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How To Know When Its Time To Replace Your Pipes

How to Know When It's Time To Replace Your Pipes

Pipes, like most other things in your home, won't last forever, even if they're made from quality materials. Whether you've been living in your house for years now or are in the market for a new one, the condition of the plumbing is certainly something to consider. After all, you don't want to enter a home to find out you have to shell out to fix the pipework right away. With that in mind, let's take a look at a few signs that it's time to replace your pipes:

AGE

The older your pipes are, the more likely you are to have issues with your plumbing down the road. For newer houses, you won't have to worry about this one too much right now, but for those of you with homes that have been around a while, you'll want to look into what types of pipes you actually have. Brass and galvanized steel supply lines as well as cast iron drain lines can last 80 to 100 years. Copper supply lines come in at 70 to 80 years, and PVC drain lines are the most fragile, only able to last about 25 to 40 years. It's important to note that proper maintenance, or lack thereof, will also have a significant effect on how long your pipes will work, but these guidelines can keep you aware of when to check them.

IRREGULARITIES

Besides age, any irregularities in your exposed pipes can be early signs of trouble. If tubing displays flaking, stains, dimpling or discoloration, it's likely time to call in a professional to inspect it. This rings especially true if you detect any leaks in your system, as a few sporadic leaks can lead to bigger problems throughout your home if not addressed quickly. Water color can be a sign of pipe decay. These pipes will need to be replaced as soon as possible to prevent leaks and other issues.

OUTSIDE FORCES

Pipes that extend outside of your home should also be factored in when considering replacement. Sewer and supply lines can be root-bound or crushed. Certain types of pipes are also more susceptible to root intrusion and corrosion as well as plugs developed from putting items like diapers or tennis balls down the drain. If you suspect that your pipes have succumbed to a clog or if you have a home with older pipes, call a plumbing professional to run a camera line inspection. An expert will bring all the necessary tools and expertise to identify the problem and fix it appropriately the first time.

REMODELING OPPORTUNITIES

If you're remodeling or have been wanting to change things up, that may be the perfect time to consider replacing your pipes. Taking renovations as an opportunity to inspect and replace plumbing lines if need be is a convenient option, most of the time. When opening up your walls and floors, a pipe evaluation could save you from extra costs down the road, and ensure that your system is working appropriately. In addition, if you do need to replace your plumbing at this time, a plumber is going to be on-site for the renovations, making the pipe fixes a bargain.

MINERAL CALCIFICATION

Cast iron and galvanized pipes are susceptible to mineral buildup and calcification along the interior edges. Over time, this buildup can thicken and reduce the water-carrying capacity of the pipes. In addition to slowing the flow of water, mineral buildup also means non-liquid particles are more likely to get stuck and cause clogs.

PITTED WALLS

Old cast iron or galvanized pipes also tend to corrode and rust. The interior surface of these pipes becomes pitted and rough, snagging hair, food particles, grease and other waste products as they flow through. These materials accumulate to form clogs. Over time, pits in the metal can become breaks or leaks.

PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS TO TAKE IN OLDER HOMES

Until it is time to call a plumber to replace older pipes, there are things you can do to help keep pipes clear and prevent clogs or leaks:

Put a strainer over bathtub and drains to catch as much hair as possible.
Once a week, pour three or four gallons of boiling hot water down the drain. This will break up soap scum and flush it down the line.
Once a month, use an environmentally safe drain cleaner to dissolve any remaining grime and coat the walls to prevent future buildup from accumulating.
When you start to notice a slow drain, address the problem immediately by using a plunger to dislodge the clog before it grows.

BENEFITS OF MODERN PIPES

The most common materials for pipes today are copper and PVC. These products are far superior to cast iron pipes because they are very durable. In addition, they provide a very smooth surface that does not corrode, rust, or become pitted. Any necessary repairs should be completed by replacing old pipes with newer materials when possible. Overall, you should strongly consider preventing future problems by replacing all of your pipes throughout the home.

If you find yourself facing a drain clog that you can’t seem to clear yourself, give Roto-Rooter a call anytime day or night. In addition to addressing your plumbing problems, our expert plumbers can advise you on replacing your old cast iron or galvanized pipes with new ones and build a plan for bringing your older home’s plumbing into the modern age.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED TO REPLACE YOUR PIPES

What do homeowners do if they think they need to replace their pipes? By following these steps, you can get a better sense of the problem and have a firm solution in place.

FIRST, DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM

Before you know what needs to be done, you have to know what the problem is in the first place. It can be helpful at this stage to call in a professional plumber. Someone with expertise can help you determine if that annoying dripping the bathroom or that weird sound in the kitchen is a minor nuisance that can be easily fixed with a wrench, or a major problem like galvanized steel pipes contaminating your water.

NEXT, MAKE SURE YOU READ UP ON LOCAL LAWS

Many states, counties and municipalities have specific guidelines regarding what can and can't be installed inside a private residence. For instance, it stands to reason that many places won't allow you to put in place lead pipes or make changes that might affect the city sewer system without official approval.

When in doubt, be sure to run any and all potential changes with local officials to ensure that you aren't running afoul of any laws.

THEN, ESTABLISH A BUDGET

This is key, as it's important to get a sense of what you're getting yourself into before embarking on any major plumbing project. Consider not just the amount being spent up front, but also any potential issues that could spring up down the road from an initial decision.

Remember, metal pipes contract and expand with major temperature changes. Be sure to keep all variables in mind when establishing a budget.

LASTLY, CALL A PROFESSIONAL PLUMBER TO FINISH THE JOB

Replacing pipes is a big challenge and it's one best left up to a professional. By calling a professional plumber to lead the effort, you can be sure that your pipe replacement work is done with professionalism and care.