Go Back

When is Replacement Better than Repair

Nothing lasts forever. Even the nicest, shiniest appliance in your home can eventually turn old. When something breaks down, it can be difficult to know whether or not it should be repaired or replaced.

Sometimes only a small repair is needed to fix the issue. Other times when something isn’t working right, it’s a sign to get a new one. Read on to find out when it is better to have a plumbing replacement rather than repair equipment in your home.

Should I Repair the Water Heater?

“waterheater”Repairing the water heater sounds better and less costly than replacing it. However, repairing doesn’t always fix the real problem.

If your gaslight constantly goes out, or you notice that you don’t have as much hot water for as long as you used to, replacement might be necessary. Leaks and rust are also indicators that your water heater is old and needs to go.

Check the age of the tank to find out if the warranty is still good. Most warranties last 5-10 years. Outside of that, you might as well opt for a new one.

Replacing the Kitchen Sink

“kitchensink”Stainless steel looks great at first, but with age can develop water spots. Sometimes these spots won’t go away. On top of that, faucets can rust and form leaks.

The same goes for porcelain. If a crack forms, rust can be seen underneath and eventually you might spring a leak.

What About Your Shower Top?

“showertop”Believe it or not, your shower top is not designed to last forever. The water flowing through your pipes is heavily treated. Minerals build up in the pipes and gather at your shower head. Eventually, you will find white residue, typically from calcium buildup.

You could clean it, however with that kind of build up comes rust and corrosion. It may be better to replace it. Ask one of your local plumbers in Port St. Lucie, FL about the lifespan of your pipes and shower tops if you are still uncertain.

Don’t Leave Out The Washing Machine

“washingmachine”Everything eventually breaks down. Your washing machine is no different. See the signs before it's too late and you’re left with a pile of soapy clothes.

If your washer shakes, rattles and rolls when you turn it on this is a sign that something is wrong. Washers should remain stationary when in use. They should also be relatively quiet. If you can’t even hear yourself think when it’s on, it may be time to upgrade. This is also true if your washer leaks or the drum doesn’t fill with water. These are both signs something is wrong that may be unrepairable.

Nothing lasts forever, however nice that would be. But now you know the signs to look for when an appliance is on its last legs. Better to be safe than sorry, and stay ahead of the game by buying a new one before the old one konks out on you.