Unless your home is brand new or only a few years old, then it may have outdated plumbing. With time, all pipes suffer from decay, including corrosion, material buildup, and disrepair. Fortunately, you do not need to wait for a disaster to strike; instead, you can hedge off any issues by replacing your home’s plumbing all at once. Here are some signs that your plumbing may need to be replaced.
Discolored Water
With the exception of well water, generally, your home’s water should look clear and clean. If the water from your faucets is brown, dark, or otherwise looks unclean, this could be due to corrosion in your pipes. This can cause rust to be released into your water and all mineral deposits to build in your pipes, causing pressure to build. In time, this could cause your pipes to burst if untreated causing severe damage.
The Material Used for Your Pipes Is Getting Old
If your home is old, it is possible that the material used for your pipes is reaching the end of its lifespan. Older homes generally used cast iron, brass, galvanized steel, or copper for pipes. Cast iron, galvanized steel, and brass typically last from 80 to 100 years, whereas copper lasts approximately 70 to 80 years.
Newer homes generally use copper, PVC, or brass, and PVC piping typically only lasts around 25 to 40 years. But, whether your home is old or new, you might want to know the material used for your pipes, so you’ll be prepared to replace them when they are nearing the end of their lifespan.
Low Water Pressure
If you have a problem with low water pressure when using your sinks or showering and you can’t easily find the cause for the problem, it could mean you need new plumbing. This isn’t always the case. It could just mean you have a clog somewhere in your plumbing system.
However, it could also mean that you have leaks in your pipes causing the problem. This could cause problems beyond your plumbing. It could even damage your home’s frame or foundation, leading to mold or wood rot. Mold can be a very serious issue in your home as it can, in some cases, lead to serious health problems and require expensive mold remediation. But, you’ll want to start by trying drain cleaner to see if your problem is a simple clog. If this doesn’t work, it’s time to contact a plumber.
Check Your Exposed Pipes
If your house is very old, you probably have exposed pipes in your home. These pipes will likely run through your basement. You can look at these pipes in order to get an idea of the general condition of the piping in your house. You’ll want to check for any flaking, bumps, discoloration, or other signs of problems.
Also, look out for moisture on the pipes or puddles of water. These could be signs of corrosion or pipes that are not sealing adequately. If you do see these signs, you may not need to replace all of the plumbing in your house. You might just need to tighten the fittings. However, if there are a lot of leaks, you may need to replace your plumbing soon.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons the plumbing in your home could need to be replaced. It is often easy to ignore your plumbing until it’s in need of serious repair or replacement. But, through proper maintenance along with looking out for any problems, you could help your plumbing last longer and be better prepared when it does come time to replace your home’s plumbing.
Contact Us
If your pipes are showing signs of aging or have any other problems, call J Griffin Heating & Plumbing. With more than 30 years of experience helping homeowners with their plumbing, we can diagnose any plumbing issues and determine if your pipes are in need of replacement. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.
