Guide:  Should You Repair or Replace Your Plumbing?

Every dollar counts when it comes to your home maintenance. Determining whether to repair or replace something big, like plumbing, in your home really matters.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Plumbing?

When it comes to your home plumbing, there are a number of fixtures and appliances that it sometimes makes more sense to replace than repair. This decision usually depends on the age of the appliance or fixture and the problem with it.

But how can you tell the difference? Our Mesa, AZ plumbers have years of experience solving this dilemma for homeowners in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and all around the Valley. Read on for our helpful hints to decide whether plumbing repair or replacement is right for you.

The Slow Draining Kitchen Sink

Is your kitchen sink slow to drain or smells bad? You can likely fix this easily with a drain cleaning. Consider installing a garbage disposal to avoid food scraps clogging the drain in your kitchen. However, if you’ve got a plumbing leak going on, it can be a different story.

Open up the cabinet under the sink and check out the pipes. Are they rusty? Are there signs of water damage? Corrosion can cause major pipe damage and costly leaks. In that case, you may want to consider replacing the plumbing under your sink.

Time for a Washing Machine Replacement?

Since washing machines are made up of so many different components, it is often a case of making a small repair to get it up and running again.

However, if your machine is more than eight years old, it may not be that simple.

Also, if you hear loud noises, if it shakes during use or is leaking, it may make more sense to replace it.

Water Heater: Repair or Replace?

If your water heater is more than 10-15 years old (storage tank heater) or 20 years old (tankless heater), the money you invest to repair it may be a waste because it is nearing the end of its lifespan.

Other trouble signs include corrosion, leaking and loud banging noises.

Did you know that you can maintain your water heater and extend its lifespan by draining it every year, about halfway? It gets rid of sediment that can cause corrosion.

Do I Need to Replace My Shower Head?

Have you noticed that the water pressure is off in your shower? If it is limited to the shower head (if it is everywhere in your home, that could be the indication of another problem) then you need to replace it.

Also be wary of black mold, rust or sediment buildup. These all indicate it’s time for a replacement. When you do replace it, put in a low-flow model to save more money on your water bills.

Plumbing doesn’t last forever. Does yours need to be replaced? Ask us for our professional opinion.