For even the savviest homeowner, plumbing systems often seem mysterious and, frankly, somewhat intimidating. It’s a challenge when you’re dealing with something you can’t even see.
While simple clogs don’t usually cause too much of a headache, pipes can create a considerable amount of stress.
The thing about pipes is they don’t last forever. They get old, wear out, and break, setting you up for a mess unless you’re proactive about repiping.
Speaking of repiping, how do you know if you even need a new pipe — or pipes?
We’re answering your questions about when to replace pipes in this post. It’s a quick read that could help avoid the mess caused by broken pipes.
Aging Pipes and Repiping
Like everything else in your home, plumbing pipes wear out. While a washing machine or refrigerator may give you ten years of service, pipes have a much different lifespan.
In your home, you’ll find supply pipes and drain lines. Both have a lifespan dependent on material type.
So, how long does plumbing last?
You could get 50-80 years from your PVC (white) and ABS (black) pipes. Brass and galvanized steel usually last 70-100 years.
If you’re living in a vintage home or you’re not sure about the age of your pipes, you should consider replumbing.
Do You Have Tree Roots In Your Pipes?
Tree roots love your sewer pipes! And why not when the pipes provide the ideal environment for root growth (oxygen, moisture, and organic material)?
Unfortunately, when most homeowners realize they have a tree root infiltration, it’s too late.
Tree roots find the tiniest opening in a sewer pipe — usually, a hairline crack — and once they’re in, they continue spreading out. It’s not uncommon for the weight of tree roots to cause a pipe to sag. They can also cause a pipe to break.
You can learn more here about repiping after tree roots take over. Trenchless pipe repair is a popular method to replace sewer pipes broken by tree roots.
Rusty Water and New Plumbing
Have you ever turned on the faucet and noticed brown water? Unless your water provider notifies you they’ve worked on the water lines in your area, rusty water is a cause for concern.
Discolored water can mean you have corrosion in your pipes. It also may indicate a buildup of mineral deposits.
Even if you only notice the discoloration when using one specific faucet, rusty-looking water typically means you have a system-wide problem. Replacing your water supply pipes is the only way to restore crystal-clear water.
There is a caveat.
If you only notice rusty-colored water when you turn on the hot water faucet, it’s probably not a problem with your pipes. Instead, you likely have a rusting water heater. Ignoring the issue will eventually mean you have a river of rusty water running through your utility room.
Ready to Install a New Pipe?
We’ve only covered a few of the reasons why you might need to think about repiping your home. A qualified plumbing professional can better help you decide if you need a new pvc pipe installation or a different type of repair.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this post. If so, check out our archives. You’ll find many more articles on a range of topics, including plumbing.
