How long does a faucet last?
Updated August 2026
A faucet lasts 15 to 20 years, and its solid brass body can go well beyond that, but the parts inside that actually move wear out much sooner. On a modern single-handle faucet the cartridge, the valve that mixes and shuts off the water, gives out every 5 to 10 years; on an old two-handle faucet the rubber compression washers wear in as little as 2 to 5. Those cheap internal parts are what cause the drips and stiff handles people mistake for a dead faucet. Hard water and the quality of the cartridge decide how fast they go and whether the finish lasts as long as the body.
Lifespan by type and situation
| Type or situation | Typical lifespan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Faucet body and brass | 15–20+ years | The body outlasts everything; the finish usually dulls first |
| Ceramic-disc cartridge | 10–15 years | The most durable valve type; a smooth quarter-turn feel |
| Cartridge or ball valve (single-handle) | 5–10 years | Replaceable for $10–30 instead of a whole new faucet |
| Compression washers (older two-handle) | 2–5 years | The classic drip fix; the rubber washers wear out quickly |
| O-rings and internal seals | 5–10 years | Dry out and cause base leaks; a cheap seal-kit refresh |
| Hard water, no softener | Cut several years | Scale seizes cartridges and clogs the aerator screen |
| Aerator cleaned, drips fixed fast | Top of the range | Steady pressure and no lingering drips slow the wear |
Signs yours is near the end
- A drip that comes right back no matter how many times you replace the washer or cartridge, meaning the valve seat is worn
- The handle turns stiffly, feels loose and sloppy, or no longer shuts off without extra force
- Flow is weak, uneven, or sputters and spits air, usually from a scaled-up aerator or worn cartridge
- Visible corrosion, green or white crust, pitting, or a finish that is flaking and peeling
- Water seeping from the base of the spout or dripping under the sink from the connections
- A squeal, whistle, or knock when you open or close the handle, a sign of worn internal parts
How to add years
Most faucets get thrown out over a worn cartridge, a shame when the part runs $10 to 30. Cleaning the aerator a few times a year clears the mineral grit that chokes flow and makes the spout sputter, and it keeps back-pressure from stressing the valve. Fix a drip the week it starts, because a constant trickle wears the seat and spreads corrosion. Softening hard water keeps cartridges turning smoothly for years longer. A drip that returns no matter how many washers you change usually means the valve seat is shot, one reason behind a faucet that drips when off; left alone, the U.S. EPA figures a faucet dripping once per second wastes over 3,000 gallons a year, and the cost of a dripping faucet lands on your bill. A quick faucet checklist keeps it in shape.
What it costs to replace: plan on $100–350 installed. Replacing on your own schedule, before it fails, is almost always cheaper than the emergency version. The home maintenance cost calculator helps you set the money aside before it comes due.
OnOtto tracks your faucet aerator cleanings age and service history, and warns you before end of life instead of after the flood.
Track your home's systems, free for 30 daysFrequently asked questions
Should I fix a dripping faucet or replace the whole thing?
Try the cheap fix first. Most drips come from a worn cartridge, washer, or O-ring, and the replacement part costs $10 to 30 and takes under an hour, so a solid faucet with a good finish is worth rebuilding. Replace the whole faucet when the body itself is corroded or leaking, when the finish is flaking off, when parts for an older model are no longer made, or simply when you want a new look. A new faucet runs $100 to 350 installed, so if only the guts are worn, repair almost always wins.
How much water does a dripping faucet waste?
More than it looks. The U.S. EPA figures a faucet dripping just once per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons over a year, enough to fill a couple hundred loads of laundry, and a faster drip or several leaky faucets multiplies that quickly. On a metered water and sewer bill it is real money escaping for a part that costs a few dollars. Because the waste is silent and gradual, it is easy to shrug off, but fixing the cartridge or washer the week it starts is one of the cheapest savings in the house.
What is a faucet cartridge and can I replace it myself?
The cartridge is the valve inside the faucet that controls the flow and temperature of the water; on a single-handle faucet, moving the handle moves the cartridge. It is the part that most often wears out and causes drips or a stiff handle. Replacing it is a manageable job for many homeowners: shut off the supply valves under the sink, pull the handle and retaining clip, slide the old cartridge out, and drop in a matching new one, which usually costs $10 to 30. Match the brand and model exactly, since cartridges are not universal, and many makers warranty them for free.
Why is my faucet finish flaking or peeling?
Almost always a coating problem, not corrosion of the brass underneath. Budget faucets often use a thin plated or painted finish that peels over time, and harsh or abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, and acidic bathroom chemicals strip it faster. Hard-water scale left to sit and get scrubbed off repeatedly wears it too. There is no real fix once a finish flakes; you cannot re-plate it at home. To make the next faucet's finish last, choose a quality physical vapor deposition or solid-metal finish and wipe it with only mild soap and a soft cloth.