Nothing lasts forever. As a homeowner, there will come a point in time where you have to replace your plumbing system because it has reached its limit, and you will require new lines and fixtures.
If you continue to depend on your piping even though they’ve made it past their expectancy and they’re all worn out and have begun to corrode, it will become detrimental to your home and health. It could result in property damage and impact the rest of your household, especially your appliances and furniture.
Common reasons your plumbing system is overdue for a replacement include old age, failure to seek plumbing services for maintenance, malfunctioning components, and poor installation. Since most of your pipe connections are hidden underneath floors or behind walls, you should remember how long you can expect your plumbing system to last. Keep reading below to find out the things to consider when thinking of replacing your pipes.
You Should Know the Material of Your Pipes
Part of being familiar with your home plumbing system is recognizing the type of material your pipes are made out of. Depending on what you have installed, they could have various life expectancies and often undergo different concerns over time.
For homebuyers, before moving into your new home, you should review the inspection report of the property to determine the material of the lines present in your house. If your pipes are made from galvanized steel, they can last from twenty to fifty years, brass between forty and forty-five years, copper up to fifty years or so, and cast iron between seventy-five to one-hundred years.
Meanwhile, households using PVC piping can last for an indefinite period. Even though they all offer long lifespans, you must make sure to think about other components involved, such as the pipe joints and fittings connecting the lines to your home’s fixtures.
You Should Inspect Your Pipes for Issues
If you wish to rely on noticeable signs that your plumbing system is in trouble and may require a replacement, you should observe the pipes for any cracks and other forms of damage. You must also monitor if they have accumulated rust or leaks.
More piping problems include wet areas in your kitchen like the spaces behind your dishwasher or sink or water staining your floors. Meanwhile, experiencing low water pressure could mean that you have a clogged drain, which will require plumbing and drain services to fix.
Homeowners who hear an unusual noise coming from their pipes could mean there’s a blockage preventing the air from flowing through the lines properly. If you look through your crawl spaces and tight areas and spot excess moisture and mold growth, it’s a sure sign that your pipes are leaking.
You Should Call a Professional Plumber
When you confirm that you indeed have a plumbing problem and have little to no knowledge of handling pipes, it’s best to leave everything to the experts. Even though the situation only requires you to unclog pipes, replace worn-out fixtures, or take care of exposed lines, handing the job over to a plumber is highly recommended.
It’s all the more reason to call them if your concerns mean dealing with hidden pipes that will require you to demolish a part of your home just to get to the bottom of it. Every time you initiate a remodeling project and you have overdue piping, you may want to consider replacing your lines during the process to minimize costs.
Conclusion
Managing your plumbing system is a serious business. Since it provides you some of your basic needs, it’s integral for your pipes to work correctly at all times. If you want to remain informed about your piping’s due date for replacement, you should know the material of your pipes, inspect them for issues, and call a professional plumber for assistance.
Are you looking to hire a plumbing company in Birmingham, AL, for your home? Professor Plumb offers plumbing and gas services, including installations and repairs. Get in touch with us today to book an appointment!