Nothing lasts forever. Whether it’s a coffee maker, couch, or even a plumbing fixture, eventually it will wear down and need to be replaced. A big part of a plumber’s job is helping our customers determine whether it makes more sense to repair or replace a plumbing fixture near the end of its lifespan.
Most of us don't know the typical life span for the most common plumbing fixtures, but here's some general guidelines to keep in mind. This knowledge allows you to make informed decisions about necessary repairs, replacements, and budgeting for these eventualities.
Plumbing Pipes
The lifespan of your plumbing pipes can vary significantly depending on what materials they’re made of. For example, copper is widely utilized in plumbing due its long lifespan, typically 70-80 years. Brass pipes can last a bit longer, around 80-100 years, though they aren’t as widely used due to their lead coating that can seep into your water over time.
If you have an older home, you might have steel or cast-iron pipes, which usually last 80-100 years but are more susceptible to rust. PVC pipes don’t rust, but that comes at the cost of a significantly lower lifespan, around 20-40 years.
Other factors such as water quality, pressure, and installation quality can also impact a pipe's longevity. In some cases, you may experience leaks, blockages, or erosion issues, all of which can be rectified with a repair. However, frequent repairs may signal that it's time for a total replacement to prevent larger and more costly problems down the line.
Hot Water Heaters
Hot water heaters play a vital role in our daily routines, from the morning showers to dishwashing after dinner.
The lifespans of hot water heaters can vary depending on their type. On average, tankless water heaters last significantly longer than their traditional tank counterparts at around 20 years. Some can even push 25 to 30 with regular maintenance. A tank water heater, on the other hand, usually caps out at around 10-12 years.
Hot water heaters might require occasional repairs, such as replacing heating elements or solving thermostat issues. But if your water heater has reached the end of its lifespan, has severe corrosion, or frequently requires fixes, then new water heater installation might be the most economical and efficient solution.
Faucets
You can clean your faucets religiously, but as time goes on, they become more and more susceptible to rust due to mineral buildup. Eventually, the time will come that they simply can’t hold out. Typically, this is around 12 years or so. But they can last even longer with proper care and high-quality parts.
If your leaky faucet is constantly dripping or you notice extensive wear and tear, it might be time to consider faucet repair or replacement. While simple repairs can effectively prolong the life of your faucet, a new faucet installation may be a more cost-effective and visually appealing choice, especially when upgrading your interior design.
Toilets
Toilets tend to have a pretty hefty lifespan of around 50 years. Granted, the dozen or so parts that make up the toilet’s internal mechanisms can fail at any time, but the unit itself should last you quite a while. The only big exception is if your toilet bowl cracks, in which case replacement is the best option.
Frequently, toilets encounter issues like continuous running or leaking, most of which can be fixed without replacing the entire unit. However, if you're dealing with persistent issues or an older, inefficient model, upgrading to a modern, water-saving toilet could be a wise investment.
Understanding the lifespan of these plumbing fixtures can guide you in your decision-making process when it comes to repairs or replacements. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can often extend the life of your fixtures, potentially saving you money in the short term.
But remember, when the cost of continuous fixes outweighs the price of a new fixture or when efficiency or safety is compromised, replacement becomes the more prudent option.
The decision between repair and replacement is a balancing act. We encourage consulting with a professional plumber to help evaluate the current condition of your fixtures, potential repair costs, and the benefits of a new installation.
At United Plumbing, we are more than happy to help you make an informed decision and ensure the longevity and reliability of your plumbing system.
Whether you’re looking to remove old plumbing fixtures, install new ones, or tackle any sort of plumbing-related job, you can call on the professional services of United Plumbing in Springfield, Missouri for help any time.