Lifespan of Your Plumbing -Houston, TX

While the pipes and fixtures in your home work very hard every day, it's not unrealistic to assume that your home's plumbing will last for decades. You can extend the life of your plumbing by taking care of it. Below is a rough estimate of how long your plumbing should last.

Knowing Your Pipes

Understanding what kind of plumbing is in your home can provide some insight into how long it will last before it starts to fail. You can find out the type and date of your plumbing system from your home inspection report or from your new home's documents and warranties. To get a true understanding of your plumbing system's viability, you can also pay for a thorough inspection.

In general, supply pipes made of brass, iron, or steel can last between 50 and 70 years, whereas copper can last between 70 and 80 years. Plastic piping has a lifespan of fewer than 50 years.

Hot Water Heaters

Every day, the water heater cranks to make sure you have a hot shower. The number of people in the house changes how long your water heater lasts, but here's an idea of how long it will last before you need to replace it.

• The lifespan of a tankless hot water heater is 20 years
• The lifespan of a traditional hot water heater is 12 years
• The lifespan of a heat pump water heater is 10 years

Toilets

Although toilets can last nearly 50 years, not all their internal components do. A toilet is a fairly simple device, but it does have a dozen moving parts. Some of the components in a toilet may have to be replaced over time, but cracked bowls or problems flushing the toilet may mean that it's time for a new one.

You might want to consider replacing your toilet if it was manufactured before 1994. Using an older toilet will cause your water bill to go up because of the extra water. 

Faucets

The kitchen faucet has evolved with smart technology and touchless technology, but we can all agree that a working faucet is essential in the kitchen. Using hard water in our homes may lead to the buildup of mineral deposits on our faucets over time. Simple cartridge repairs can fix the problem. However, if you find that your faucet is rusting or consistently leaking, it might be time for a new one. Depending on the manufacturer, the useful life of a faucet can vary, but the average is about 12 years.

Sump Pumps

A sump pump is an essential piece of plumbing in your home. Sump pumps are designed to keep your basement dry during heavy rains. They typically last for about ten years. It is a good idea to have it inspected if you suspect yours is approaching that age.

Well Pumps

The most important component for maintaining your water supply is your well pump if you live on a well. Depending on your water usage, the number of people living in the house, sediment levels, and the area's water level, well pumps can last from 8 to 15 years.

It is never a good idea to put off plumbing repairs or replacements. If the plumbing fails, there will be major home damage, and the small replacement job will turn into a major insurance claim nightmare.

If your home has been affected by water damage due to leaking plumbing, give Restoration 1 of Central Houston a call.