Like any appliance or component of your home, your plumbing will experience wear and tear over time. Exposure to elements, corrosion, rust, and daily use can eventually start to wear down your pipes, faucets, and plumbing. But because so much of the home’s plumbing system is out of sight, many people do not know what to look for when looking for signs it’s time to replace the plumbing. However, as a homeowner, you do not need to be fearful that a burst pipe could leak raw sewage into your basement at any moment. Before catastrophe strikes, there are a few signs that it is time to replace the plumbing in your Montana home.
Discolored water
Unless you have well water or live in a rural area where slight discoloration is the norm, a change in water color should be cause for concern. Some places, especially those on well water, may always have a slight yellow tinge. However, if you notice your water has changed color recently, especially to a dark brown color, corroded pipes may the culprit. If left untreated, mineral deposits could clog the pipes. This results in more pressure in the pipe, which could eventually burst. Additionally, you do not want to be consuming water from a pipe that has corrosion.
Material of pipe and age
Pipes are constantly under pressure, and as a result, take on a lot of wear and tear over the years. Different pipe materials have a variety of lifespan expectancies.
Depending on when your home or residential building was built, different materials were probably used. Many modern buildings use brass, copper, or PVC, while older homes used cast iron, lead, and galvanized steel. If you live in an older home, you may want to see what kind of pipes you have so you can plan your eventual upgrades.
However, lead pipes are a different story. Lead is highly toxic and can ultimately be life threatening if consumed in large quantities. There are tests available that can reveal how much lead is in a pipe. If you suspect your home may have lead pipes, contact a professional plumbing service immediately.
Low water pressure
It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact issue with low water pressure. You may have a clog in your plumbing or a leak in the pipes that are reducing water pressure. However, continued problems after regular maintenance may require the attention of a professional plumber.
Leaks
Leaks in plumbing could come from cracks or loose connections between pipes. While a leak may start small at first, over time, the leak could become a big problem when exposed to continuous pressure. A professional plumber may be able to repair the plumbing without replacing the pipe, but they may also need to replace the leaky pipe or connector.
Cracks
Cracks are a telltale sign you need to have plumbing replaced or repaired. Even if the plumbing is hidden behind a wall or under a floor, you will soon start to see water penetrate the wall or floor, beginning to damage it. Do not ignore wet spots in your home – it could be a sign of a serious plumbing issue! If left untreated, cracks in pipes could lead to water damage and mold growth, as well as exasperate the plumbing problem.
Replacing plumbing in your home
Whether you have a plumbing leak or aging plumbing in your home, you will want to schedule a professional plumber as soon as possible. Leaving plumbing issues untreated could result in additional damage to your plumbing system or home. Contact the team at Central Heating today to schedule a professional plumber to assess the situation.
