CNBNews

If you're like most homeowners, you don't give your faucets much thought. As long as they turn on when you need them to and shut off when you want them to, there's not much reason to worry about them, is there? Once they stop working properly or start leaking, though, they tend to get a little more scrutiny. If they happen to stop working altogether or suddenly start spraying uncontrollably and refuse to stop, that's an even bigger problem. 

Faucets are made to last between 10 and 20 years even with constant use. That being said, some factors can shorten their lifespan. You can also take certain measures to make them last longer. Keep the following maintenance tips in mind to reduce the need for major repairs on your faucet and keep it working properly for as long as possible. 

Watch for Leaks

Leaky faucets are a typical problem for homeowners. They can be caused by several issues, but one of the most significant is normal wear and tear. Gaskets that prevent faucets from leaking wear out over time and need to be replaced. Broken washers and damaged cartridges are also common causes of leaks. If you leave a leak to its own devices, it's only going to grow worse over time. The worse the leak gets, the more wear and tear it'll place on the faucet. Watching for leaks and having them repaired promptly can reduce that impact. Don't overlook the amount of water you can save by staying on top of even minor leaks, either. 

Monitor Water Pressure

Another issue that can detract from a faucet's lifespan is high water pressure. Plumbing systems require a certain amount of pressure to work properly, but if the pressure is too high, it can place excess strain on your faucets. That, in turn, will make them wear out faster than they should. High water pressure can cause a range of other problems as well, including damage to your pipes, washing machine, water heater, and dishwasher. If your water pressure seems higher than normal, have that issue repaired as soon as possible. 

Be Mindful of Hard Water

Hard water is a problem in many areas across the United States. It happens when high concentrations of dissolved minerals make their way into the water supply. It can cause quite a few problems. It can leave your skin and hair dull and dry and keep soap, shampoo, and detergents from lathering as well as they should. It can also leave your laundry discolored. Additionally, hard water takes a toll on your plumbing system, appliances, and fixtures.

There's nothing you can do to control hard water outside of your home. You can have water softeners installed to manage it in your home, though. They'll remove the excess minerals and save your faucets as well as everything else that may be affected by hard water. 

Professional Intervention

It's certainly possible to perform faucet maintenance and repairs on your own, especially if you have a little mechanical know-how. Still, it's a good idea to leave jobs like that to professional plumbers. They can minimize the risks of accidental damage and other problems while maximizing the life of your faucets. They can also resolve the problems that place unnecessary wear on other components of your plumbing system. 

Keeping Your Faucets Up to Par

No matter what types of faucets you have in your home, they're bound to give you trouble at some point. They wear out over time, and certain outside forces can cause them to malfunction. With the tips mentioned here, though, you can keep your faucets working properly for as long as possible and potentially extend the life of other appliances and fixtures in your home.