Preventative plumbing maintenance is something that every homeowner should engage in, regardless of how old their property may be.
Every aspect of your home’s plumbing has a “useful lifespan,” which determines how long each system lasts before it comes time for a replacement. Different materials have different lifespans, though, and it’s essential to understand these different timelines, so you know which parts of your home need the most attention to prolong their utility to you.
Here’s an overview of how long you can expect your regular plumbing fixtures to work for you:
The Hot Water Heater
Water heaters add an incredible amount of comfort to your everyday life, but they can also be a nightmare when they break down. The good news is that you generally need to replace them only once every ten to twenty years, depending on the type of water heater you own. For example, traditional water heaters have a lifespan of 10-15 years, while tankless water heaters can last 20+ years with good care and maintenance.
The Pipes
Your pipes are the core of your plumbing system, and the kind of material used to manufacture them ends up being the critical factor in how long they’ll last.
If the pipes that supply your home are made of brass, iron, or steel, you can expect them to remain strong for 50 to 70 years before they need to be replaced. Copper is the best option, with a lifespan of 70 to 80 years, and PVC is a great alternative, with an average lifespan of ~50 years.
It’s worth noting that lead, polybutylene, Orangeburg, and black iron pipes should be replaced immediately, even if they have not reached the end of their useful life.
Sump Pumps
With summer rainfall usually being the heaviest, it’s important to consider a crucial piece of your plumbing: the sump pump.
Depending on the frequency and amount of rainfall that your area receives, a sump pump usually needs to be replaced every ten years. You may want to opt to change it with this degree of regularity, as the last thing anyone wants is to find out their sump pump is broken only after their basement is flooded.
To find out more about the lifespan of your plumbing, schedule a plumbing inspection by calling Guardian Plumbers today!
