It’s a question as old as time and one that has been answered more times than most people can count. What\’s the Lifespan of My Home\’s Plumbing? No one wants to think about potentially having to spend big bucks on renovations, but it is probably best to know what you are up against before problems start creeping in. It’s not just about leaks; it’s about the gradual deterioration process and the parts that may have to be replaced over time. This is a quality of life issue that many people do not even consider until they are forced to do so by the disaster.
Explore Your Pipes
Let’s first look at why pipes are different from other plumbing fixtures.
A plumber can tell you exactly when your house was built when the plumbing was installed, and when all the fixtures were replaced. There is a direct correlation between construction dates and life expectancies of plumbing fixtures. If the estimated lifespan is less than 20 years, it’s probably time for some remodeling and replacement.
One of the big differences between plumbing and fixtures is that pipes don’t break down with age. When pipes bend and flex, they create stress lines in the metal, leading to cracks. When plumbing leaks, it happens in the seal between the pipe and fixture due to thermal expansion or contraction.
The pressure at the point of origin is lost, allowing the pipe to expand or contract beyond its designed limits. When this repeatedly happens over time, pipes begin to split and develop fractures. They can then break more easily, creating leaks or small cracks that can lead to leaks in other places.
Faucets
When thinking about the lifespan of my home\’s plumbing, consider replacing faucets at least every 7 to 10 years. If the model you’re considering is out of date, it may not have all the safety mechanisms in place that newer models do. When these older faucets are turned on, they tend to take a few seconds longer to shut off because they aren’t as sophisticated as newer ones and don’t have aerators or power-saving devices. You can also say that old faucets tend to be more prone to leaks than newer models. The rule of thumb is to replace faucets every 7 to 10 years. However, the good news is that most modern faucets are guaranteed against leaks and defects for life.
Toilets
The average lifespan of a toilet is 10-12 years, with newer models claiming up to 17 years before they begin to experience problems or need replacement. By then, most of the toilet parts will likely need to be replaced anyway. Consider replacing your toilet after 10 years, or if the model you’re considering is out of date, it may not have all the safety mechanisms in place that newer models do. When these older toilets are used, they take a few seconds longer to flush because they aren’t as sophisticated as newer ones and don’t have power-saving devices or pressure-assisted valves. Plumbing waste lines will last 10 to 25 years before they need replacement, depending on the model.
Water heaters
Some older water heaters are prone to leaks and wear-and-tear because of their age and poor design. Whether it’s cracking or rusting, these models tend to leak at all operating pressures. Replacing a water heater every 5 to 10 years is generally good practice, but pay attention to any operating notes or instructions for the manufacturer when picking a replacement unit.
Water heaters can last as long as 30 years, but they probably won’t. The average life is 10 to 15 years. The good news here is that most modern water heaters are guaranteed against leaks and defects for life.
Water softeners
An older water softener will eventually need to be replaced because it becomes less efficient in removing the hardness from water over time. This is due to scale buildup on the unit’s heating coils and an inability to regenerate properly.
Water softeners should be replaced after 10 years. A salt-based system will not last longer than 10 years, but a resin-based system will last up to 15 years or longer. The average life is 10-15 years, so plan on replacing this unit at least every decade.
Sump pumps
The average lifespan of a sump pump is anywhere between 15 and 20 years, depending on whether it’s a submersible model or an ejector style (with some exceptions). This is when the pump head becomes clogged, which makes the pump run longer and need to be replaced.
Sump pumps generally last longer than everything else in your home. When you look at homes with sump pumps, they are typically built to last much longer than other plumbing fixtures (e.g., toilets).
A metallic head sump pump runs about 20 years on average, while a non-metallic head sump pump can last as long as 25 years on average.
Ceiling and wall-mounted models last longer than submersible pumps, but they are also more expensive. Also, suppose there is a chance that the sump pump could be submerged at any time (e.g., groundwater backup). In that case, you should use an ejector pump to avoid premature failure.
Because sump pumps can fail at any time, it’s a good idea to inspect them regularly or replace them when the check valve fails, the float rises warning fails, and if there are no signs of life in the well. This is very important when thinking about the lifespan of my home\’s plumbing.
Well pumps
If you have a well, you will need to replace your well pump every 7 to 10 years. This is because pumps work very hard in the wells, and the time it takes for them to run out of material and have a damaged performance is minimal.
Well pumps are less likely to last longer than plumbing and water heaters because they work harder, which means being exposed to dirt, chemicals, debris, and chemicals that eventually wear the motor down.
It doesn’t matter if you are building or remodeling your first home or the fifth. These rules of the lifespan of my home\’s plumbing are universal for every homeowner to follow. If you need any part of your home’s plumbing fixed or inspected contact us today to schedule an appointment!
