Corroded Faucet
Corroded Faucet | Plumbing Fixture Replacements | Plumbing | Monterey
Salt-laden coastal air may make Monterey unforgettable, but it’s tough on metal fixtures. When a faucet turns green, drips rust-red, or seizes up altogether, the licensed professionals at HEP step in with fast, tidy solutions. We diagnose corrosion at its source, remove damaged parts without harming surrounding tile or countertops, and install gleaming new hardware that resists future wear—often in a single visit. Your kitchen or bath is left spotless and fully functional, so you can get back to enjoying life by the bay.
Our crew brings the same care to showers, garbage disposals, ice-maker lines, and every other water-bearing connection in your home. From premium designer taps to budget-friendly basics, we keep a wide inventory on the truck, allowing true on-the-spot plumbing fixture replacements across Monterey and the peninsula. Call, text, or book online today, and discover why neighbors have trusted HEP for over three decades of comfort, craftsmanship, and crystal-clear water flow.
FAQs
What causes faucets and other plumbing fixtures to corrode in Monterey?
Corrosion is most often caused by the mineral-rich coastal water supply, salt-laden marine air, and aging metal components. Over time, dissolved oxygen, chlorides, and minerals react with brass, copper, or galvanized steel fixtures, forming rust or verdigris that eats away at the metal. Hard water scale accelerates this process by trapping moisture against the surface. If your home has older piping or fixtures installed before corrosion-resistant alloys were common, the risk is even higher.
How can I tell if my faucet or fixture needs replacement rather than repair?
Look for persistent leaks around the base, green or reddish stains, pitting, flaking chrome, or water with metallic taste. If the valve stems are seized, the aerator crumbles when removed, or multiple internal parts have corroded, repair is usually short-lived and replacement is recommended. A licensed plumber can inspect the fixture body and supply lines with a borescope or test for lead content to confirm whether replacement is the safer, more cost-effective option.
What replacement options are best suited to Monterey’s coastal environment?
Choose fixtures constructed from solid brass with a high-quality PVD (physical vapor deposition) finish or stainless steel rated 304/316. These materials resist salt air corrosion far better than chrome-plated zinc or low-grade brass. For outdoor kitchens or beach-adjacent homes, marine-grade 316 stainless is ideal. Inside the walls, consider switching to PEX-A or Type L copper with corrosion-resistant fittings to minimize future leaks.
How long does a typical faucet or fixture replacement take?
For a straightforward faucet swap, most jobs take 1–2 hours, including shut-off, removal, cleanup, and installation. Replacing a shower valve or multiple fixtures in a bathroom remodel can take 4–6 hours. If corrosion has damaged supply lines or shut-off valves, additional time may be required for pipe repairs. Our technicians always provide an on-site time estimate before work begins.
What is the average cost to replace a corroded faucet in the Monterey area?
Costs vary with fixture quality, accessibility, and any necessary pipe repairs. On average, homeowners spend $275–$450 for a mid-range kitchen or bath faucet replacement, including labor. Premium, marine-grade stainless or touchless fixtures can raise the total to $600–$850. If we must open walls to replace corroded shut-offs or supply lines, add roughly $150–$300 per hour of pipe work. We offer free written estimates so you know all costs up front.
Will replacing corroded fixtures improve water quality and reduce plumbing problems?
Yes. Corroded faucets can leach metals such as lead, copper, or zinc into your water and create rough internal surfaces that harbor bacteria. Replacing them eliminates these risks and restores proper flow rate. Installing new shut-off valves and flexible supply lines simultaneously helps prevent future leaks. Many homeowners notice clearer water, better tasting coffee or tea, and more reliable water pressure immediately after the upgrade.