If you are just moving into a new home, one of the things you might want to prioritize is a partial or total replacement of your plumbing fixtures. Plumbing fixtures or fittings include a wide range of plumbing hardware such as pipes, faucets, and the joints that connect these fixtures. Ensuring that these fixtures are in the best condition is important to ensure an uninterrupted water supply and properly functioning drainage system.
Like any other equipment or item in your home, plumbing fixtures have a lifespan after which they can stop working effectively or completely break down. It is therefore important to look out for the warning signs and replace them immediately. Some of the warning signs include water stains and warped ceilings, walls, and floors. Other signs may include slow draining water or strange sounds coming from the pipes.
How Often Should You Replace Your Plumbing fixtures?
It is best to replace your plumbing fixtures as soon as you start observing a decline in their effectiveness. Alternatively, you can check how old your plumbing fixtures are.
Common Plumbing Fixtures and Their Average Lifespan
The lifespan of plumbing fixtures can vary depending on a number of factors, but below are the average industry standards:
- Copper water lines: 50 years
- Traditional water heaters: 10-15 years
- Garbage Disposals: 10 years
- Washing Machines supply hoses: 3 years
- Faucets and spray hoses: 15-20 years
- Supply pipes: 40-70 years
- Brass pipes: 50-70 years
- Copper pipes: 20-30 years
- Galvanized steel pipes: 40-50years
- Well pumps: 15 years
- ABS and PVC waste pipes: 50-80 years
- PEX: 40 years
- Saunas/steam rooms: 15-20 years
- Toilet, bidets and urinals: 50 years
How To Determine If Your Plumbing Fixtures Need To Be Replaced
Sometimes, it may be quite difficult to guess when to replace your hardware especially if you don’t know how old your fixtures are. In that case, you should schedule regular (typically once a year) plumbing inspections for careful analysis of all your pipes and fixtures for possible cracks or holes.
What Are The Causes Of Plumbing Fixture Failure?
Plumbing fixtures could fail due to many reasons. Some of the top reasons include:
- Expired plumbing
- Low quality hardware
- Lack of proper and regular maintenance
- Temperature variation
- Improper installation
If your plumbing has failed due to one of the above reasons, the professional plumbers at O’Connor Plumbing can help. Contact us today!
Contact O’Connor Plumbing Today
If you are experiencing any plumbing issues in the Greater Washington Area, then one of the best plumbing service providers you can trust is O’Connor Plumbing. We have been serving residents of the Greater Washington Area since 1949 and are renowned for our unmatched expertise and excellent customer service.
We now offer virtual plumbing service options which enables you to schedule a virtual diagnosis of your fixtures with one of our reliable plumbers. This option simplifies the process of getting your plumbing fixtures examined as you can easily speak with an expert without needing physical contact. To speak with an expert about your plumbing needs, call (833) 744-4644.