When water pipes burst or leak, the damage is unparalleled.
If you’re trying to avoid this problem in your home, try figuring out the lifespan of your plumbing. Besides determining the age of your pipes, you can also evaluate the condition of your home’s plumbing to figure out how soon it will need replacing.
Before you plumb the kitchen and bathrooms, check out these tips for deciding if it really needs work.
Toilet Plumbing Replacement
Inspect the toilet for cracks or damage if plumbing a bathroom is on your to-do list this season.
Replacing the toilet isn’t really a problem if there aren’t any cracks. If you have some tough stains you can’t remove, you may want to update the stool for a better aesthetic, but it’s not required.
You may have to do repairs and regular maintenance sooner than that, though. The wax seal may need replacing after about 20 years.
If it won’t flush without holding the handle down you may need to replace the handle. Other signs it needs replacement are running water or having to jiggle the handle to get the water to stop running.
Outdoor Plumbing Replacement
Any pipes that run to or through your house don’t usually need replacing until they’re at least 80 years old. Supply pipes and drain lines are both long-lasting and aren’t something to worry about. If you’re searching, “What is a plumbing line?” then consult with an expert about how old they think your pipes are and whether they need replacing.
While a natural disaster can destroy your plumbing, it’s unusual. You could also have tree roots grow through pipes. However, these aren’t typical problems you’ll have to worry about.
Plumb the Kitchen: Replacement Timeline
The sink is where most of your kitchen pipes go. The sink itself should last for many years, although you may want to update it for style. Porcelain sinks can, but otherwise, they should last for 50 years or more.
Your garbage disposal will only last about 10 years, though. If you notice any smells that linger or if the disposal has trouble breaking down food, you may want to check into replacing it sooner.
Your dishwasher should last about 9-12 years, depending how you use it. With regular maintenance, it may have no trouble reaching the further end of that range, although you may want to start saving for a new one sooner.
General Plumbing Updates Around the House
You can update your household plumbing anytime you’re ready for a change. While toilets and faucets are long-lasting, you may want to replace them to fit your current style preferences. Plumbing a toilet isn’t everyone’s favorite job, but it can help your home look more modern.
More energy-efficient plumbing becomes available as technology changes. Whether you want a toilet that uses less water to flush or an eco-friendly hot water heater, taking good care of the environment is a priority for many homeowners.
Plumbers may also recommend replacing faucets and other fixtures if they are under constant repair or if they reach a point where they can’t repair them any longer.
Do I Need New Plumbing?
Now that we’ve answered your questions about whether you need to plumb your house, you should be able to tell if the current plumbing is sufficient.
Make sure to check with an expert to confirm your suspicions before you make your final decision. If you choose replacement for style reasons, then you don’t need to worry about the age of the pipes and fixtures.
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