Many homeowners may be uncertain how often their pipes need replacing. One way to determine this is to assess what material your pipes are made from (lead and polybutylene pipes should be replaced immediately), as well as any water quality issues that arise.
Check your crawl spaces and utility rooms for signs of discoloration, staining, flaking, dimpling, or bumps, as this could indicate corrosion of pipes.
Regardless, let’s go over how to know when your pipes need to be replaced.
If you would like to hire a plumber to replace your pipes or need help with any plumbing concerns, consider contacting J Blanton Plumbing.
Cracked pipes
Household pipes can become compromised over time for various reasons, including age or incorrect installation. Whatever the cause may be, it’s essential that any signs that your pipes have cracked be taken note of immediately so they can be replaced as quickly as possible.
One of the telltale signs that your pipes have cracked is foul-tasting or smelling water. This occurs because dirt and contaminants enter through damaged pipes, leading to serious health consequences if consumed directly.
Cracked pipes may present themselves through other symptoms, such as:
- Standing water in your home or garden
- Hearing dripping noises inside walls
- An unexpected spike in your water bill
These could all be telltale signs that it’s time to call a plumber for replacement. Getting it done sooner could save thousands in repair costs or other possible disasters down the line.
Wet spots
No matter the age or style of your house, plumbing must eventually be upgraded or replaced.
Leaky pipes may cause wet spots to appear in your home or lawn, signaling they need immediate repairs. Left unattended, leaks may lead to extensive water damage, as well as mold growth if left unrepaired.
Corroded pipes
Metal pipes, especially steel ones, can wear away over time, leading to corrosion that can leak into your water source and potentially break off into chunks that make their way into it. This may also cause holes to form within them, leaving your drinking water vulnerable to contamination.
If your water appears milky or reddish in color, this could be a telltale sign of pipe corrosion.
Another telltale sign of corroded pipes is frequent leakage. If this is happening to you, it may be time for replacement plumbing pipes, especially if your home was built before 1980. Older homes have pipes that may contain dangerous metals.
A professional can inspect these pipes to help determine whether replacement is necessary or not. It may be time to switch to safer and newer alternatives like plastic pipes.
Frequent clogs
If your plumbing system is constantly clogged, it may be time for pipe replacement. Worn-out piping cannot keep up with water flow pressure, resulting in continuous clogs that cause water pressure build-up inside them.
Contacting a plumber early could save thousands in water damage repairs and other costly home improvements in the future.
