What to Do If Your Watermark Faucet Gets Damaged
As homeowners, we love and care for our space and want to make sure every aspect is in perfect working order — even down to our carefully selected faucets. For those reading this, you’re either a proud Watermark loyalist or considering becoming one, and therefore understand the lengths to which we’d all go to protect and maintain beautiful faucetry.
Despite all the care in the world, uncontrollable and unforeseen things can happen, leading to repairs or replacements and leaving us wondering, “what to do if my faucet gets damaged?” Rest assured, there’s a solution.
Check the Warranty and Contact Us
Before you do anything, check your Watermark limited lifetime warranty. We offer a lifetime limited warranty that covers most damage for registered faucets. This even includes damage to the finish of your Watermark faucet.
Any damage that requires replacement or repair needs to be completed by an authorized repair service as stated in the warranty. Having any repairs or replacements completed by an unauthorized service could void the warranty and risk sub-par service.
Types of Damage
There are various types of damage that can happen; some as a result of poor maintenance and some from unforeseen circumstances. Knowing the type of damage will help determine what type of repair is needed.
Leaking Tap
Leaking taps are one of the most common types of damage (and the most annoying). Thankfully, this is generally caused by cartridge damage and can be an easy repair accomplished by oneself. There are some faucets, however, that do require an approved Watermark service professional so it’s best to check your warranty or call us first.
If you have a faucet type that you can repair yourself, follow these steps:
- Shut off the water by the valve under the sink. Then, turn on the faucet and let the remaining water run out.
- Next, gently remove the handle. Sometimes there will be a screw behind the handle and sometimes it will be on top under a screw cover. Gently lever this off with a flat screwdriver, ensuring the finish isn’t damaged. Unscrew the screw and gently remove the handle.
- Once the handle is removed, take a crescent wrench and loosen the packing nut. The cartridge should come free fairly easily by lifting it up and out of the faucet. Sometimes however, this cartridge can only be removed via a special tool. Again, it’s best to contact us if this is the case.
Before installing the new cartridge, ensure the area is clean and dry. Inspect and replace any O-rings or other elements of the assembly and replace or repair as needed. Finally, insert the new cartridge and reattach the faucet handle.
Again, this may not be a solution for all faucets, so before attempting this yourself, check your warranty and contact us.
Damaged Components
If there is a component damaged in the faucet assembly, this can be something as easy as a handle or cartridge replacement, or it could be something more complicated that requires an approved service dealer to inspect and diagnose. In these situations, it’s best to check your warranty and contact us.
Mineral Deposits
Mineral deposits are just a fact of life. Over time, as the water runs through the faucet, it will leave behind microscopic mineral particles, depending on the quality of the water and the region in which you live.
These particles can build up, creating plaque that can clog the faucet or create water pressure issues. Plaque needs to be removed, and thankfully, depending on the extent of the plaque, this is a simple job and one that should be part of regular maintenance of your faucet.
If the plaque isn’t to the extent that the faucet needs replacement, cleaning it is a matter of an acidic home remedy: house-hold white vinegar. Take a plastic bag and fill it 50% with water and 50% with the white vinegar, wrap it around the faucet with a rubber band until the built up parts are submerged. Leave on for a few hours and rinse.
If there are smaller components that, if removed, won’t void the warranty, then do the same with these. Alternatively, you can use a soft sponge (not the abrasive side) and remove the build-up with white vinegar.
Extensive mineral buildup is a bit trickier and may even require a full replacement.
Odd Noises or Water Pressure Issues
Have you ever turned on your faucet and heard loud noises or had spurting water instead of a solid stream? This may indicate an issue with either the faucet or a plumbing issue that is far more complex to fix, like strapping down plumbing lines. We strongly suggest checking your warranty and contacting an approved service representative who can help you address the issue.
Oftentimes, spraying or spurting water occurs due to a clogged screen that covers the tip of the faucet, known as an aerator. Again, check your warranty, and if you are in doubt, contact us. Generally, though, this is a quick fix — just remove the aerator, clean it, and replace it.
Handle Squeaks
Squeaky handles, like a leaky tap, are a huge annoyance. Homeowners should check that there is no metal to metal contact, which could be causing this frustrating sound.
Fixing this will require opening up the faucet assembly and applying plumbers grease to the handle stem, so just like other repairs, it’s best to check your warranty.
Living Finishes
Living finishes have gained popularity in recent years and refer to a finish that isn’t sealed in the traditional sense. Living finishes are allowed to age naturally and change over time — often leading to a vastly different look 6-12 months after purchase.
But what happens with the process is happening too quickly or not quickly enough?
When the finish of your faucets changes too rapidly, don’t worry; there is a home remedy for that: petroleum jelly or grease. Once a thin layer is applied on the living finishes, the aging process slows down. The lubricant acts as a waterproof barrier to the elements, thus giving your finish more time to shine.
If your finish isn’t aging quickly enough, there are several methods online to expedite this process. Just be sure to test whatever method you choose on a smaller section before treating the entire fixture.
Ongoing Maintenance
Overall, proactively maintaining your Watermark faucet will mitigate a lot of damage and untimely wear and tear. This begins with ensuring the faucet is installed properly by a Watermark-approved service professional. An incorrect installation job leads to problems and may void the warranty.
Ongoing cleaning is essential for anything to work properly, and Watermark faucets are no exception to this. For a list of maintenance suggestions, including regular cleaning with soft cloths, read through our FAQs.
Ready to Get Started?
We know your home is important to you. All the little details that make up your home are worth the care and love you put into them. That’s why we want to help ensure your Watermark faucet is in top shape so you can continue enjoying your home.
If you want to see more of our products, take a look at our Instagram for more inspirational pictures. Also, check out our faucet designer to create your own unique look for your home!