Nothing lasts forever—not even your home’s bathroom fixtures. Although these fixtures tend to have long life spans, you may not even think about them until you find yourself needing a residential plumber. Understanding how long these fixtures are intended to last helps give you an idea of when you should think about replacing them. Here’s a quick look at how long you can expect your bathroom fixtures to last and why you should think about upgrading if it’s been a while since they were installed. 

Toilets

Toilets aren’t usually high up on the list of things in the home to upgrade since they can last up to 50 years. However, it’s the working parts inside that need to be replaced occasionally. Toilet bowls will only require the services of a residential plumber if they become cracked. This isn’t to say that you will never want to replace your toilet. Over time, your toilet may give your bathroom a dated look. Another good reason to consider upgrading your toilet is to help cut down on your water bill. Older toilets use approximately 1.6 gallons per flush, whereas high-efficiency toilets use only around 1.28 gallons per flush. This can add up to big savings on your water bill.

Sinks

Your bathroom sink will last anywhere from five to 30 years, depending on the material of which it’s made. Faucets, on the other hand, are only good for 10 to 20 years. You think of your sink as just the place to brush your teeth and wash your face, but newer faucet technology can actually reduce water usage and update the look of your bathroom. 

Showers

Depending on the quality of your water, showerheads can last just as long as your toilet. Hard water is a game changer though, causing mineral deposits that become stuck inside the pipes. You might even want to consider an upgrade for aesthetics, cost-effectiveness, or safety. Showerheads are one of the easiest upgrades in your bathroom, as you can do it yourself without having to call in a residential plumber. Modern showerheads offer water saving features, anti-scald features to keep your kids safe, and features that make your shower more enjoyable, such as the ability to control water flow or spray patterns.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your bathroom fixtures, turn to the residential plumbing experts at Powell Plumbing & Pumps in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Not only do they do installations and repairs on every aspect of your plumbing system, but they also offer a wide variety of newer fixtures for your home. Visit them online to view their products and services, or call them today to request a quote at (715) 325-2050.