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You might not think about it very often, but all the components in your plumbing system are only designed to last so long. Not only that, but you can also get improved efficiency as well as a host of new features by upgrading. However, there are some upgrades that may not add as much to your Callahan, FL, home. If you’re wondering about having a plumber make some upgrades to your plumbing system, here are the factors you need to consider.
Pipe and Fixture Age
The first and most important thing to consider if you’re thinking about upgrading your plumbing system is how old its components are. Water lines, drain lines and various fixtures all have different expected lifespans, and you don’t want a fixture or pipe holding on by a thread because you were too cheap to make an upgrade.
PVC drain lines are an interesting concept because we still aren’t quite sure how long they’re going to last. Plumbers have only been using PVC for a short time, but most people feel it will last indefinitely if it’s not physically damaged.
Copper water lines also last a very long time. Plus, professionals have used copper for long enough that we know it tends to last about 70 to 80 years, so you know when it’s time for a replacement. PEX water lines last about 40 to 50 years.
Your water heater will typically only last between 8 to 12 years, while a faucet should last 15 to 20 years. Keep the expected lifespan of plumbing components in mind when you’re deciding whether it’s worth it to upgrade your plumbing system.
What’s the Problem?
If you’re thinking about upgrading your plumbing system because of a problem, you need to consider how bad the problem is and how much it would cost to fix it. Some plumbing problems are a matter of replacing a part of a fixture, while others can’t really be fixed without replacing a fixture or a section of pipe. When you’re deciding whether or not you should upgrade your plumbing system, you should always consider the magnitude of the problems you’re dealing with.
Water heaters are a classic case of needing to be replaced rather than repaired. If a water heater tank is damaged, there’s not much a plumber can do to fix it. Even if a small hole or a bit of corrosion can be patched up, that problem is still going to rear its head at some point in the future. If you’ve got an old, corroded faucet that lacks water flow, there’s a good chance you’ll need to replace it.
Efficiency
Efficiency is another thing you have to consider if you’re thinking about upgrading your plumbing system. A lot of older fixtures and appliances use a lot more water than their modern counterparts, which means you can save a lot of money by having a plumber upgrade your home to the most efficient design. However, it’s important to figure out whether or not it’s worth spending the money on an upgrade to save money down the line.
The most important things you can upgrade when it comes to efficiency are faucets and showerheads, your water heater, your washing machine, and your dishwasher. Making these upgrades can save you a significant portion of your monthly water bill.
Features
Another reason you might want to consider upgrading to a newer fixture or appliance is the fact that you can get modern features that you won’t find in older products. For example, you can have a plumber install a faucet with a built-in sprayer so you don’t have to install a separate spray for your kitchen sink.
It’s important to remember that these additional features you may get from a new faucet aren’t necessary, but they are a nice luxury to have. You can also upgrade to a washing machine with a pre-wash basket, or have a plumber install a leak detection system so you don’t have to worry about leaks.
Preparing for the Future
If you have an older plumbing system, now is the perfect time to upgrade to newer components that help you prepare for the future. When it comes to preparing for the future, it’s important to consider efficiency and modern trends that are changing the way water and power are delivered. If you can upgrade to an ENERGY STAR certified water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine to save yourself some money on your energy bill.
You might also want to consider replacing some of the water lines and drain lines in your home if you live in an older home. The older your home is, the greater the chance that your water lines are near failing, so calling a plumber now isn’t a bad idea.
The Final Decision
Ultimately, there are a lot of factors that can help you decide if it’s time to upgrade your plumbing system. As a homeowner, you need to consider how old your current pipes and fixtures are, how efficient your plumbing system is, and whether or not there are any features you want to add to your plumbing system. If you’re not sure whether or not you should upgrade your plumbing system, you can always call a plumber and have them evaluate your home.
Give Us a Call
Your plumbing system is one of the most important parts of your Callahan, FL, home, which means it’s never a bad idea to make some upgrades. However, it can be tough to decide which repairs are worth it and which are a little more frivolous.
If you’re not sure what kind of upgrades your home needs to take it to the next level, a plumber at Bert Norman’s Plumbing can help you make the call. To find out more about some of the most popular modern plumbing upgrades or schedule an appointment, call Bert Norman’s Plumbing at (904) 225-5888.