When to Replace vs. Repair a Leaky Faucet (And What It Actually Costs)

That Drip Is More Expensive Than You Think

A faucet dripping once per second wastes over 3,000 gallons of water per year. In Phoenix, where water rates continue to climb, that's real money down the drain—literally. But before you call a plumber, the first question is: should you repair the faucet or just replace the whole thing?

When to Repair

Repairing makes sense when:

• The faucet is relatively modern (less than 10 years old) and replacement parts are available.
• The issue is a worn cartridge, O-ring, or washer—the most common cause of drips.
• You like the faucet and it matches your kitchen or bathroom décor.
• The body of the faucet is in good shape (no corrosion or mineral buildup on the exterior).

Typical repair cost: $100–$200 including parts and labor for a standard cartridge or washer replacement.

When to Replace

Replacement is the smarter move when:

• The faucet is old, corroded, or has heavy calcium buildup (extremely common with Phoenix hard water).
• Replacement parts are no longer manufactured for your model.
• The base of the faucet is leaking (usually means the internal valve body is failing).
• You're already doing a kitchen or bathroom refresh and want an updated look.

Typical replacement cost: $175–$350 for labor, plus the cost of the new faucet itself ($50–$400+ depending on the fixture). Most homeowners land around $250–$500 total for a quality faucet and professional installation.

The Phoenix Hard Water Factor

Phoenix has some of the hardest water in the country. That white, crusty buildup you see around your faucet aerator and handles is calcium carbonate. Over time, it infiltrates the internal moving parts of your faucet, grinding down cartridges and degrading seals much faster than in areas with softer water. This is why faucets in Phoenix often need attention sooner than the manufacturer's rated lifespan.

What About the Shut-Off Valves?

Here's a pro tip most homeowners don't think about: while we're under the sink, we always check the condition of your shut-off valves (the little knobs under the sink that control water flow). Older gate valves are notorious for seizing up or leaking after years of sitting in the same position. If yours are old, it's smart to replace them with modern quarter-turn ball valves while we're already there. It's cheap insurance against a future emergency.

We Handle Faucets Across the Valley

Kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets, laundry sinks, outdoor hose bibs—The Fixory repairs and replaces them all. We serve Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, and Gilbert with transparent, flat-rate pricing.