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Heffner Plumbing Newsletter
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Greetings!
It is my sincere hope that the holidays were enjoyable for you and your family. This is just the 2nd day of 2012, but it is never too soon to plan for those home repairs both expected and unexpected.
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Plumbing Checklist For Possible Repairs |
Here is a list of things to think about for possible repairs/replacement in 2012:
- Water Heaters- Average life is 7-14 years relative to use and water quality. If you do not have a thermal expansion tank on your heater, life expectancy can be reduced down to 5 years or less.
- Garbage Disposals- Average life is 5-7 years. Sometimes a disposal will "tell" you when its getting ready to quit based on the noise made while running. And sometimes it will start leaking without any warning.
- Sump Pumps- Average life is 3-5 years, but I've replaced pumps that were 12 years old and still running. A battery back-up system will let you run the primary pump until it dies, but that becomes an individual choice. Better to be proactive especially with a finished basement.
- Sewage Ejector Pumps- For those that have finished basements with bathrooms, you will more than likely have a sewage ejector pump. Average life is 7-10 years. Feminine hygeine products can be a show stopper for any age pump however.
- Faucets- Longevity is really based on the quality of the faucet, hard or soft water and the type of use that it gets. Most faucets can be repaired by replacing internal parts.
- Toilets- I've got customers with older homes that have 60 year old toilets. Not nearly as efficient as the toilets made today, but some people do not want to part with fixtures that are in keeping with the original architecture and design of the home. Most toilets need fill valves and flappers replaced every 5-7 years.
- Batteries For Sump Pump Back-up Systems- The batteries for the Pro Series systems that I install can last up to 10 years by adding distilled water to the cell on an annual basis. Expect around 5 years as you would a car battery.
Feel free to call/e-mail with any questions that you may have about those things that have been listed here. |
