Let’s face it – we take our plumbing for granted. I don’t think any homeowner ever walks around thinking they need to replace their pipes unless something is wrong. If you live in a modern home, it’s ok to assume that your home’s plumbing system is up to par because it usually is. If something goes wrong with the copper piping in a home under 20 years old, you should attribute it to poor installation or poor quality copper pipe. However, if you live in an older home, you may be ignoring signs that your pipes need replacing. Most homeowners think their pipes will last forever. Watch for these common signs that your pipes may need replacing.
Aging Pipes Is One Deciding Factor In Replacing Your Pipes
Are you living in an older home that’s over 40 years old and have never had the pipes replaced? Maybe you’re buying an old home, and you’re concerned about the pipes, rightfully so. Old pipes should be a concern when purchasing a new home. With that said, old pipes doesn’t necessarily mean they are failing. There are many cases where a home’s piping system will exceed its life expectancy. Most experts will tell you that copper pipes will last 40-50 years or more and galvanized steel pipes 20-50 years. However, age is still one of the deciding factors when you need to repipe your home. We recommend having a plumbing inspection that includes the sewer main and your home’s piping system before you purchase.
Watch Out For Leaking Pipes
Leaking pipes is one of the most common signs that your pipes may need replacing. If you live in a home that’s over 30 years old, occasional inspections for water leaks should be routine. For instance, when you clean your bathroom, glance under the sink for moisture and check for bulging drywall. As you’re relaxing in your living room, family room, or kitchen, glance at your ceiling for swelling or stained drywall. Whenever you notice damp or discolored spots on the walls, you have a pipe leak.
Another telltale sign of leaky pipes is loose or discolored floor tiles, bulging wood or laminate floors, wet or soggy carpet, dark spots on your garage floor. These are all signs of a leak in your slab. The leak has gone undetected for some time. If you notice leaks in your plumbing, call your Big B’s Plumbing expert before it affects your home structure. Your plumber can assess the leak and determine the source. They can also tell you whether your pipes need replacing.
Discolored Water, It May Be Time To Repipe Your Home
Rust can originate from almost anywhere in your plumbing system. If your tap water turns reddish-brown, it’s probably due to oxidized iron, also known as rust. Rust particles break free from inside corroded steel pipes turning the water reddish-brown leaving behind stains in your shower, sinks, and toilets. Corroded pipes are common in old galvanized steel pipes, which still exist today in some old homes. Copper pipes were introduced in the 1960s, and the rest was history. Copper pipes have become the go-to pipe for the home building and plumbing industry. If rust is originating from your hot water only, then the culprit may be a rusted water heater; in that case, your water heater will need replacing.
Could Low Water Pressure Mean It’s Time To Repipe Your Home?
Poor water pressure can creep up on you over many years. If you notice that your water pressure isn’t what it used to be, it may be a sign that mineral deposits built up in your pipes may be restricting the water flow. As hard water flows through your pipes, the minerals build up, slowly narrowing the pipe’s diameter in some places, resulting in low water pressure. Low water pressure is related to many issues, including a faulty pressure regulator, pipe leak, and the main shutoff valve partially closed. However, when low water pressure occurs in an old home, one of the first places to look is a constricted water line.
What Are the Options For Repiping Your Home
We know the latest smartphone or the newest technologies, but ask someone what the latest plumbing technologies are. They wouldn’t have a clue. The latest pipe to replace copper for most plumbing companies is cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). While not new to the residential market for new home construction and home repiping, it has taken years to pick up steam. Once developed for floor heating in the 70s, and then later developed in the early 90s for home plumbing systems. With that said, it has become the go-to pipe for most plumbing companies and is the number one pipe for new construction. PEX is flexible, easy to install, cost less than copper, has a life expectancy of 40 to 50 years, and can withstand 200 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures.
Copper Is Some Homeowners’ Favorite Piping
Copper is still an option for home repiping. Many homeowners still prefer copper over PEX, and why not? Copper has stood the test of time. You cannot go wrong with any of the two products. Copper will cost more than PEX, including installation, but it is still a very reliable pipe. What it boils down to is a homeowner’s peace of mind. Whatever pipe you choose to repipe your home with, Big B’s Plumbing team of repiping home experts specializes in both products.
Serving Your Home and Business With The Best In Plumbing Services
Whether you are preparing your home for sale or just want to make sure your plumbing is in good working order, Big B’s Plumbing is here to help. Our 24/7 emergency plumbers are serving California businesses and residence in a “Big” way! We have hundreds of top-notch reviews on Facebook, Yelp!, and Google Business, and we’re an A+ rated company with the Better Business Bureau. Need to repipe your home? Contact us today for all your plumbing needs.
