Most new homes are built using modern piping, which lasts for fifty or more years, which eliminates the need for re-piping. However, older homes may have pipes that are older than 25 years, and since those pipes are usually made from copper or iron, they have the tendency to bring along many problems.
It is easy to ignore plumbing, because the pipes are generally hidden behind walls, where you can’t see the damp from leaks. As long as plumbing seems to work as it should, most people are unconcerned about the problems that are not visible to the naked eye.
However, it is vital for homeowners to keep an eye on their plumbing in order to protect their investments. By doing this, they can react quickly to signs of potential malfunctioning and stop major problems from occurring.
See it as an essential part of protecting your most expensive asset. After all, a leaking or burst pipe might cause severe flooding that could damage your floors, walls and foundations.
Some older pipes that are made from steel, have a zinc coating, which tends to corrode or rust over the years. In many cases, homeowners don’t notice the problems with their piping until there is an 80% reduction in water pressure. Unfortunately, this also costs a small fortune in water loss due to leaks over a period of time.
Other signs might include a bad smell from the taps, or discolored water. Once this happens, it is time to call in the professionals to take a look at your pipes.
Let’s take a closer look at signs that your home needs repiping:
Sign #1 That Your House Needs Repiping: The Age of Your Home
Most homes that are older than 15 years need repiping. It’s just a natural occurrence for piping to deteriorate from the moment it is put in place and start to become problematic. Newer materials are developed to make piping more flexible and able to withstand extreme conditions.
Sign #2 That Your House Needs Repiping: Low Water Pressure
Signs that your water pressure is low are usually quite obvious. If your washing machine is taking longer than usual to fill up, or if your shower is not as strong as usual, you are probably experiencing low water pressure. Corrosion in your old pipes, or tree roots that have entered through cracks in your pipes over the years could both contribute to low water pressure.
Sign #3 That Your House Needs Repiping: Dirty Water
Ideally, the water in your kitchen and bathroom should run crystal clear immediately when you open the faucet. If it doesn’t, or if there is a reddish tint at first before clearing up, that is a sign of rust in your pipes.
If you’re experiencing any of these three issues, it is a sign that your pipes are nearing the end of their lives and that you should consider repiping.
Don’t let the idea of digging and piles of dirt, damaged landscapes and hardscapes, walls and floors deter you from extending the longevity of your home. New plumbing techniques, including trenchless repiping, can be performed in a matter of days, without the need for digging or damage.
