Professional Faucet & Fixture Services in Chapel Hill, NC

Repair it if the faucet is less than 8 years old and the problem is a worn cartridge, O-ring, or valve seat. Replace it if the faucet is older than that, showing corrosion, or you're dealing with repeated leaks after previous repairs. A single repair typically runs $150-$250 including parts. A new faucet installation runs $250-$500 depending on the fixture. At a certain point, putting money into an old faucet stops making sense.

Here's the math that makes the decision easy: a faucet dripping once per second wastes over 3,000 gallons per year. With Wake County water rates climbing steadily over the past few years, that drip is costing you real money on every utility bill. The repair pays for itself quickly either way.

How to Tell What's Wrong With Your Faucet

Not all faucet problems point to the same fix. Here's what the symptoms actually mean:

A steady drip from the spout when the handle is off means the internal cartridge or valve seat is worn. This is the most common faucet problem and usually the cheapest to fix. On single-handle faucets, it's almost always the cartridge. On two-handle faucets, it could be a washer, seat, or cartridge depending on the type.

Water leaking from the base of the faucet when you turn it on points to a failed O-ring or worn-out mounting hardware. If catching it early, an O-ring replacement is simple. If the base has been leaking for a while, water may have damaged the countertop or cabinet underneath.

Low water pressure from one faucet (while others are fine) usually means a clogged aerator or a partially closed supply valve. Unscrew the aerator and check for mineral buildup. Wake County water has moderate hardness, and calcium deposits build up inside aerators and cartridges over time.

Handles that are hard to turn or won't stay in position mean the internal stem or cartridge is corroding or seizing. This gets worse, not better. Once the handle mechanism starts failing, replacement is the better investment.

The Builder-Grade Problem in Triangle Homes

Thousands of homes across Apex, Cary, Holly Springs, and Fuquay-Varina were built during the late 90s and 2000s housing boom. Builders installed the cheapest fixtures that met code. Those faucets, showerheads, and toilet fill valves were designed to last 8-12 years. The math is simple. If your home was built in 2005, those original fixtures are now 20+ years old and well past their expected life.

We see this pattern constantly. A homeowner calls about one dripping kitchen faucet, and during the inspection our techs notice the bathroom faucets are showing the same early signs. The shower valve is getting stiff. The toilet runs intermittently. It's not that everything fails at once. It's that everything was installed at once, with the same quality level, and it all ages on the same timeline.

What a Fixture Upgrade Actually Involves

Replacing a faucet isn't always as simple as unscrewing the old one and bolting on the new one. Here's what our plumbers check during every fixture service:

Supply line condition. The flexible lines connecting your faucet to the shutoff valves deteriorate over time. If they're original to the home, we replace them during the faucet swap. A burst supply line under a sink can cause thousands in water damage.

Shutoff valve function. We test the angle stops under each sink. If they're frozen open (won't turn), we replace them. You need working shutoffs for any future maintenance.

Drain connection and condition. While we're under the sink, we inspect the drain assembly, P-trap, and connections. Replacing a faucet is the perfect time to catch a slow drain leak you haven't noticed yet.

Mounting surface condition. If a base leak has been present for a while, the countertop or vanity around the faucet holes may have water damage. We'll let you know before installing a new fixture on a compromised surface.

Our Approach to Faucet and Fixture Work

Element Service Group offers a free plumbing inspection, an $89 value, with every service call. Our techs look at the full picture, not just the one faucet you called about. You get an honest recommendation on what needs repair, what needs replacement, and what can wait. Pricing is upfront, on paper, before any work begins.

We're a veteran-owned company with over 700 five-star reviews from homeowners across the Triangle. We stock common cartridges and parts on our trucks for same-day repairs. For fixture replacements, we can install hardware you've purchased or help you choose the right fixture for your setup and budget.

Whether it's a single dripping faucet or a whole-home fixture upgrade, the process starts with a clear diagnosis and a price you agree to. No guessing, no upselling, no inflated quotes designed to push you toward the more expensive option.