Plumbing is really the backbone of every property. We never realize how important our plumbing is until a pipe springs a leak, the hot water runs out, or your garbage disposal malfunctions. The modern conveniences of life are rarely noticed until something goes wrong. Just like everything else in your home, faucets, showerheads, and other plumbing fixtures will begin to breakdown. Do you know when is the right time to replace your plumbing fixtures? If not, continue reading to find out when is the right time to do so.

Sinks will usually last a long time, but like with most other plumbing fixtures, you should consider replacing your kitchen sink when it leaks. There is no reason to keep any plumbing that cannot retain water. Typically, stainless steel sinks last 15-25 years, Porcelain sinks last 20-30 years, and acrylic sinks may last up to 50.

Replacing a bathtub is a complex job that usually requires the assistance of a professional. For this reason, it is also a time-consuming and sometimes expensive home improvement, but a worthy one. A beautiful bathtub will not only improve your daily bathing experience but increase the value of your property, giving you great return on investment. Again, if your plumbing fixtures are leaking, that is a clear indication a replacement is needed. Also, another tell-tale sign your bathtub needs replacement is when it has become nearly impossible to clean. Bathtubs can last a lifetime, but in reality, they start to experience problems every 25 years. You can reglaze your bathtub to extend its life but usually, this will only add a few years of viable use.

How long your faucet lasts depends on the quality of your local water. If you have heavy water, it may corrode and shorten the lifespan of your water. Also, wear and tear come into play: if you live in a home with 8 people in it, your faucets (and most other appliances) will degrade at a faster rate than a small household size. Generally, the average faucet lasts around 15 years. Be sure to consider a replacement if: your faucet is leaking from the base, it is rusty, replacing other nearby appliances, or if the cost of repair is over 1/3 the cost of replacement.

Toilets are designed to be tough, durable, and long-lasting. This means the average toilet can survive up to 50 years. However, normal wear and tear relegate lifespan to a realistic number somewhere around 25 years. After a decade or two, you will experience a decrease in water efficiency, slow flushes, and more problems that may require the use of a plumber to troubleshoot. The primary reason for replacing a toilet is when the porcelain becomes cracked. Unfortunately, when a toilet becomes cracked, there isn’t much you can do. Other common reasons include a desire for a more efficient toilet, a need for a disability-friendly toilet, and if you are remodeling your bathroom.

Typically, the average water heater will last homeowners anywhere between 8 to 12 years.  Much of this depends on what kind of water heater you have. Traditional gas-powered heaters will usually start experiencing serious problems before ten years.  While electric tankless water heaters can last as long as 20 years. The following are signs that your water heater may soon need replacement: When the tank is leaking, there is rumbling noise in your tank when on, or when your water is rust-colored (may be due to piping, check out our article water heater article for more information).

The garbage disposal will need replacement if the unit is leaking, the motor will not turn on, unpleasant odors are present even after in-depth cleaning, if it takes a long time to break down waste, or if the appliance jams often. Usually, people will start experiencing problems with garbage disposals once their device reaches 10 years of age.

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