How to Tell If You Need Re-Piping

Re-piping
a house is a tremendous undertaking that could be expensive, so it is critical
to understand when a small repair can be made versus when your entire system
needs to be re-piped. Plumbing pipes should last decades but since there is no
definitive replacement timetable, it is important to understand they take a lot
of wear and tear every day.

Therefore,
it is important to understand what to look for in your pipes. If you spot any
of the following issues in your home, you probably need re-piping and should
contact a professional immediately.

Aged
or Unsafe Pipes

While
the lifespan of residential piping varies because of a variety of factors, a
smart rule to follow is to have them replaced if they are older than 50 years.
Also, unsafe materials like lead should be replaced immediately to maintain a
healthy living environment.

Leaking
Pipes

Leaking
pipes must always be immediately replaced. While condensation on your hot water
pipes is a normal occurrence, it is abnormal to have leaking pipes. If you spot
a leak and decide upon a simple patching job instead of re-piping, remember all
pipes in your home are constructed from the same material so other sections
will eventually have the same issue.

Low
Water Pressure

Low
water pressure can be caused by countless factors, but the most common reasons
are related to corrosion and sediment buildup, which blocks water from passing
through the pipe and adds unnecessary pressure to vulnerable piping sections.
If your dishwasher, shower, or washing machine exhibits lower-than-usual
pressure, then it could be a sign you need re-piping.

Visible
Corrosion

If
you inspect your home’s pipes and see discoloration, small indentations,
flaking, rust, or stains, then your pipes are corroding which means they are
more susceptible to leakage and must quickly be re-piped. Unfortunately, only
repairing the corroded sections is never a good idea since the entire integrity
will become questionable.

Water
Discoloration

If
you turn on the water and it flows with a reddish, yellowish, or brownish tint,
that indicates that sediment or rust has built up in your pipes and you require a
re-piping job. This is common when not extensively using your home’s water
supply for a significant amount of time or when returning from a lengthy
vacation.

If you notice any of these issues, reach out to us at Plumb Straight Plumbing. We have years of experience and are ready to help you with your re-piping needs.