Just like your plumbing system, your plumbing fixtures also have a set lifespan. At Vern’s Plumbing, we understand that it’s not always possible to know everything about your fixtures. If you’ve been needing fixture repair in Fredericksburg, VA more and more often, you might be wondering whether your plumbing fixtures are on their last legs.
Below is a list of how long certain plumbing fixtures can last.
Sinks and Faucets
Kitchen plumbing fixtures like your sink can last for as long as 50 years if it’s made of acrylic. Vessel sinks made from porcelain, stone, glass, or copper typically have a considerably shorter life span of around 20 years or so. Soapstone sinks are known to last for over a century. As for your kitchen faucet, it can last around 15 to 20 years. You can expect your bathroom sink to last pretty much around the same amount of time.
Toilets
Toilets are pretty hardy bathroom plumbing fixtures that can last around 50 years, or even a lifetime in some cases. However, if you have an older toilet that was made before the mid-1990s, you may want to replace it, not because it’s broken, but to get one that’s more water-efficient. Newer toilet models with water-saving features can help you save plenty on your water bills.
Shower and Bathtub
A shower can last around 50 years as well. If you have an enclosure-type shower, the doors can last around 20 years if they’re well-maintained. Your showerhead can also last a lifetime if you regularly maintain and clean it to remove mineral deposits from hard water. This type of plumbing fixture does need to be cleaned regularly though to keep the water flow optimal.
Most bathtubs can last between 20 and 50 years. However, it depends on the materials used. If you have a tub made of fiberglass, you can expect its lifespan to range only from 10 to 15 years.
Garbage Disposal
A standard garbage disposal has an average lifespan of around 12 years, as long as you use it properly. This means disposing of certain food scraps into the trash instead of into the disposal.
Vern’s Plumbing can provide you with expert fixture repair services when you need them. If you’d like to know which fixture replacement is right for you, give us a call and we’ll gladly go over your options with you.
