Your plumbing system is one of the most important parts of your home. Having healthy pipes can have a major impact on the overall comfort, energy efficiency, and functionality of the house. Even if you take good care of your piping, it will eventually need to be replaced. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult to tell when it’s the right time to invest in repiping. However, if you know which signs to look for, you’ll give yourself the opportunity to be proactive about replacing your pipes, which can help you avoid costly plumbing issues.
Here, we’ll take a look at a few of the clearest indicators that your home needs new piping.
1. You’re Experiencing Frequent Plumbing Leaks
Regardless of the age of your piping, it’s normal to experience the occasional plumbing leak in your home. However, if you’re dealing with frequent leaks and haven’t had your house repiped in many years, it may be time to take action. Over time, the pipes in your home will gradually deteriorate, and this process will be significantly quicker if you’re in an area with hard water. If you’re suddenly noticing an increase in plumbing leaks, it likely means that the walls of your piping are becoming thin and weak. If this is the case, the issue will only continue to worsen until you invest in repiping.
2. Your Pipes Are Made of Lead, Galvanized Steel, or Polybutylene
If you discover that your home has pipes made of lead, galvanized steel, or polybutylene, it’s important that you have them replaced as soon as possible. Pipes made with these materials are most commonly found in older houses, and they tend to cause quite a few major problems. For example, pipes made from lead or galvanized steel can potentially be harmful to everyone in your household. Polybutylene pipes, on the other hand, are very susceptible to damage, which often leads to devastating plumbing emergencies.
If your pipes are made with any of these materials, it’s essential that you have them replaced with a more modern alternative, such as PEX pipes, which are much safer and more reliable.
3. Your Water Pressure Is Poor
Poor water pressure is another common sign of piping that needs replacing. Over the years, issues like sediment buildup and corrosion will gradually obstruct the flow of water through your pipes. This process can be accelerated by the presence of hard water, but it can also be slowed down by regularly investing in plumbing maintenance. Eventually, though, aging pipes will start to decrease the water pressure in your house. This can make it difficult to do a variety of daily tasks, such as showering, washing dishes, and watering your plants.
If you’re noticing poor water pressure with new pipes, it likely means you have a minor plumbing issue to address, such as a clogged or leaky pipe. However, if this issue becomes persistent with older piping, the best solution is likely to invest in repiping.
4. Your Water Is Discolored
Have you noticed that water in your home has an unusual color? When your pipes are severely corroded, that can allow a significant amount of rust to seep into the water. This can result in the water having an unappealing yellow or brown tint. That said, it’s important to note the specific context of any discolored water you’re seeing. For example, if all of your water has a strange color, it’s likely due to pipe corrosion. However, if the discoloration is limited to hot water or water from a specific tap, then the issue is probably localized to your water heater or a specific fixture.
5. Your Pipes Are Making Loud Noises
When the pipes in your home are new and healthy, you typically won’t hear much noise from them at all. However, as your piping becomes older and starts to wear down, it may start producing strange sounds. These noises can vary, ranging from squealing and shrieking to loud banging. Regardless of the exact type of sound, persistent noises from your pipes are a strong indicator that it’s time to consider repiping.
Trust Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for Your Repiping Needs
When you’re ready to invest in new piping for your home in the greater Miami, FL area, it’s essential that you trust the project to qualified professionals. The expert plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing will provide you with high-quality workmanship while treating you with respect, honesty, and transparency throughout the entire process. If you’d like to schedule a plumbing inspection or are ready to have your home repiped, simply give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing a call today.