Because it's a new year, and many of us are in the process of reviewing the previous year and making resolutions, we thought this would be an excellent time to talk about anticipating future plumbing needs. Many problems can be warded off by using wise preventative measures, but sooner or later, something is going to break. By analyzing the current state of your plumbing, you may be able to circumvent a plumbing failure or be ready when a problem does occur. Here are some of the ways a homeowner can be aware of their future plumbing needs:
Water heater
Plumbing technology is developing at a phenomenal rate, coinciding with the interest in reducing consumption without sacrificing quality.
The water heater is one of the most frequently used appliances in your home. There are ways to give a water heater a longer life, primarily by periodically draining it according to the manufacturer's directions. We also highly recommend replacing the anode rod located inside the water heater every 18-24 months. Even so, at between eight and twelve years, repairing most water heaters is only delaying the inevitable. Once your water heater is ten years old, you may want to replace it before it stops working or set aside the funds to replace it. When the hot water becomes noticeably cooler, it begins making grumbling or popping noises, offers rusty water, or even if the water starts to seem 'extra hot,' the water heater needs to be replaced. Tankless heaters will last a little longer but also need to be maintained.
Pipes
Unless you live in an older home (over 70 years), pipelines may need to be repaired, but probably don't need whole-house replacement. Drain lines can last longer than supply lines, which are under constant pressure. The exception is when the integrity of drain lines is compromised due to tree roots or something else disturbing them, such as a flood or other natural disaster. PVC pipes will last 25+ years. Cast iron lasts even longer at 80+ years.
Fixtures
The life of fixtures often depends on water quality. Homes with a water softener will find their fixtures last longer because the scale buildup that can ruin them isn't a problem. Most faucets can also be repaired. The reason many people buy new fixtures is that they either get tired of the old ones or they want faucets with more unique features, such as a Smart fixture, a pull-down sprayer, touchless, a touch to operate or speak-to-operate function. As technology evolves, you may be one who decides that both the convenience and value of these newer fixtures are worthwhile.
It's also a wise idea to exercise the valves beneath fixtures every year so they won't become overly corroded, leak, or fail to work if the need arises.
Water softener
Maintenance is the key to the life of a water softener. But, it also depends on how much use it gets. Generally, the harder the water, the more demands on the water softener, and the lower the length of time it will last. The good news is that new water softeners are much more efficient and sometimes even self-adjusting. If your water softener is more than fifteen years old, it's time to earmark funds for a new one.
Garbage disposal
A busy family can grind the life of their garbage disposal away by misusing it. But, a well-cared-for unit can last about ten years. Clogs, the need to reset it frequently, a leak, or a bad smell that can't be cleaned away are signs your garbage disposal needs to be replaced.
It has probably become apparent that proper care is the secret to longer-lasting plumbing components. While all things eventually need to be replaced, caring for the system and keeping a close eye on elements as they come to the end of their life will prevent the savvy homeowner from experiencing unnecessary plumbing disasters. If you need an excellent plumbing crew to help you with plumbing issues, we're here to help!
If you need an honest, dependable plumber in the Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe or Chandler area, call Jimmy at 480-757-1273.
