As one of the most plumbing-intensive rooms in your home, your bathroom benefits from regular maintenance. This includes understanding how long fixtures in the high-traffic space last to enjoy a more functional, energy-efficient home. Here is a helpful guide that reviews the life spans of common bathroom fixtures as well as some upgrade ideas.

How Long Do Common Bathroom Fixtures Last? 

1. Sink Faucet

Modern faucets typically last up to 20 years, depending on installation quality, frequency of use, water hardness, and the make and model. How often you schedule plumbing maintenance also contributes to the longevity of this bathroom fixture. Signs indicating it’s replacement time include cracked, chipped, worn, or corroded parts, as well as consistent leaks.

You may also want to replace the fixture if it’s outdated. Bathroom sink faucets come in an array of styles including widespread and wall mount, as well as finishes like chrome, brass, nickel, stainless steel, and bronze. If you want to improve the bathroom fixture’s energy efficiency, consider a low-flow faucet aerator. The part conserves water by reducing flow from 2.2 gallons to 1.5 gallons per minute.

2. Tub & Shower Faucets

Tub and shower fixtures follow the same replacement guidelines as sink fixtures, while the enclosures themselves usually last about 50 years. As a general rule, if you are replacing your tub or shower, replace the fixture as well. Tub faucet styles come in retro and modern options, such as a freestanding faucet for a claw tub. Wall and deck-mounted styles are also popular, with the latter fixture installed along the tub’s edge.

There are a variety of showerhead styles to choose from, including single spray and handheld. Ceiling-mounted, square rain showerheads are also popular. Their flat heads reduce the amount of water pressure to create a rain-like effect. Much like other bathroom fixtures, low-flow versions are available to conserve the precious resource. 

3. Toilet

Toilets generally last for decades unless their bowls sustain serious cracks and need replacing. The components within this bathroom fixture have shorter life spans, however. Wax seals last up to 30 years, while pieces such as fill valves, trip levers, flappers, fittings, and plumbing connections typically expire after five years. The handle also needs replacing if its seal breaks and water starts leaking from the toilet tank.

Like other bathroom fixtures, toilets come in numerous styles and heights to suit a variety of design schemes, including wall-mounted options or those with elongated bowls. While gravity-fed toilets have been the industry standard, numerous efficient options are available, including dual-flush. Dual-flush toilets have different buttons for liquid and solid waste to conserve water.

Find the perfect bathroom fixtures for your home at Lincoln Winnelson in Lancaster County, NE. The plumbing supplier offers a comprehensive selection from top brands, including Moen® and Delta®. Call (402) 423-1610 with questions about your bathroom remodel today or review their inventory of top products online.