If you live in a house that’s getting on in age, in addition to enjoying its charm, you must remain vigilant about the plumbing system.
Most of the plumbing system is hidden, so you may not even realize there is a problem until the drain gets clogged or the faucet is leaking. The pipes you can’t see can cause major problems.
If you recently purchased a home with a mature plumbing system, there are complications you may likely face. Here are several signs letting you know it’s time to call a trusted professional for pipe replacement:
Corrosion and Discolored Water
Galvanized steel pipes, in particular, are known to corrode. Once corrosion sets in, it is only a matter of time before you’re going to need to replace your pipes to allow water to freely flow through them again.
When you turn on your kitchen faucet or go to take a shower, you want the water to be crystal clear. You do not want it to be yellow or brown, or appear as though it has some kind of sediment floating around in it.
Water with a darker color – a tint of brown – generally indicates pipe corrosion. As water is channeled through your plumbing pipes, it picks up and carries rust existing in your pipes. Not only is this water not good to use, pipes with rust are more prone to sediment and mineral deposits building up within the pipe. This will increase chances of clogs developing, while also increasing the possibility of a burst pipe, due to pressure building up from the lack of open space in the pipe.
Discolored water might just be a temporary problem with your local water supply. Give it a day or so to see if the water clears up. If it doesn’t, you’re going to want to avoid drinking or bathing, and have a professional plumber come out to your home right away.
Dangerous Materials
It is common knowledge that lead plumbing pipes can be quite dangerous. Repeated exposure to lead can cause learning disabilities and slowed growth in children. It can also trigger kidney problems and reproductive issues in adults.
However, what people generally do not know is that lead plumbing pipes are still prevalent in many parts of the country. Millions of homes get their water through lead service lines, and some even have lead plumbing pipes. It is important to find out if your plumbing system contains lead, or comes into contact with lead in any way. If it does, contact a certified technician to remove the lead as soon as possible.
Decreased Water Pressure
Just like with discolored water, there is a chance decreased water pressure in your home could be an indication of a local problem. If, for example, there is an issue with a water main on your street, it might result in low-water pressure.
However, if you always seem to have decreased water pressure in your home, it might be your plumbing system’s way of indicating you need new pipes installed. Your old ones may no longer be able to deliver the level of water pressure needed.
Damaged Sewer System/Sewer Backups
In addition to being one of the nastiest plumbing problems to exist, the most bothersome issue with a sewer backup is it can make people and pets living in the house sick.
As you might expect, sewage water contains bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants contributing to a wide range of health issues. These contaminants may spread to your drinking water, and are so tiny they pass through water filters. Being exposed to contaminated water can cause nausea, intestinal problems, and immunity weakness.
Aging Home
If you have PVC plumbing pipes in your home, it’s unlikely you’re going to have to worry about replacing them. There are many PVC plumbing pipes that last indefinitely. However, all other pipes need to be replaced at some point.
How old is old? Here is how much life you can expect to get out of various pipe materials:
- Galvanized steel: 20-50 years
- Brass: 40-45 years
- Copper: 50+ years
- Cast iron: 75-100 years
If you’re not sure what kind of plumbing pipes are in your home, ask your technician to check the next time a visit is made. Then, crunch the numbers to see how old your pipes are. This will provide you an idea of when you’re due for replacement.
Whether it’s the risk of lead, a seeping sewage leak, or colored water coming out of your faucet, plumbing malfunctions from outdated pipes are simply not acceptable.
If you haven’t had your home inspected for some years, have a professional take a look at your pipes. Your health and the integrity of your home are just too important not to.
We Help Homeowners
Flader Plumbing and Heating is uniquely suited to assist you in determining the solution that best fits your home and family’s needs. We’ve been serving your neighbors and our community for over 100 years and 4 generations.
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Only Flader Plumbing and Heating delivers:
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Flader Plumbing and Heating recommends equipment, models, and brands proven to have the fewest problems and service calls. We specialize in:
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Whether you need an updated plumbing system, new water heater, or your A/C replaced, we are knowledgeable and provide expert service. Our professional technicians arrive on time, listen to your concerns, and answer your questions. They will recommend the right solution and deliver as promised.
Flader technicians average 15 years of experience and are EPA certified.
Expert service, quality parts, and satisfaction guaranteed. There is no reason to compromise. Call us at 847-491-6980.
