How Often Should I Replace My Plumbing Fixtures?

Aging pipes and piping need immediate attention. Sure, they are still functioning, but faulty components can also affect the performance of your fixtures. These fixtures may have already reached their expected life cycle. If there are indications of failure, it only means that you need to replace them as soon as possible.

The Importance of Knowing The Life Expectancy Of Your Plumbing Fixtures

Issues with your pipe materials are so easy to overlook. You will never know their impact on your property until you are faced with a plumbing problem. Piping materials have to be well taken care of.

While they have a long lifecycle, it does not necessarily mean that you should not pay attention to them. When you bought your home, you would receive an inspection or appraisal report. It should give you the details of your piping material.

For copper pipes, you can expect them to last more than 50 years. Brass pipes last  40 to 45 years while cast iron has the longest lifespan of up to 100 years.

If you intend to use PVC piping, you have to keep in mind that its lifecycle is indefinite.

It might seem like piping materials with long lifecycles need little to no maintenance, but you still need to take fittings, pipe joints and other mechanical components into consideration. They are the ones that connect your plumbing fixtures. Compromised connections are the primary reasons for leaks.

Signs You Need To Replace Your Plumbing Fixtures

Obviously, corrosion, pipe cracks, and leaks are also signs of a failing plumbing fixture. But you will still have to look for other signs by checking your water tubing. There might be an indication of leaks that you cannot afford to ignore.

If you have low water pressure, it only means that you have a clogged drain. If the piping produces a rattling sound, it only means that the blockage traps air. Mold or dampness is an indication of a leaking pipe.

Water inefficiency can become a serious plumbing problem when left unchecked. If you have old toilets, bathroom faucets or shower heads, you might want to consider replacing them with low-flow models.

New models can reduce your water consumption as they only require a smaller fraction of water. The best part is that you are saving water without sacrificing quality. The most efficient toilets only use approximately 1.28 gallons per flush.

Another reason to replace your plumbing fixtures is when you want to upgrade to a modern bathroom or kitchen. If you find white to be boring, you can also consider other shades such as beige. Once you replace your old plumbing fixtures, your kitchen or bathroom will be able to achieve that modern look and feel.

Although most fixtures have a long lifespan, it does not mean they will remain fully functional even after a few decades of using them. Aging piping has reduced functionality. These problems may range from noisy water flow and chronic leaks.

Should You Replace or Repair?

Once you discover that your plumbing fixtures are failing, you have two options to explore: replace or repair. If you intend to dislodge materials trapped in your pipes or replace faulty fixtures, it may not require the help of a professional plumber.

However, if you are unsure of the proper way to carry out these tasks, it is still imperative that you get a reliable plumber. While repair can suffice, renovating your bathroom or kitchen should involve replacing your plumbing fixture to make sure they are functioning efficiently.  Replacement keeps the cost low.

DIY Or Call A Plumber?

More often than not, homeowners try to save money by doing the plumbing projects themselves. However, there are tasks that should only be left to plumbers to ensure proper installation or repair. If you still insist on tackling the plumbing project yourself, you might end up facing more expensive issues.

If you want to reroute or remodel your pipe, you need a licensed plumber to do the job. It might seem like an easy job but the overall process can be very challenging, which makes the process even more time-consuming. If pipes are not installed properly, it may also lead to bigger issues such as wall leaks.

You will need to leave serious leaks and drain clogs to the experts. Snake tools and plungers may do the trick, but more serious plumbing problems need to be resolved by a professional plumber. You might perceive it as a small problem, but once diagnosed, it is in fact, a larger problem.  You can make your life more convenient if you call a licensed plumber to put an end to your plumbing concern.

Reference:
If you are looking for an experienced team, Arlington plumber can definitely help you with your plumbing projects.

other valuable readings:

5 Home Plumbing Jobs You Can’t Ignore

6 Basic Plumbing Tips That Will Keep Your Pipes Clean And Clear

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