Signs You Need To Have A Plumbing Company Replace Your Pipes | Bedford, TX
Photo By posteriori at istock
Owning your own home is one of the greatest accomplishments in one’s life. Things will go wrong with your home however from time to time, and one of those things is your plumbing. Without plumbing in your home, you would not have clean drinkable water. Without plumbing, wastewater would have nowhere to go. Yet few homeowners give their plumbing any thought until something goes wrong. You want to keep your plumbing in good repair, as it works hard for you every day.
Every plumbing system has a shelf life. Plumbing systems were not designed to last forever. At some point, you may have to replace your aging plumbing system through a plumbing company. Plumbing pipes will not replace themselves. Yet how do you know when it is time to replace your home’s pipes with a plumbing company? Here are the top signs that will let you know that it’s time to replace old plumbing pipes through a plumbing professional:
1. Leaky Pipes
This is the number one sign that you need to replace your pipes. A leaky pipe is a problem that can be costly if not taken care of promptly. Leaky pipes can affect your entire home. For one thing, the water damage that leaky pipes pose can destroy your home rather quickly. Another issue with leaky pipes to consider is mold growth. Mold is toxic and only grows where there is moisture. Not only is mold toxic, but it also destroys wood and other building materials. Mold grows easily. Do not ignore even a minor leakage, as even a minor leak can weaken the structure of your home and cause immense damage. If you have leaky pipes call your local plumbing company today for an estimate on pipe replacement.
2. Dangerous Materials
While just about everyone knows that lead is dangerous, few people are aware that roughly 10 million homes have lead service lines, and some have lead plumbing pipes. This is true even locally. Exposure to lead pipes can cause stunted growth and learning disabilities in children. For adults lead poisoning can lead to kidney damage and reproductive problems. You should find out if your home contains any lead service lines or pipes. If you find that you have lead pipes or service lines, you should consider installing either PVC or copper pipes through a professional company.
3. Old Age
If you have PVC pipes this will not apply to you as these pipes can last a lifetime. Some PVC pipes are designed to last indefinitely. All other pipes have a shelf life. Galvanized steel pipes can last between 20 to 50 years. Brass pipes have a lifespan of 40 to 45 years, while copper pipes can last over 50 years. At the end of the spectrum are cast iron pipes which can last between 75 to 100 years! If your pipes are old in your home it is time to call a plumbing company to see about pipe replacement.
4. Discolored Water
You want your home to deliver crystal clear water when you turn on the taps. The last thing you expect to see is gross brown or yellowish brackish water coming from the taps. Oftentimes when water comes out brown or yellow it has some sediment in it. It could just be a temporary problem with your local Bedford, TX water supply, but it could also be that your pipes are corroding or rusting from the inside. Your local plumbing company can tell you for sure which cause is to blame for the discolored water. Avoid drinking any discolored water or brushing your teeth with it. Instead, call your plumbing professional and inquire about pipe replacement.
5. Low Water Pressure
If your home has older cast iron pipes it could contribute to low water pressure. Iron pipes can be affected by both corrosion and mineral deposits in pipes. Corrosion and mineral deposits both can lead to a lack of space for water to flow to its proper destination. If you have cast iron pipes you may want to consider replacing them with either PVC piping or copper piping. PVC is the recommended choice from your local plumbing company.
6. Cracks
If your pipes have cracks in them it is time to replace them. Cracked pipes are easy to spot on your visible plumbing, but some of your plumbing may lat behind walls and under flooring. Cracked pipes will leak water and damage your home. When there’s a crack in a pipe it’ll only be a matter of time before water damage and mold growth occur. This water can soak into the walls and floors of your home so it should be taken seriously. If you have cracked pipes it’s time to call the plumbing company.
7. Corrosion
Are the pipes in your home clogging up often? You may be dealing with corroded pipes. While you may want to check your drains as well as drains can become clogged, if the water from your faucet comes out slowly and your aerator is clean, you may be dealing with corrosion of your pipes. Galvanized steel pipes are highly prone to corrosion. Once corrosion sets in your piping system, it’s only a matter of time before you will need to replace your pipes with a licensed plumbing company.
8. Decreased Water Pressure
Decreased water pressure could be due to a problem in your area, such as a water main being out, which could result in lower water pressure. If this is not the case and you still have low water pressure, you might be dealing with pipes that simply cannot deliver the water pressure you need. This could be due to aging pipes or even corrosion. If you have lowered water pressure it’s time to call the plumbing company.
If you have any of the signs above that your pipes need replacement, call the professionals at Tioga Plumbing & Electric today. We are a BBB accredited business with decades of experience behind us. We have installed new piping systems in homes across Bedford, TX, and are one of the most trusted plumbing companies in town. If you have any questions regarding your home’s pipes call us today!