As most people already know, homeownership comes with great responsibility. For some homes, it seems like nothing goes wrong, while others experience more setbacks. For the most part, newer homes may have minor plumbing fixes unless the original craftsmanship was shabby, but older homes can experience significant plumbing problems. While most of us might think that pipes last forever, nothing can be further from the truth. Tree roots, hard water, and in some places weather can have a negative effect on our plumbing pipes resulting in a whole-house repiping.
Old Pipes Have A Greater Likelihood Of Failure
The age of your pipes is one of the most reliable indicators of whether or not a home repiping is needed. The older the plumbing system, the greater the likelihood of corrosion and other subsequent pipe damage has set in. And the longevity of your plumbing system’s proper operation is largely determined by the type and quality of the material of the pipes. The average life expectancy of various types of piping varies significantly.
Brass 40 – 70+ years
Copper 40 – 50+ years
Cast Iron 75 – 100 years
Galvanized Steel 20 – 50 years
Plastic – PVC, CPVC, PEX almost indefinitely
Consider Whole House Repiping
If your pipes are approaching the end of their useful life, it is important to consider whole-house repiping. Additionally, it’s critical to remember that pipes might last longer or shorter than their expected lifespans. Much will depend on their condition and whether they’ve been subjected to hard water that contains a rich mineral content that promotes corrosion. A whole-home repiping may be essential even if the pipes have not reached their projected life expectancy, especially if exposed to extreme environments.
Galvanized, Polybutylene, and Lead Pipes All Need Replacing
Regardless of how well-maintained your pipes are, they need replacing if made of galvanized steel, polybutylene, or lead. These piping materials are commonly found in older homes and pose serious health and safety risks to you and your family.
Galvanized Steel Pipes: Following World War II, this material gained prominence and stayed in use until the 1960s and 1970s. Galvanized steel pipes, which got coated in impure zinc, have the potential to leak lead and other dangerous compounds into your water supply when they corrode.
Polybutylene Pipes: Polybutylene pipes were popular from the 1970s through the 1990s. They are a type of plastic resin that is incredibly brittle. The hazard of polybutylene pipes is their high failure rate and the potential for significant water damage they bring to your home if the pipes burst and leak. The experts strongly suggest replacing this sort of plumbing.
Lead Pipes: While most home and property owners have removed their lead pipes, some still exist. These pipes were the go-to pipe in the early 1900s; lead pipes were the preferred choice for residential plumbing systems until they discovered that the pipes leach lead into drinking water, resulting in lead poisoning. Therefore, if your home contains lead pipes, a home repipe is a must.
Home Repiping Isn’t In The Budget
When something significant goes wrong, we panic, and the first thing we think of is cost. But, if you’re like most Americans, we have a budget for everything, though a major plumbing problem wasn’t in the budget. The biggest question is, “What is considered a significant plumbing problem, and what will it cost?”
The most common problems associated with declining pipes are:
- Pipe Corrosion
- Rust Colored Water
- Water Pressure Repair
- Noises Coming From Your Pipes
- Leaking Pipes
- Water Smells
Don’t Panic – Check Your Homeowner’s Policy
Before you panic, there are some things to research. First, will your homeowner’s insurance cover the damage? That will always hinge on the coverage you have. All homeowner’s insurance covers leaks that are abrupt and accidental. Some policies even cover long-term pipe failure. As for sewer lines, it to will depend on the plan. What it may cover is collateral damage caused by a backed-up sewer line. For example, if your toilet backs up and causes water damage, they cover the water damage. But again, it will depend on the coverage. For a small amount more, most carriers will beef up your coverage. Most, if not all carriers, cover water damage caused by a broken pipe. As odd as it might seem, the only thing the homeowner would be responsible for is the broken pipe itself. Flooring, drywall, tiles, and mold would all have coverage from your carrier.
On-The-Spot Financing
Something else to consider at Big B’s Plumbing is that they have on-the-spot financing. In addition to their financing, they have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and carry five stars across most social networks, including Facebook, Google My Business, and Yelp. And for that plumbing emergency, they are on call 24/7. At Big B’s Plumbing, we’re ready to put your mind to rest with the best value and service around.
