I'm a Plumber: These 3 Cheap Fixtures Will Cost You Thousands Later
Many homeowners focus on major fixtures, not knowing that most expensive plumbing failures don't come from major installations. They often come from cheap fixtures many overlook, ending up costing an arm and a leg later down the line.
MoneyLion spoke to Megan Doser, plumber and CEO at Doctor Fix-It, who shared three cheap fixtures that will cost you thousands later if you don't fix them.
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Anode Rod
This sacrificial metal rod sits inside your water heater and corrodes so your tank doesn't have to. Once it's gone, your steel tank starts rusting from the inside out.
"Anode rods typically last three years, cost around $30 to $60 to buy and don't necessarily require a plumber to install," Doser said. "If you never check the anode rod in your water heater and never replace it, you automatically reduce the life of your water heater by five to 10 years."
Once the water heater tank is corroded, you can't repair it. You'll have to fully replace it, costing thousands of dollars.
Braided Supply Lines
Braided supply lines are everywhere around a home. They're mostly under sinks, behind toilets and connected to appliances. Most people assume they last forever, but they typically require replacement every seven or so years.
"An old braided supply line can burst without warning -- no dripping, no leaks, no visible damage, and that's what makes it so dangerous. A braided supply line burst can easily flood a kitchen, bathroom or laundry room if you don't shut off the water supply right away, and cause hundreds or even thousands of dollars in damage, while it [only] costs $10-$25 to replace it," she said.
Doser recommends buying the one that matches the distance between the shutoff valve and the fixture.
Rubber Washing Machine Hoses
Standard rubber hoses wear and tear over time. When they fail, the volume of water washing machines use turns a minor issue into major damage in the entire house.
"Washing machine hoses do not last forever, and if you don't decide to replace them, they will fail one day, turning a $30 job into thousands of dollars in damage," said Doser. "Replacing a washing machine hose is a 15-minute job, and you can do it yourself just by buying a new braided stainless steel hose."
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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