When to Replace Your Plumbing Fixtures

Has the toilet in your home been installed for over 50 years? Are you starting to notice leaks in your shower head or cracks in your tub’s porcelain? Wear and tear is natural, but if you let them get out of control, they can turn into larger problems.

You are more likely to experience water damage when you continue using plumbing fixtures and appliances even when they are malfunctioning. Water damage can lead to irreparable harm to your home, property, and equipment. Additionally, if water seeps into the wrong places, it can cause mold to grow or contaminate the water that you drink and shower with.

No matter what plumbing fixture is causing issues in your home, it’s best to know what to look out for so you can properly replace them when necessary. The most common fixtures that need to be replaced after years of use are:

• Bathtubs
• Showers
• Trench Drains
• Sinks
• Toilets
• Terminal Valves for Ice Makers
• Water Heaters

Cracked Porcelain on Toilet

With proper care, toilets can last well over 50 years, meaning you may only need to replace a toilet once, depending on your housing situation. The only exception is if you are wanting to update your toilet for aesthetic reasons, or if you’re looking for something that is more comfortable or has more features than your current toilet does.

If the porcelain of your toilet cracks, there may be toilet repairs that will temporarily resolve the issue. However, once a crack appears, the water pressure will put more and more stress on it, causing it to grow bigger. If you notice this on your toilet, it’s best to have a professional quickly replace the plumbing fixtures in the bathroom.

If the issue goes on for a long time without being attended to, the toilet can break, causing dirty water to flood throughout your bathroom. Reach out to a plumbing professional who can help you choose a proper unit for your bathroom and install it for you so you can avoid a plumbing emergency in the future.

Inefficient Toilet

There are many signs it’s time to replace your toilet for something that’s more efficient. If your toilet isn’t flushing or is showing any other issues beyond cracked porcelain, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Water is becoming more and more expensive, which means when you flush your toilet, you may be flushing extra cash down the drain as well.

Even if your toilet is functioning normally, if you see a rise in your water bill, you may be better off with a new, energy-efficient toilet. Modern toilets are designed to appropriately flush a specific amount of water per flush, saving you money.

Leaky Faucets

At least once in your lifetime, you have probably dealt with the annoyance of a leaky faucet. While these may not be the most serious and dangerous of plumbing issues, they can severely increase your energy bills and lead to further problems down the road.

Some of the most common causes of leaky faucets include:

• Worn-out washers
• Damaged O-rings
• Loose or worn-out valve seats
• Corroded or damaged faucet parts
• High water pressure
• Improper installation
• Mineral deposits or sediment buildup
• Cracked or damaged pipes
• Aging or deteriorating faucet components

Together, these issues can lead to costly damage to your overall plumbing system, which is why you may need to consider replacing the faucet. If you find that your faucet still leaks after replacing the stem or cartridge, contact a professional plumber immediately.

Broken Shower Hoses

While a shower hose can offer a certain level of convenience, it’s also more vulnerable to strain because of how often it is used.

If you start to notice cracks, leaks, or dents in the hose, it’s best to replace it with a new, durable model. If the hose is damaged and is still in use, it can burst, causing a flood in your bathroom and damage to your pipes.

No matter what plumbing fixture replacement services you need in the Sacramento Valley and Roseville, California, area, our experienced plumbers are here to help. We can help you find new, reliable, and affordable plumbing fixtures for your home. Contact us today.