Pipes don’t last forever, and it’s a back-breaking job to when you have to outfit the entire house. If you’re not the one doing the work, you won’t appreciate the expenses of hiring someone for an entire home repiping project. Either way, it’s an inevitable chore when the pipes expire, but when does that happen?
Triangle Plumbing Services are the top-notch plumbers in Chester, VA. In this blog post, we explain when you need home repiping, which depends on the material, age, and durability of your current system.
Re-Pipe Outdated Material
As humanity progresses over time, we learn new things about health and safety. By now, everyone is aware of lead poisoning, but that unfortunately wasn’t the case once upon a time. It may seem silly now, but lead and galvanized pipes were once used to supply water to homes, often resulting in lead poisoning.
If you have the following pipes, consider home repiping a non-negotiable:
- Lead: Lead pipes were common in the early 1900s until people realized it caused lead poisoning. The chances of lead pipes still being around today are low, but if you do happen to have them, stop drinking the water and get your pipes replaced immediately.
- Galvanized steel: Galvanized steel followed lead pipes as the better alternative. It began in World War II and lasted until the 1970s, falling out of usage when they discovered the impure zinc could contaminate the water with lead.
- Polybutylene: Used from the 1970s to the 1990s, polybutylene, or plastic resin, pipes seemed like a great idea for pipes, but it ended up being prone to damage leading to cracks, leaks, floods, and severe water damage. You may not have this in your home since it is so prone to breaking, but you should repipe your home quickly if you do have it to avoid water damage.
Re-Pipe Old Systems in Chester, VA
Plumbing pipe systems have estimated lifespans. They may last longer than their expected lifespan, but they’ll be far more prone to breaking. Repair old systems to avoid consistent costly expenses and pipe corrosion.
Galvanized steel and copper pipes have an expected lifespan of 20-50 years, brass for 40-70 years, and cast iron for up to 100 years. CPVC, PVC, or PEX piping will last indefinitely since they’re plastic, though they may need portions replaced periodically if they spring leaks at the joints.
Re-Pipe If You Have Frequent Plumbing Problems
If you’re always calling your plumber, it’s probably time for an entire home repiping. Frequent repairs signal that your pipe system has reached the end of its lifespan or is damaged beyond repair.
Consider home repiping if you frequently need to repair any of these issues:
- Worsening low water pressure: You may have low water pressure due to a clog, but if you notice it consistently getting worse despite having your drains cleaned, it’s likely due to corrosion. Home repiping will be necessary if the problem persists throughout the entire system.
- Leak detection and leaking pipes: If you always have leaking pipes under your sink or in your walls, it’s time to get the plumbing system redone. Discolored water and corrosion are clear signs that you need new pipes.
- Corroded pipes: Corrosion may be caused by rust or other sediment buildup. You’ll notice discolored water that tastes or smells funny; you’ll need to replace the entire system in most cases.
- Extreme temperatures between outlets: If you use two fixtures at the same time and there’s a significant water temperature difference between the two, it’s likely a problem related to old plumbing.
- Noisy or smelly pipes: You shouldn’t hear noises coming from the pipes in the walls or under the sink, and you shouldn’t be able to smell the water coming out of the faucet. If you notice these things, call a plumber and have them inspect it to determine if you need to replace the entire system, as these things can sometimes be a minor repair.
Call Triangle Plumbing Services in Chester, VA
If you’re unsure if it’s time for home repiping or not, call Triangle Plumbing Services in Chester, VA. We’ll inspect your plumbing system to determine the approximate age and the material to see if you need to replace it for that reason alone. If you have modern materials and a healthy-looking pipe system, we’ll look for damage and corrosion.
Our superior repair and rooter services can’t compare to what others have to offer in Chester, VA. Reach out to us on our website or give us a call when you need our services. Get help now.
