Plumbing Fixtures: Repair vs. Replace

When your pipes, faucets, kitchen fixtures or bathroom fixtures fail, what is the best thing to do? Should you attempt to have it repaired or hire a plumbing company to replace it? It is common knowledge that nobody wants to replace a thing that can be fixed. However, nobody wants to repair the same thing if it keeps breaking from time to time. So, ultimately you need to know, is it better to repair plumbing fixtures or replace plumbing fixtures? Deciding on which option is best for you can be tricky.

These factors need to be considered for making the best decision for your plumbing:

Type of Fixture

There are many types of plumbing fixtures. First, you need to figure out which is the one you are interested in repairing or replacing. These are the most common fixtures:

• Toilets, Toilet Seat, Toilet Tanks
• Water Heaters
• Showers, Shower Heads, Shower Systems
• Bathtubs, Jacuzzi Tub Systems, Tub Drains
• Vanities, Wet Bars, Kitchen Islands
• Washing Machine
• Dish Washer
• Faucets, RO Faucets, Sprayers
• Drains, Floor Drains, Sink Drains
• Garbage Disposals
• Water Softening System

Frequency of the Plumbing Problem

You should keep track of how often you need to repair the problem. Certain fixtures suffer from wear and tear more often than others. For instance, toilets can show leaks even after the replacement of many parts. Similarly, water heaters tend to overheat or leak from time to time. Pipes can also get blocked often or faster-than-expected. They can also undergo erosion due to constant usage. However, you want to compare the number of times the various items are breaking down compared to the standard use. If you find yourself returning to square one soon after a repair, perhaps it is time to consider a new fixture. For an emergency plumbing situation in Tucson call RAM Plumbing right away for the best local emergency plumbers and plumbing repair services.

Parts Used in the Fixture

If the kitchen fixtures or bathroom fixtures are made of outdated materials, it could pose a threat to the health of users. For example, old pipes that were installed in the 1980s might be made of lead, which can poison the water and cause health hazards. At times, an old faucet, pipe, or water heater even when fitted with new parts does not work as efficiently as an entirely new item. So, it is a good idea to know what your non-functional plumbing fixture is made of, before making any choices. Consider what types of new materials are available now and whether a brand-new upgrade may be the better choice.

Total Cost

The moment an item in your bathroom or kitchen plumbing gets damaged, you want to ask yourself a crucial question: If you repair it or replace it, how much will you save in the long run? If the fixture is an old one and you fix it, the decision could end up costing more in the long run. You need to calculate how much money your decision will save. This can be based on various information such as the severity of the problem, materials used and the age of the plumbing fixture. The cost involved in Tucson residential plumbing or Tucson commercial plumbing depends on many factors, so it is best to talk to a trustworthy local plumber like RAM Plumbing to help you decide.

Fixture Life Expectancy

It is important to know the life expectancy of a fixture. Whether it is a water softener, water heater, or pipe, will change the expected life expectancy. Try recalling how old the problem is. Depending on how old the item is, it may be easier to determine how much longer it will keep functioning. Even the strongest plumbing fixtures will eventually fail. So, repairing problems could be the initial warning signs of the fixture giving way to its age or it may simply be a one-time incidence. Consider how much of the lifespan you will be able to extend when you repair it. You want to consider when the fixture was installed and how often it is used. Depending on this, you will be able to assess the longevity of the item, which can help you make the choice of repairing your fixture or purchasing a new one.

If you have any questions, call RAM Plumbing, Inc., Tucson’s best local plumbing company for help with your plumbing fixture repair or replacement. We offer FREE no obligation estimates to better serve you. Whether it’s a commercial or residential plumbing emergency, we are available 24/7.
Contact us at 520-747-8089 today and get rid of all your plumbing problems!