Most homeowners underestimate how complicated a plumbing system really is. It’s not rocket science, but experience goes a long way towards getting the job done correctly. It’s important to understand that there are many small parts and just getting just one of them wrong can result in a serious issue.
I’ve heard many horror stories from homeowners who tried to change something like a faucet only to make a huge mess. I don’t want to discourage you from doing a small job yourself. However, make sure that you’re prepared and well-informed about the work that you’re doing.
Here are the common factors that can cause a fixture to stop working:
- Lack of proper maintenance
- Improper installation
- Poor water quality
- Excessive water pressure
- Age
All fixtures have a rating on them that states the amount of water pressure they’ve been designed to work with (usually 60 psi). Municipal/city water supplies may have higher water pressures that can be up to twice as much as what’s recommended. If the water pressure is too high, it can damage fixtures or reduce their effective lifespan. Everybody loves powerful water pressure whenever they take a shower. The reality is, 60 psi should sufficient to meet your needs.
If you choose to have good water quality in your home, your plumbing system will last much longer. Hardness in the water can build up and create problems like drippy faucets. If the water is corrosive and there are metal components in the plumbing system, those components will eventually be eaten away. Chlorine in the water can cause rubber seals and gaskets to break down.
As long as the plumbing system is properly maintained (which we discussed at length in previous blog posts) and you have good water quality, a properly-installed fixture should have a long lifespan. Of course, there’s nothing you can do once it fails due to age.
If you need an expert to check out your plumbing system, contact us online or give us a call at (540) 483-9382. We can take the steps necessary to maximize the lifespan of your components.