We rely on our plumbing systems, and every day they move large volumes of water and waste water in, out of and around your home. This is hard on the plumbing system, but it’s designed to handle the workload, and it can function well for a long time. But, like any complex system your plumbing pipes and fixtures do have useful lifespan. The gradual wear and tear will degrade the plumbing system eventually and an upgrade or replacement is needed. In this article, we will take a closer look at eight reasons why you should replace your old plumbing fixtures.
Aging plumbing fixtures tend to use more water, and this will lead to higher utility bills. If you upgrade to energy saving fixtures such as low-flow toilets, high-efficiency showerheads, energy efficient water heaters and more there are significant benefits. Many modern plumbing fixtures use less water and energy that can have a real impact on your bills. As an example: If you installed a single WaterSense faucet in your home you can save 2.2 gallons of water per minute with no loss of performance.
Using broken plumbing fixtures, dealing with leaky faucets, and trying to flush with a toilet clog blocking the sewer drain line can be an annoying experience. But, these activities also waste a large volume of water, and they lead to an expensive repair bill. A plumbing problem never gets better if it’s ignored, and it can lead to a more extensive repair later. When you replace old and worn out plumbing fixtures, you can avoid these types of problems and save more money on your utility bills. If you find that you’re constantly fixing a plumbing fixture, it’s a better idea to replace it instead.
When you want to sell your home, you will discover that new plumbing fixtures in your kitchen and bathrooms add considerable value to your property. Your budget may not cover a full remodel to sell your home, but there are affordable alternatives. Even a simple installation of a fresh faucet or an efficient shower head can make a real difference. New plumbing fixtures give a bathroom a fresh new look that is very appealing to a potential buyer. If you want to attract the top price for your home, it’s important to replace leaking fixtures and broken pipes. If you want to improve your plumbing system for a future sale, contact your local certified plumber for expert help and advice.
As the needs of a household change, there may be new fixtures needed in the bathrooms and kitchen. It is possible to improve the functionality and safety to make these spaces easier to use for your family. If you have smaller children, you may want a combination bathtub and shower to make bathing for your kids easier. A senior may benefit from a comfort-height toilet and a handrail to make them feel steadier. Adding a roll-in shower is a great way to give people with physical limitations some much needed independence when bathing.
We rely on our water heaters to deliver on-demand hot water throughout the day. This is a hard working appliance with an average useful lifespan of 12 years, but regular maintenance can help to keep the unit working until the upper range. If you can’t get sufficient volumes of hot water and leaks, it’s a good idea to call your local licensed plumber. In many cases, a simple repair can fix the problem, but if the tank is corroded or leaking badly, it may be a better idea to replace it. Even an older hot water heater that’s just starting to fail can be replaced with an energy efficient alternative. This may seem like a waste, but you can save energy and there could be rebates available to offset the purchasing and installation costs. In fact, it may be possible to recoup your entire outlay for a new hot water heater in around 3-5 years.
A toilet can work well for a long time, but it can be prone to certain problems. The internal components such as the flappers may need regular replacement every 2-3 years. Another common problem is water leaks and clogs that can be fixed. But, if these problems occur regularly, it may be a sign of a deeper problem or the toilet may need a replacement. Some basic repairs can extend the useful lifespan of your toilet, but you cannot fix a cracked bowl and a replacement is necessary. This may not be a bad thing, because modern toilets are designed to save water which reduces your utility bills. Many older toilets use 6 gallons or more per flush while a modern low-flow toilet only uses 1.6 gallons or less. In fact, if you switch to a water saving toilet, you can reduce your water bills by around $50 up to $100 per year! As you can imagine, it’s easy to recoup the purchasing and installation costs quickly.
A garbage disposal is designed to last for approximately 10 years if it is used properly and regularly maintained. An older garbage disposal that is leaking and clogging regularly isn’t worth the cost of a repair. In almost every case, it makes better economic sense to invest in a new unit with improved performance and better efficiency.
Plumbing pipes are designed to last, but they work hard and some wear and tear is inevitable. If you receive a supply of hard water, this can create scale on the inner surface of pipes which narrows them leading to a reduction in water pressure. Hard water can also corrode your plumbing pipes leading to leaks, cracks, and breaks. In some cases, a small section of pipe requires a repair or replacement, and at other times repiping or an entire replacement is necessary.
If you want to repair or replace your aging plumbing pipes and fixtures, contact your local certified plumber today.