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, replacing your pipes may be the perfect time to do so. 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.
Plumbing pipes are an essential part of any home, but they have their weaknesses and degrade over time. These signs will help you determine when's the right time to change your pipes and when your system needs to be inspected. Call your local Roto-Rooter plumbing professional for a camera line inspection, pipe replacement and any other plumbing issue.