The pipes in a home can last for many years, but they will inevitably need to be replaced at some point. Some older homes have the original pipes installed, which could be problematic depending on the material they are made of. Homeowners may not be able to discern whether they need to repipe their homes if they have never sought plumbing services.
A plumber can inspect pipes and determine their condition and whether they pose a health risk or other issues such as pipe leaks. The following points identify a few signs of a plumbing system that needs repiping services.
Age
It is important to consider the age of the pipes in a home even if nothing seems amiss. Older pipes may need to be replaced due to issues such as obsolete piping materials. There are a variety of materials such as polybutylene and lead pipes that are no longer in production. The recommendation is to replace them if they are still installed in homes.
Water Discolorations
Safe water is clear. Any other color is indicative that the water supply is contaminated or that there is an issue with the pipes in a home. Some homeowners may note that their water has changed colors and is a brown or reddish color. This is indicative of corroded pipes. If the color of the water is yellowish, it is indicative of sediment buildup. Both of these issues can cause clogs. These can lead to issues such as drainage or sewage backups.
Metallic Taste
This detectable and offensive taste is usually the result of corroded pipes. It is imperative that the detection of corroded pipes not be ignored. Pipes in this condition are prone to leaks or may burst at any moment creating an emergency plumbing situation.
Low Water Pressure
This phenomenon may occur if there are clogs in pipes. Rust flakes from corroded pipes are a common cause. This issue may also occur when sediment clings to the inner linings of pipes. The sediment comes from hard water. Individuals may want to discuss the benefits of getting a water softener installed to prevent this from happening to their new pipes.
A plumber is a good resource to use to learn more about repiping. They can offer concrete reasons for recommendations to replace pipes. This allows homeowners to make an informed decision about how to proceed. Individuals who are planning to purchase an older home can benefit from getting the pipes inspected even if a home inspection has been performed. It is possible for some plumbing defects to be accidentally missed by inspectors.
What was the first thing you did when you got up this morning?
If you answered "go to the bathroom," "get a drink of water," or "brush my teeth," then it's important to realize the role that a plumber has already played in your day. The plumber who installed your plumbing made that morning routine possible! Some other plumbers may have worked on the system over the years, also contributing to your experience. Plumbers have a bigger impact on our daily lives than we often realize. In fact, that's one reason we write this blog — to make our readers more aware of their plumbing.