We all want our home’s plumbing components to last as long as possible, and while maintenance and repair can extend the life of your plumbing, there comes a time when fixtures like toilets, pipes, and water heaters will need to be replaced. 

Below, we share the average lifespan of our most used plumbing components, their typical lifespan, and how to know if it’s time for them to be replaced. 

Toilets

Considering that the average lifespan of a toilet is 50 years, you might have some time before it needs to be replaced. But here’s the thing: toilets consist of many different components, and when one breaks, it can sometimes cost less to replace the entire toilet than repair it. Should you notice a crack in the toilet itself, you’ll need to invest in a new one. 

Another thing to consider is older toilets use more water. If your toilet is 30 years or older, we recommend replacing it to save water, which might help you save on your monthly bill. 

Faucets

Most faucets last about 12 years. And sometimes, it costs more to repair a faucet than to replace it – but not always. Common faucet issues that require repair include the buildup of materials from hard water and general wear and tear. 

We recommend regularly cleaning your faucets with a solution that kills mineral buildup, replacing cartridges in cartridge-style faucets, and trying DIY faucet repair before buying new ones. 

Pipes

Not sure what material your pipes are made from? Check the warranty if your home is new or the home inspection report. This is important information because the longevity of your pipes depends on their material. 

Here’s the general lifespan of the most popular pipes: 

Water heaters

Don’t learn the hard way that your water heater is past its prime. Wait too long to replace your vintage model, and you could find yourself mopping up quite a bit of water if it breaks. While your water heater may last longer if only a couple of people use it daily, here’s a general idea of how long it should last based on type.

Sump pumps

You probably don’t see it daily but make no mistake – your sump pump is essential to your plumbing. It’s responsible for collecting and removing water that pools in the basement, and should it not function properly, it could put your basement at risk of flooding. 

You should have your sump pump inspected once every year to gauge its condition and see if it’s getting close to the time it needs to be replaced. Most sump pumps last an average of 10 years. 

Need to know more about your pipes or wondering about the condition of your plumbing components? Let the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter know. We can inspect your home’s plumbing and let you know if its time for some replacements or repairs.   Contact  us, we always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

When it comes time to hire a plumber, make sure you choose one that puts you, the customer, first. At Allied Reddi-Rooter, we’ve been helping Cincinnati homeowners and businesses with all their plumbing needs for 70 years, so we know a thing or two about customer service and what it takes to be a great plumbing company. 

Take a look at our tips below on what to look for in a plumber. Whether you’ve got a clogged drain or need sump pump installation, every job – no matter how big or small – should be a priority for the plumbing company you choose. 

No upselling. Ever. The best, most reputable plumbers never upsell. They’ll assess the problem and quote you a cost to fix it (including labor). When you receive the bill, it should be for the amount you were quoted. If it isn’t, or if the plumber suddenly tells you that you need more work than they originally thought, they’re probably trying to upsell you. 

They quote over the phone. The best plumbing companies are happy to provide you with a quote over the phone. In fact, at Allied Reddi-Rooter, our team provides over-the-phone quotes for about 95% of our jobs. 

Onsite quotes at no-cost, no problem. In the event that we can’t provide a quote over the phone, especially if the job is complex or extremely large, our team can visit the site and provide a quote at no cost to the customer. 

They offer 24/7 service, 365 days a year. Reputable plumbing companies care about their customers and will never make them wait for a plumbing repair. That’s why we’re available 24/7, every day of the year for our customers. So, if your kitchen sink clogs while you’re cooking on Thanksgiving Day, rest assured you can call us, and we’ll come by to save the day (or at least unclog the drain). 

No waiting. When you schedule service with Allied Reddi-Rooter, we can usually show up within a two-hour window. Good plumbers never make you wait all day for the plumbing services you need. Simply put, we work on your time, not ours.     

They’ve got experience. When you call a plumbing company, ask them how long they’ve been in business and how much experience and training the plumbing team has under their tool belts. Allied-Reddi Rooter, for example, has been in business since 1950 and our technicians have decades of plumbing experience. 

And they’re happy to share their knowledge. The best plumbing companies love serving their community and readily offer plumbing advice, including tips on doing DIY plumbing and how to avoid the need for plumbing repairs. At Allied Reddi-Rooter, we regularly update our blog with helping articles (like this one!) to keep our customers informed. 

Customers leave them great reviews. Before you invest your money, invest a little of your time checking Google reviews, as well as reviews on Facebook and places like Yelp to see what people are saying about the plumbing company you’re considering hiring. Look closely at reviews, including how many “middle of the road” reviews they’ve got. Make sure to choose a plumbing company, like Allied Reddi-Rooter, that has plenty of five-star reviews. 

Of course, once you do receive great service, make sure to write your own review. If you’ve got a Gmail address you can leave a review on Google. And, if you’re on Facebook, you can leave a review there, provided the plumbing company has a Facebook page, too. 

Remember: if a plumbing company tries to upsell you, look elsewhere the next time you need a plumber. Better yet, give the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter a call or Contact us. We’ve been helping Cincinnati homeowners with all their plumbing needs, and are here to help you with yours, too. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.  You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask us a question.