Unless you own a brand new home, you are sure to begin to wonder how many good years your home’s plumbing system has left. Of course, no one ever wants to think about the cost and undertaking of replacing fixtures and repiping, but at some point, all the essential items in your home will wear out. However, if you have an idea of the life expectancy of your plumbing system, you can be proactive and avoid some messy and costly failures.
The Water And Drain Lines
These will be the most challenging numbers to pinpoint because there are several variables. The first and most important is the type of pipe used in your home. Most main supply lines are made of brass, iron, or steel and have 50-70 years of life expectancy. Pipes made of copper offer up to 80 years of service. But PVC piping has a lifetime of 50 years or less. And all of these estimates assume a professional installation and proper care over the years. So the best way to estimate the life left in your home’s piping is a plumbing inspection from a licensed plumber.
Water Heaters
The water heater in your home is one of those unsung heroes that we all but forget about until there is an issue. But once you endure a cold shower, all you can think about is getting that unit fixed or replaced as soon as possible. Proper care is essential for the longevity of water heaters. The most crucial step in the annual service of traditional water heaters is draining the holding tank to remove the sediment. In the case of a tankless water heater, the decalcification process is a necessity. With a bit of maintenance, you can expect the following:
- Around 20 years of service from a tankless water heater
- Around 12 years of service from a traditional water heater
- Around 10 years of service from a heat pump water heater
Toilet Lifespans
A traditional toilet fixture can last for 50 years or more, but that does not mean that the internal parts will last more than a decade or so. However, once the bowl or tank deteriorates or becomes damaged, it is time to invest in a new model. But that does offer an added benefit. Toilets manufactured before 1994 used significantly more water per flush than more recent models. So updating your old commode will save you a substantial amount of water and cash each month.
Faucets
Most homeowners grow tired of the appearance of their faucet before it wears out. But in areas with high mineral content in the water, calcification can become an issue that causes fixtures and faucets to wear out or become clogged in 10 to 12 years. Rust can also be a factor if a leaking faucet is not repaired promptly.
Sump Pumps
Though this pump might see very little use most of the year, it is an essential item in your home. And one that there is no substitute for, in the event of heavy rain. Most sump pumps are estimated to last around a decade. But it is essential to test them regularly by dumping a bucket of water into the sump pit. If the pump fails to clear the pit, have it serviced or replaced quickly.
When you know that a plumbing fixture or component in your home is nearing the end of its life expectancy, it is wise to be proactive. A call to (818) 740-6830 is the best way to avoid costly and upsetting water leaks. A Turbo Plumbing & Rooter fully warrantied installation will replace the old component quickly and cost-effectively.
