Did you know that the average American homeowner could save $130 a year by changing out a bathroom fixture? According to the EPA, replacing all old, inefficient toilets in your home with eco-friendly models can save you as much as 13,000 gallons of water each year, generating impressive savings!
If you know your toilet is old and inefficient, then maybe it’s time to switch out this bathroom fixture with something that meets contemporary standards. Most home owners would likely agree that there’s always somewhere in the home that needs upgrading, but how do you know when it’s the right time to prioritize replacing the fixtures?
Here are a few factors to consider when making that call:
Efficiency
Aside from inefficient toilets, you can also save money by replacing your bathroom faucets and showerheads. Look for fixtures labeled “WaterSense” for the best savings. According to the EPA, the savings you’ll gain from changing out old fixtures will add up and equal the investment you made within a year or two. Plus, some states offer rebates for homeowners who go to the trouble of replacing their old fixtures with EPA approved models.
Check your fixtures to see how old they are and find out if they have any efficiency certifications. For example, if your faucet uses more than 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute), then you should probably change it. Showerheads should use less than 5.5 GPM. Toilets should use less than 3.5 GPF (gallons per flush). These are sometimes referred to as “Low Flow” toilets.
Function
- A range of functionality issues can indicate that it’s time to change your bathroom fixtures. Some of the telltale signs are:
- Cracks in your toilet or tub: These cracks will soon compromise the functioning of your toilet or tub and replacement is usually the best option.
- Your fixtures require repairs on a regular basis (more than once over the past year): Several repairs within a short period of time indicate that the whole fixture may be deteriorating. Instead of paying for repair after repair, just replace the fixture.
- Your faucet or showerhead is leaking and the leak returns after you’ve tried to fix it: Rust or corrosion may have damaged the entire fixture, meaning that you should simply replace it instead of trying to fix it over and over again. Keep in mind that leaks can increase your water bill by up to 10%, so replacing your faucet or showerhead can be a smart move financially.
Cosmetic Issues
Everyone knows that trends and styles change over time. If your bathroom fixtures are outdated and don’t fit in with the aesthetic you’d like to achieve, consider changing them. There are a wide range of gorgeous, modern designs available. From attractive and efficient toilets to sleek and elegant tubs, rainfall showerheads and waterfall bathroom sink faucets, you can find a wide array of styles that will improve the visual appeal of the entire room.
Ultimately, when it comes to deciding when to change your bathroom fixtures, you have to make the final decision based on your finances, priorities and how much longer you can stand looking at that tub from the 1970’s. Chances are, once you do decide to go through with changing your fixtures, the improvements in look, functionality and cost-savings will make you very glad you did!