Have a long to-do list or have trouble keeping up with household maintenance practice such as switching out plumbing fixtures? There are many running fixtures and sections that require replacements, such as in kitchens and bathrooms. However, letting it go unnoticed is a set up for disaster. Luckily, here is a guide on what type of repairs to look for and a recommendation on when it may be time for new installations. Keep in mind that proper maintenance is recommended annually to reduce the chance of a leak.
Kitchen Drain Pipe System
Over time, you may find that the pipe underneath your kitchen sink leaks. While it is very common, this problem is caused by built-up residue and can clog up and eventually rot the pipe system. You should therefore completely replace the kitchen pipe if tightening the pipe does not work or there is obvious decay in the material (water stains around or underneath countertops are also a sign of needed repair). Installations are made easy with the help of our certified professional plumbers who use special plumbing codes, cut and measure precisely for pipes such as tailpieces to fit properly and tightly secure screw pieces for joints and slip nuts. Every part of a kitchen sink plumbing system is connected so when in doubt, swap it out!
Bathroom Fixture Repairs
Bathroom fixture repairs to look for include leaky showerheads and toilets as well as clogged drains. Other fixtures such as corrosion with the bathroom metal drain ring may be as easy as needing basic fastening but should be replaced as soon as possible before a leak begins. Having a bathroom issue does not always necessarily mean completely replacing the entire fixture, but replacing the inside parts such as levers and valves that help fixtures properly function. As a rule of thumb, leaks and corrosion in your bathroom contain replaceable parts that should be replaced whenever issues become apparent. Just like kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks also require proper tightening of nuts and bolts to prevent leakage. It is possible to overtighten or not tighten it enough as leaking can still occur. It is therefore important that you hire a professional for all types of installations and bathroom fixture repairs. Solutions for bathroom repair fixtures can vary, but should only be replaced as a whole if there are no signs of sealing (which you can do yourself or have one of our professionals do it for you).
Faucets and Spigots
Faucets are some of the hardest-working fixtures in your home, and the small parts inside them wear out long before the visible body shows any age. A faucet that drips even after a firm shutoff usually has a worn cartridge, ceramic disc or rubber washer inside. Those parts are inexpensive and easy to replace, often without removing the faucet itself.
The full faucet typically lasts 10 to 20 years before the body itself needs to be replaced. Plan on replacement once you start to see corrosion eating into the finish, the swivel feels loose at the base or hot and cold no longer mix smoothly. Outdoor spigots have a shorter life, especially in coastal areas where salt air accelerates corrosion on the brass and chrome.
Toilets and the Parts Inside Them
The toilet itself can last 30 years or more, but the parts inside the tank are designed to be replaced. The flapper, fill valve and flush handle each have their own service life, and they’re cheap to swap. A flapper that’s gone soft or warped is the single most common cause of a running toilet, and replacing one takes about ten minutes with a wrench.
Plan on full toilet replacement only when:
- The bowl or tank itself has a crack, even a small one
- The toilet wobbles even after the bolts have been retightened, suggesting the flange below has rotted out
- You’re dealing with frequent clogs in a low-flush toilet from the early 1990s, when the technology was still catching up
- You’re remodeling and want to upgrade to a more efficient model
- Mineral staining and scale have permanently discolored the porcelain
Supply Lines and Shutoff Valves
The flexible supply lines that run from the wall shutoff to the toilet, sink or washing machine wear out faster than most people realize. Rubber lines start to crack at the bend after about five years. Braided stainless lines hold up longer, but the connectors at each end can develop a slow weep over time. A failing supply line is one of the more common causes of overnight water damage, since they tend to fail when no one is around to catch them.
The shutoff valves at each fixture also age out. The old multi-turn ones can seize up over the years, especially if they’ve never been used. The newer quarter-turn valves are easier to operate and more reliable, and replacing the old ones during any larger project is usually worth the small added cost. Check shutoffs every six months by closing each one fully and reopening it. Any valve that won’t close, won’t reopen or leaks during the test should be replaced.
Showerheads and Aerators
Showerheads and faucet aerators clog up with mineral deposits long before they fail mechanically. If your shower used to feel strong and now sprays unevenly, the heads themselves are usually the issue, not the plumbing behind them. Soaking in white vinegar overnight clears most buildup. Heavily clogged units can be replaced for less than the cost of a service call.
Hard water on the Mississippi Gulf Coast accelerates this kind of buildup. Plan on cleaning showerheads and aerators every six months and replacing them every five to seven years, sooner if you’ve never had them serviced.
Water Heater
The water heater is one of the largest fixtures in any home and one of the most expensive to replace, so timing matters. A standard tank water heater lasts 8 to 12 years on average. Tankless units often last 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance. Both should be inspected once a year by a professional, with a flush of the tank or a descaling of the tankless unit included.
Replace the water heater before it fails outright if you can. The signs that point to a coming replacement include a slow rust-colored tinge to the hot water, rumbling or popping noises during heat-up, water visibly pooling around the base or repair bills that are starting to add up.
An Annual Walk-Through Checklist
Once a year, walk the house with a flashlight and check each of these:
- Every supply line for cracks, bulges or moisture
- Every shutoff valve, by closing and reopening
- Every faucet for slow drips when fully closed
- Every drain by running water and watching the speed
- The water heater for any moisture, rust or unusual sounds
- The toilet tank for any internal parts that look discolored or worn
- The base of every toilet for movement or staining on the floor
Most fixture replacements are straightforward when they’re planned. The expensive surprises happen when the same parts are ignored long enough to fail.
If your plumbing needs to be repaired, contact ASAP Plumbing today at 228-865-2727 or visit www.plumbinggulfportms.com and request a free estimate! We can handle all your plumbing needs including installation, repair, and full water heater replacement.