You have a Plumbing problem, and you need to decide whether to repair or replace it.

This can be a costly decision either way.

The trend in today’s all-in-one plumbing, electrical, and Heating companies’ environment is to just try to sell you a new item instead of repairing your old one. This may be needed but it’s not always true. Before you just allow someone to sell you something you should consider a few things.

When deciding to repair an item there are things you should look at before making the repair choice.

If you have repaired the item in the past, how long ago was the repair? Is the item just wearing out? Is something else causing the item to fail prematurely? There are things that can cause an item to leak and/or fail prematurely.

    • Water temperature, Temperatures above 120 degrees can soften rubber and make gaskets and washers fail.

    • Pressure, Water pressure above75psi can cause stress on washers, O-rings and ceramic seals and cause leaks.

    • Hard water. Calcium and magnesium found in hard water can cause wear and tear, along with corrosion which can cause premature       failure of an item.

Does the item in question have other signs of failure? Would repairing the item just prolong the inevitable and eventually cost more?

Is the cost of the repair equal to or greater than just replacing the item?

Are you happy with the way the item looks? Do you want to update or upgrade the item to enhance the look of the room it is in?

When deciding to replace an item you should consider.

1. How often is the item used? This helps you decide on the quality of the item needed, if often used a higher quality unit will last longer and do a better job.

2. What style are you looking for? Shape, color, functionality are things to consider when making a purchase.

3. Cost of the unit. What does your budget allow? Are you willing to use financing?

Professional Advice: I would recommend paying attention to the three items I mentioned earlier. Water temperature, pressure, and hardness. These things can even cause a new item to fail. You want to fix the cause of the problem not just put a bandage on it. You do not want or need to have a plumber return to your home because the root of the problem was not addressed and the item fails again. Repairing these issues can save time and money.

    • Sometimes purchasing the cheapest option ends up costing more.

    • Make sure you use a reputable plumber that stands behind their work.

    • Make sure the company you are using sends a licensed plumber not just a technician.

    • Purchasing the item through your plumber can also help with the warranty. Plumbing companies will stand behind products purchased through them. If you purchase through a home center or the internet you as the homeowner will need to work through the place of purchase for any warranty work.

It seems that some companies’ main priority is to sell you something new instead of fixing the old item. If they seem pushy or it just does not feel right, it is ok to get another opinion before you commit to it. Remember it is your home, and you should be the one making the decisions for it.