Do I Need New Pipes In My House?
Even at their very best, plumbing repairs of any kind can be a little bit of an inconvenience. But whereas unclogging sewer lines and fixing a backup toilet is one thing, the idea of re-piping your entire house is a massive investment of both your time and your money. Fortunately, copper pipes last anywhere from 50 to 70 years on average, which means unless you have an older house, this should be a decision that you have to make a few times in your life.
Below are a few ways you can know that your home is ready for a re-piping project. If you have any questions, contact a plumber to ask about their plumbing services.
Visible Deterioration
Fixing a few pipes is not nearly as big of a deal as many homeowners think, but if there is an excessive amount of obvious corrosion on them, then chances are the pipes that you can't see are just as bad. Exposed pipes in your attic and your basement are the easiest ways to determine this, but you can also look at the state of your home's water supply. If the water tastes funny or has a rust color to it, that means there's corrosion on the inside of your pipes, even if you can't see it. Check with a plumber first to see if you can get a simple plumbing replacement performed, but if not, consider re-piping your home.
Unsafe Pipes
Like everything else in your home, there's been a lot of advances in technology considering home plumbing systems. But not all of them have been in regards to efficiency; in many cases, plumbing technology has actually improved their safety requirements as well. A home that was built before the 1970s may have used galvanized steel or lead pipes, which corrode quickly and can also leak dangerous contaminants inside your water supply. They're also more likely to break and cause a major water leak, so if your pipes are old and unsafe, you should talk to a plumber about the necessary steps to take next.
Irregular Temperature
Your home's water heater is the unit that's most responsible for the temperature of your water, but the condition of your pipes can also play a large role as well. Hot to cold isn't nearly as much of a concern as cold to hot, which can indicate that your pipes have broken the regulator valve and is causing the temperature to skyrocket. Moreover, if your water pressure is low, then you either have multiple obstructions in the flow of the water, or you could have a water leak somewhere that you're unfamiliar with. Regardless, these are major issues that need to be addressed for your home's water system to function properly.