When it comes to plumbing, fixtures are a necessary component of the system. But like any other equipment in your home, plumbing fixtures have a limited lifespan and can start to wear down over time. Knowing when you should replace these components is key to keeping your plumbing system running smoothly.

Signs your plumbing fixtures need replacing. 

Identifying when it's time for plumbing fixtures to be replaced is a puzzle, but if you pay heed to the indicators that your existing ones are not in their peak form anymore, then you'll have an easier time deciding. If any of the following issues arise, it may be wise to consider replacing your plumbing fixtures: water leaking from faucets, weak-to-no pressure in showerheads and sinks, puddles of suspiciously discolored water near drainpipes; slow draining sinks; freezing in cold temperatures; loud banging or clanking pipes; brownish hued water coming out of taps. Additionally, should you observe corrosion in your piping system. 

What are the causes of plumbing fixture failure?

Your plumbing fixtures could fail for any reason. Top reasons.

• Expired plumbing- plumbing fixtures have a lifespan and should be replaced according to the manufacturer's recommendations for use.
•  Improper installation- plumbing fixtures need to be installed correctly for them to work properly. Any mistakes made during the installation process can cause plumbing fixture failure.
• Aging plumbing - plumbing systems get older over time, which can lead to plumbing fixture failure.
• Low-quality hardware- plumbing fixtures made from lower-quality materials can easily wear out and become prone to plumbing fixture failure. No matter what the cause, plumbing fixtures should be replaced when they start to show signs of wear and tear or if they are no longer functioning correctly.
• Lack of proper and regular maintenance- plumbing fixtures should be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure they remain in working order. Replacing plumbing fixtures can seem like an intimidating task, but it doesn't have to be.
• Temperature variation- plumbing fixtures can be damaged if they are exposed to extreme temperatures for long periods.

The lifespan of plumbing fixtures.

• Pipes- The plumbing system of your home relies heavily on pipes, as these are the structures that transfer water to other fixtures. Thus, you need to be aware of what kind of materials were used in creating them; certain components possess a longer lifespan than others.  PVC pipes, the most popular type of pipe material, can survive for a whopping 50 years with proper maintenance. Steel, iron or brass piping will last approximately 50 to 70 years whereas copper pipes are incredibly durable and may even outlive you at 80+ years! However, predicting the longevity of your pipes can be quite difficult. It all boils down to when they were constructed and what material was used for their production. The added complexity of each home having its unique plumbing system makes it even harder to gauge how long one's piping will last.
• Toilets- An awesome asset of modern toilets is that they can last up to 50 years - notwithstanding their many interior components, which may need replacing during their lifespan. If you're concerned about your rising water bills and think it's related to your toilet, take a look at the manufacturing date; if it was made before 1994, then there's a high chance that more water is being used than necessary. Replacing such an old model with one from this century could help save significantly on utility expenses!
• Faucets and Sinks-Plumbing fixtures, including sinks and faucets, can endure for a considerable amount of time as long as they have been maintained properly. An experienced plumber is capable of fixing any minor problem that may arise from undamaged plumbing hardware. Generally speaking, when the material quality is top-notch, and no structural damage has taken place; you can expect your sink to serve its purpose for up to a maximum of 15 - 20 years!

If you believe your plumbing fixtures need replacing, repair or a makeover, look no further than Duncan Plumbing. From all the new features that we offer to our reliable customer service team - rest assured that your needs will be met with us! So don't hesitate and give us a call now.