Plumbing 101: Is It Time to Replace Your Bathroom Fixtures?

Hardworking as they are, bathroom fixtures are some of the most ignored parts of your plumbing until they break down. Unfortunately, whether you’re a savvy do-it-yourself person, there’s nothing you can do to make your faucet last longer once it breaks down. Eventually, you will have to replace them. But how can you tell that your bathroom fixture needs to be replaced? Continue reading this guide.

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Signs That You Should Replace Your Bathtub

It doesn’t get clean: If you notice a ring around the bottom of your tub, try to scrub it away. If the ring goes away after scrubbing, then it is not yet time to replace your bathtub. However, if the ring won’t disappear and you notice stains around the faucet or drain, then it is a sign that you should get rid of it.

It doesn’t hold water: Although a fancy bathtub will give your bathroom an elegant look, its main purpose is to function as it should. Therefore, if you notice that your bathtub is losing water every time you fill it up, or you find puddles of water on the floor, then it isn’t functioning properly. Whether there is a leak in the drain or the tub, you’ll need to replace it.

Replace Your Shower if it doesn’t Stop Dripping

According to a recent report by the EPA, water leaks in a single home add up to over 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year. The dripping water from your showerhead will not only drive you crazy but also increase your water bill significantly. In case your shower head is leaking, then most likely the connection between the pipe and showerhead has loosened. Try to tighten it, and if it doesn’t fix it, then it means there is rust and degradation. If this is the case, then the best solution is to replace your showerhead. You can also increase the lifespan of your showerhead and other faucets by using soft water systems like those from Utah Water Systems.

Replace Your Faucets if They Look Dingy or Rusty

Your bathroom is the most humid part of your home, and this causes degradation on fixtures more than in any other part of the house. In particular, metal fixtures are more vulnerable to rusting. Additionally, humidity creates a suitable environment for mold growth, especially in cracks. When rust and mold accumulate, they may strain your fixtures. Therefore, if you find that your bathroom fixtures look damaged or rusted, you may have to upgrade them. You can also consider renovating your bathroom to improve on cleanliness.

Signs That You Should Replace Your Toilet

Your toilet is a workhorse, and it can last for several decades. Although it may occasionally need minor troubleshooting, unclogging, and repairs, the latter can be handled by a handyman. However, you may need to replace your toilet if:

• You want a more efficient toilet. You may upgrade your toilet if you need a water-saving model, dual-flush, or pressure-assisted flush.
• Replace your toilet if the porcelain cracks. When the porcelain cracks, the only solution is to install a new toilet.

Bottom Line

When it comes to renovations or home upgrades, replacing the rusted or degraded bathroom fixtures can make a significant difference in improving your home. If you have been on the fence about replacing some of your bathroom fixtures, first ask yourself whether you have observed any of the above signs.