Pipes, like most other things, will eventually need to be replaced. This is especially true if your plumbing is over 50-years-old and still has galvanized steel piping. Your plumbing can begin to fail due to age, lack of maintenance, or extreme weather fluctuations. And when your plumbing completely fails, you run the risk of property damage.
Your plumbing, for the most part, is concealed behind walls and concrete so you may not often think about it; out of sight, out of mind. So today, we’re delving into home plumbing and discussing ways you can help identify a failing plumbing system.
Signs of Failing Plumbing
Some of the most obvious signs that your plumbing is failing are:
- Water leaks
- Corrosion
- Cracked pipes
However, you may also experience:
- Water-stained floors
- Warped flooring
- Wet baseboards
- Low water pressure
- Unusual noises in your plumbing, like gurgling or rattling
- Frequent clogs
- Rust-colored water
Frequent plumbing repairs are another indicator that your plumbing is failing. If you’re constantly spending time and money on repairs, you may want to consider entirely replacing your home’s plumbing. Getting your home repiped will save you more money in the long run.
Types of Piping
There are a variety of pipe materials out there used in home plumbing, each with its own set of lifespans. At D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we strongly believe in copper and PEX (PolyEthylene Cross-linked) for home plumbing.
- PEX: This is a high-density plastic material manufactured without solvents, chemicals or glues. It is durable, flexible, and it doesn’t corrode, freeze, or scale. PEX also requires fewer fittings and less labor, making the installation process quicker and affordable.
- Copper: Copper has been the preferred material for decades. This material is corrosion resistant and has a lifespan of about 50+ years.
It’s also worth noting, both of the materials can be used in conjunction with one another.
The Benefits of a Whole House Repipe
- Improved water pressure
- No more water leaks
- High-quality water
- Peace of mind
- A positive selling point for your home
- Increase in home’s value
The Problem with Galvanized Pipes
If your home was built over 20 years ago, you may have corroded or damaged pipes that could cause you costly problems for you later. Galvanized metal pipes which were common before 1960 can deteriorate very quickly and cost you thousands of dollars in water damage. They can also contain amounts of lead.
If you think your home could use a copper repipe or PEX repipe, you’ll want to contact your local plumbing company, for an estimate.
