The Average Lifespan of Common Plumbing Appliances

Kitchen Faucet

The Average Lifespan of Common Plumbing Appliances

Blog-Lifespan

Item

Average Lifespan

Signs of Problems

When to Replace

Water Heater

8 – 12 years

  • Rumbling or bumping noises from unit

  • Discolored water

  • Drop in hot water temperature

  • The unit is leaking

    		•

    To insure you don’t run out of hot water, you should replace it if any other signs are visible or if it is 8 - 12 years old

    Toilets

    If maintained: Unlimited

  • Cracked porcelain

  • Frequent clogging

  • Constant Water Running

  • Water leaking from the tank or base

    		•

    While most repairs can be made to a toilet to keep it running, (if cracked, replace) the older a toilet gets the more frequently it will need to be serviced. After a certain amount of time, it would be more economical to replace the toilet.

    Kitchen Faucets

    If maintained:

    15 – 20 years

  • Squeaking noises when water is running

  • Clanking noises when the water is running

  • Inconsistent water streams

  • Leaking water

    		•

    Leaking faucets can be repaired, however, if it is near the end of its lifespan, you will spend more money on repairs than it would cost to replace the faucet. Many times, the solution is to simply replace it with a faucet of a similar style to avoid future headaches.

    Garbage Disposals

    If maintained:

    Average 12 years

  • Leaks are coming from the bottom of the device

  • Noticed decrease in performance

  • It stops turning on

  • It consistently gets clogged

    		•

    If your garbage disposal is experiencing any of the problem signs and you’ve performed the maintenance and cleaning instructions in the user manual, it’s time to replace it.

     

    If you’ve been allowing all your food scraps to go down the garbage disposal the lifespan of the appliance will significantly decrease. All food waste should be properly disposed of, and only minor scraps should go down the garbage disposal.

    Dishwasher

    Average 10 years

  • Door won’t open, close, latch or seal properly.

  • It won’t drain or fill adequately.

  • Unfamiliar noises begin to occur during usage

  • Completes wash cycles but isn’t heating

    		•

    While relatively small fixes on a dishwasher can be inexpensive and help prolong the lifetime of the appliance, when larger issues occur, it’s usually best to consider replacing the dishwasher.  If the repairs that need to be made cost more than half of what a new equivalent dishwasher would cost – it’s time to purchase a new one.

    Washing Machine

    Average 14 years

  • Excessive noise during a cycle

  • Water does not fill the drum entirely or remains in the drum after the cycle

  • The drum stops turning during the cycle

  • The electrical panels no longer function

    		•

    Washing oversized loads in your washing machine puts unnecessary stress on the appliance.  The more oversized loads you process, the shorter the lifespan will be for your machine.

     

    If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a washing machine listed on the left or if it leaks, has a crack in the drum, has an odor that won’t dissipate, makes loud noises or has ceased to provide an efficient wash cycle – it is time to replace.

    Pipes (Copper)

    About 80 years

  • Cracks and leaks of any size or volume

  • Brown or Yellow discolored water in the bathtub

  • Signs of corrosion on the tubing, which includes discoloration, flaking, dimples or stains.

    		•

    Copper pipes are the industry standard now for most water and gas lines. Where galvanized was once used, it is now being replaced with copper.

     

    If you experience any of the symptoms listed on the left don’t hesitate to contact your local plumber. 

     

    If you are in Marin, CA, please reach out to Dan’s Plumbing and Sewer Service.

    Pipes (PVC)

    Range of 25 – 40 Years

  • Cracks and leaks of any size or volume

  • Brown or Yellow discolored water in the bathtub

  • Signs of corrosion on the tubing, which includes discoloration, flaking, dimples or stains.

    		•

    If you experience any of the symptoms listed on the left don’t hesitate to contact your local plumber. 

     

    If you are in Marin, CA, please reach out to Dan’s Plumbing and Sewer Service.

    Pipes (Galvanized)

    About 80 - 90 years

  • Cracks and leaks of any size or volume

  • Brown or Yellow discolored water in the bathtub

  • Signs of corrosion on the tubing, which includes discoloration, flaking, dimples or stains.

    		•

    Over time, galvanized pipes become increasingly corroded and can lead to poor water quality and leaks.  If you’re experiencing leaks or rust colored water and you have galvanized pipes – it’s time to replace them with copper.

     

    If you are in Marin, CA, please reach out to Dan’s Plumbing and Sewer Service.

     
    Dan Dupirak