Choosing The Right Plumbing Fixtures For Your Home: How A Plumber Can Help | Mesa, AZ
Residential plumbing fixtures have different life expectancies, depending on the type of material used to make them. For instance, kitchen sinks built with modified acrylic can last up to 50 years, while kitchen faucets can provide up to 15 years of service. Showerheads typically last a lifetime, and the average lifespan of shower enclosures and shower doors is 50 and 20 years, respectively.
Toilets and bath cabinets have an unlimited life expectancy, but elements inside the toilet tank may require regular maintenance to remain operationally efficient. Based on how they’re used, whirlpool tubs can serve your Mesa, AZ household for approximately 20 to 50 years.
However, normal wear and tear or the need to upgrade your residence may force you to consider replacing the plumbing fixtures in your residence. Selecting the appropriate appliances can be a daunting task. Luckily, your local plumber can help you find the best fixtures and install them accordingly. Read on to discover how they can help you find the best products based on your budget and household needs.
Selecting the Best Material
Plumbing fixtures can be made of wide-ranging materials, and your local plumber’s experience can come in handy when you’re in the market for new appliances. A pro can help you learn about some common materials used to make faucets and other components, ensuring you have enough knowledge of the most suitable options.
Your preferred plumber in Mesa, AZ can also help you review the different types of finishes available for every material, which typically include antique, brushed, and polished options. Here’s a quick look at some of the materials they may recommend.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the most commonly used materials in plumbing fixtures because of its affordability and visual appeal. However, it’s quite heavy, making it a less suitable option in some scenarios.
Copper
Copper is also popular for plumbing pipes and components mainly because it’s lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and durable. For instance, copper water supply pipes can serve your household for over 50 years. On the downside, it’s a bit more costly than other materials, and it may not be the best option for homes that rely on well water.
Chrome
Polished chrome is a versatile, durable, and affordable material that’s quite popular hence easy to find. However, if you prefer keeping your fixtures sparkling clean at all times, chrome may not be the best option since it’s quite difficult to keep clean.
Gold
Gold can also be a suitable material for plumbing components. It’s durable and easy to clean, but on the downside, finding this material can be daunting, and it’s one of the most expensive materials to purchase.
Brass
Versatile and easy to find, brass is an ideal material for plumbing fixtures. However, some brass types can disintegrate over time, making them a less popular option for homeowners seeking components that won’t require frequent maintenance or replacement.
Nickel
Nickel may be easier to clean than chrome, and its darker color can blend well with wide-ranging styles. Unfortunately, it’s less popular than many other materials, making it hard to find.
Bronze
Bronze is durable, readily available, and easy to clean, but it’s among the most expensive options available on the market. It’s best suited for traditional-style homes because of its darker color, which gives it an old-fashioned feel.
Choosing the Right Brand
Bathroom fixtures and faucets have diverse variations in price, but their style can be just as important as their cost. If you’re keen on running your household on a budget, you may be tempted to buy cheap fixtures from unknown or less-popular brands.
However, your plumber would strongly disagree with that decision and insist that you go for appliances from a well-known brand as it can assure longevity because of its favorable warranty terms and conditions.
Less-costly brands often have shorter warranty periods, so your plumber may recommend purchasing fixtures from brands offering mid to top-range products. Such brands offer sound warranty policies and wide-ranging options to choose from. Therefore, before making a purchasing decision, ask your plumber which brands they’d recommend for the components you’re looking for.
Meanwhile, be sure to mention the brands you had in mind to hear their opinion on them. Their industry experience can allow them to knowledgeably inform you about the plumbing fixture brands to stay away from.
Finding a Reputable Plumbing Fixture Supplier
To avoid unnecessary repair or replacement costs in the future, you should ensure that you purchase your home’s plumbing fixtures from a reputable supplier.
Professional plumbers typically source most of their appliances from trusted suppliers because they keep meticulous records of all purchases, which can be useful for warranty-covered problems.
Some plumbing components may fail to live up to their warranty expectations, which can be stressful if the warranty paperwork is unavailable. If the paperwork is easily accessible, a trusted supplier can help organize warranty services or replacements accordingly.
Setting a Budget
After deciding the type of fixture you wish to purchase, you can create a budget for yourself. However, beware that fixtures built with higher-quality products may be more costly, but you can rely on them for long-term service. Consequently, the price may be lower in the long run since you won’t have to replace them soon.
When investing in new fixtures, your plumber may advise you to consider how long you’ll be in your home. For instance, if you just took up a 30- or 40-year mortgage, you’ll save money by choosing high-quality components. Similarly, if you’re planning on moving out after two to five years, it may not be worth going for high-end fixtures.
Professional Installation Service
This might be the most important responsibility your plumber will help with after you’ve purchased the plumbing fixtures you need. If you don’t have background experience in the plumbing industry, you should seek the services of a professional technician, especially if you’re replacing toilets, sinks, or tubs.
Call a plumbing professional to avoid accidentally damaging existing pipes or flooding your residence, as it may help save time and money.
Consult the Professionals to Get the Best Fixtures for Your Home
Whether you’re looking for a faucet, toilet, or bathtub replacement, consult a certified plumbing expert in Mesa, AZ before making your decision.
With over 40 years of industry experience, the professionals at Schroeder Plumbing are here to help. We can also assist with fixture installation, maintenance, and repair upon request. Contact us today for professional plumbing solutions.
