Plumbing fixtures keep working away at the tasks they were designed to do until one day they don’t. They stop working, or they break, or malfunction. Maybe they don’t work quite as well as they once did. Or they stink.
Is it time to replace them? Can it be fixed? Is it worth it?
How do you know?
Life span will vary according to how old the fixture is, how hard it has to work, and the quality of the water. Hard water can become problematic on any fixture over time because of the build-up of calcium and minerals.
One of the hardest working fixtures in your home is the electric hot water tank. It’s working all the time to maintain its temperature to be ready for the multitude of tasks it is expected to perform, daily and by numerous people in the house.
When there’s a problem, it’s noticeable. The water isn’t hot anymore. Causes can range from a burnt-out element in the tank to calcium buildup due to hard water or dirt from incoming water sources. You may also hear a cracking noise when the heater turns on.
The water in older tanks may start to smell. Replacing the anode rod will help to extend the life of the water heater. There are many different types of rods available, depending on your water source (municipal, well, lake, or river).
While municipalities are responsible for the quality of the water for residents, in non-municipal settings it is up to the homeowner. A filtration system equipped with a UV light will do the job providing the filters and UV light are replaced regularly. The water will also have to be tested from time to time to make sure everything is working properly.
If you have been living in your home for a long time, you have likely replaced a faucet or two here and there. How often depends on use. The first to go tend to be the kitchen sink taps.Tell-tale signs of a problem range from dripping water to difficulties turning the faucet off. Whether they can be fixed depends on the issue and faucet model. Sometimes the cost to repair, if parts are even available, is more than the cost to replace it.
The toilet is another hardworking fixture. It is subject to hard water build up on the parts inside the tank which could clog the toilet.
Using chemical cleaners will shorten the life of the toilet, not extend it. There are other ways to clear clogged drains that won’t damage plumbing.
Keeping chemical cleaners out of the back of the toilet, including products that colour the water, will help extend the life of the fixture.
When replacing a toilet, more people are opting to move to ‘right height’ models. These toilets have a higher bowl and are available in a variety of models and shapes such as elongated or round.
Pumps are an important part of the home plumbing system. They are used at country homes and cottages to draw water from a well, lake, or river and, where a gravity-fed septic system is not possible, a sewage pump is used to send wastewater to septic tanks and beds.
Circulating pumps are used in larger homes to keep water hot as it travels to fixtures that are too far away from the tank.
Issues with pumps can range from obstructions to a buildup of soap or grease. The float can jam, water pumps are noisier, water pressure doesn’t hold, and more.
Plumbtech Plumbing can determine what the issue is and help with the decision to fix or replace it.
