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.