Top Signs Your Plumbing Needs an Upgrade

Unless you just constructed your house or it is only a few years old, your plumbing may be obsolete. Pipes are subjected to the elements over time, resulting in corrosion, rust, and eventual deterioration. You don’t have to worry about raw sewage leaking into your basement or residence. 

Top Indications That Your Plumbing Needs a Renovation

The plumbing system is an important part of your structure. Look for these indications to discover if it’s time to replace your home’s plumbing before disaster hits.

Pipe Age

Different materials were probably utilized for the plumbing system, depending on your home’s age. Brass, copper, or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes are used in most modern systems. Cast iron, lead, and galvanized steel was utilized in ancient structures. 

Regardless of the material used, each of these plumbing devices has a lifespan that you should be aware of to know if you need to replace them. Brass, cast iron, and galvanized steel have an 80-100-year lifespan, copper has a 70-80-year lifespan, and PVC pipe has a 24-45-year lifespan.

Discoloration of Water

Discolored water is typically a cause for concern unless you’re under a boil order, have well water, or live in a remote location. Corrosion in your pipes causes rust to form when the water passes through them, resulting in brown or black water. 

Mineral deposits can choke pipes if left untreated, causing pressure to build up. The pipes ultimately burst under constant pressure, inflicting devastating damage. If you notice corrosion in your pipes, immediately contact skilled professionals.

This is seldom a concern in new construction, but you should investigate the pipe material used if you reside in an older home. Even if your plumbing is relatively recent, you should still consider our preventative maintenance plan, which helps you avoid future difficulties.

Lead pipes, on the other hand, are a very different matter. Lead is very poisonous and can put a person in the hospital if taken in tiny amounts by children or significant amounts by adults. Tests may disclose how much lead is in each pipe, and if it’s more than the recommended limit, you should stop using water. Learn more about home care here.

Water Pressure Issues

When you have low water pressure in the shower or at the sink, it’s tough to determine the specific cause. Your plumbing may be clogged, or your pipes may have leaks or pinholes restricting water pressure. Leaky pipes can cause wood rot and mold development in your foundation and structure. 

Mold also degrades your air quality, which is difficult to address without additional appliances such as an air purifier. At first, you might want to try using regular drain cleaning to see if it helps. Consistent issues necessitate the services of a property restoration expert or another experienced specialist.

Use Exposed Pipes as a Guide

If your structure and piping system are more than 50 years, there’s a good possibility you’ve got exposed pipes someplace. Pipes often run through the basement, giving you insight into the state of the pipes throughout the house. Examine all pipes for discoloration, peeling, dimpling, lumps, and anything unusual.

It helps if you also search for pools of water or pipelines that have accumulated dampness. This indicates the presence of corrosion or improperly sealed pipes. This does not necessarily imply that you require a complete plumbing renovation; some pipes only require tightening. However, if there is severe leakage, it is time to consider updating.

Please don’t wait until it’s too late to upgrade your plumbing system. Instead, hire a plumber to handle all of your plumbing problems.