brand and cartridge type.

For ceramic disc faucets, we replace the disc cartridge assembly. These are very reliable but eventually fail from mineral buildup or wear. Replacement restores proper shutoff.

Phoenix's hard water accelerates faucet wear. Mineral-laden water damages rubber seals, clogs ceramic disc passages, and corrodes metal components faster than soft water. Faucets in Phoenix homes typically need repairs more frequently than identical faucets in soft water areas.

Low Water Pressure at Faucets

Low water pressure at individual faucets usually indicates clogged aerators rather than whole-house pressure problems. Aerators are small screens at faucet tips that mix air with water creating smooth flow while conserving water. Phoenix's hard water clogs aerators with mineral deposits blocking water flow.

Aerator cleaning or replacement costs $100-150 and immediately restores proper water pressure. We remove aerators, soak them in vinegar dissolving minerals, and reinstall them. Severely clogged aerators get replaced—they only cost a few dollars.

We recommend monthly aerator cleaning for Phoenix homes. Unscrewing aerators and rinsing them under running water removes mineral buildup before it becomes severe. This simple maintenance prevents low pressure problems.

For faucets with low pressure even after aerator cleaning, internal mineral buildup might be restricting flow. Some faucets can be descaled internally. Others are so clogged that replacement makes more sense than attempting internal cleaning.

Leaking Faucet Bases

Leaks around faucet bases indicate failed seals where faucets mount to sinks or countertops. Water seeps around the base during use, pooling on countertops or under sinks. These leaks damage countertops and cabinets if not addressed.

Base leak repair involves removing the faucet, replacing mounting gaskets and seals, and reinstalling with proper sealing. We use plumber's putty or silicone creating watertight seals between faucets and mounting surfaces.

Sometimes base leaks result from loose mounting nuts that secure faucets to sinks. Tightening these nuts stops leaks without requiring faucet removal. We check mounting tightness before assuming seal replacement is needed.

Handle Problems

Faucet handles that are difficult to turn, spin without controlling water, or feel loose indicate internal problems. Handle issues stem from worn cartridges, corroded valve stems, loose set screws, or damaged handle assemblies.

We diagnose handle problems and make appropriate repairs. Sometimes tightening set screws or handle nuts solves the problem. Other times cartridge or valve stem replacement is necessary.

Handles that require excessive force to turn often have mineral-encrusted internal components. We disassemble faucets, clean mineral deposits, and lubricate moving parts restoring smooth operation.

Sprayer Issues

Kitchen sink sprayers develop several common problems. Sprayers that won't spray, won't divert water from the faucet spout, leak at connections, or have weak spray all need repair.

Sprayer repairs include replacing failed diverter valves inside faucet bodies, cleaning clogged sprayer heads, tightening leaking hose connections, and replacing damaged sprayer hoses.

Pull-down kitchen faucets with integral sprayers sometimes have issues with spray head retraction. The weight that pulls spray heads back into position fails or the hose kinks preventing smooth operation. We replace failed weights and repair kinked hoses.

Bathroom Faucet Installation

Bathroom Faucet Configurations

Bathroom faucets come in several mounting configurations. Single-hole faucets have integrated spouts and handles mounting through single holes in sinks or countertops. They're compact and modern-looking.

Centerset faucets have combined spouts and handles on single bases mounting through three holes spaced 4 inches apart—the standard bathroom sink configuration.

Widespread faucets have separate spouts and handles connected by hoses under sinks. Handles mount 8-16 inches apart providing design flexibility. They look more upscale than centerset faucets.

Wall-mounted faucets mount on walls above sinks rather than on sinks themselves. They're popular for vessel sinks and modern bathroom designs. Wall-mounted installation costs more because it requires routing supply lines through walls.

We help homeowners choose bathroom faucet configurations matching their sink types, counter materials, and design visions.

Bathroom Vanity Faucet Installation

Bathroom vanity faucet installation follows similar processes as kitchen installation but on smaller scale. We remove old faucets, prepare mounting surfaces, install new faucets with proper sealing, connect supply lines with shutoff valves, install pop-up drain assemblies if needed, and test thoroughly for leaks and proper operation.

Pop-up drain installation is critical for bathroom sinks. The mechanism that opens and closes sink drains must align properly with faucets and operate smoothly. We install pop-up assemblies ensuring reliable operation and proper sealing.

Bathroom faucet installation takes 1-2 hours for straightforward replacements. Wall-mounted installations take longer requiring wall access and precise supply line positioning.

Vessel Sink Faucets

Vessel sinks sit on top of counters requiring taller faucets or wall-mounted faucets. Vessel sink faucet installation requires careful height selection—faucets must be tall enough that spouts reach into vessel bowls but not so tall they create excessive splashing.

We measure vessel sink heights and recommend appropriate faucet styles and heights. Improper vessel sink faucet height creates frustrating daily use.

Wall-mounted vessel sink faucets require running supply lines through walls at correct heights. We install backing in walls providing solid mounting for faucets.

Tub and Shower Faucets

Tub and shower faucets are more complex than sink faucets because they include mixing valves, diverters, and multiple outlets. We install and repair all tub and shower faucet types including three-handle tub/shower combinations with separate hot, cold, and diverter controls, single-handle mixing valves with temperature and diverter controls, thermostatic valves maintaining constant temperatures, and pressure-balancing valves preventing temperature spikes.

Shower valve installation requires accessing walls, installing valves at proper heights (typically 48 inches for shower controls), connecting supply lines, and installing trim after walls are finished.

Tub spout replacement is straightforward for screw-on spouts but more involved for slip-on spouts requiring access inside walls. We handle both types and repair or replace diverters that stick or don't direct water to showerheads properly.

Handheld Showerheads and Body Sprays

Handheld showerheads mount on slide bars allowing height adjustment. We install handheld showerheads for bathing flexibility, accessibility for users with mobility limitations, and easier shower cleaning.

Body spray installation creates spa-like shower experiences. Multiple spray jets mount at various heights providing full-body coverage. Body spray installation requires significant plumbing work running supply lines to each spray location and ensuring adequate water pressure for multiple simultaneous sprays.