Home plumbing systems typically have pipes made from materials that last for decades. If you’re lucky, you could even live in a house that never needs repiping. While many failing piping systems can limp along for a while, the truth is that they’ll eventually cause issues that you can’t ignore.
Professional plumbers can often suggest replacing just one pipe or a small portion for isolated problems. But, they may need to recommend completely repiping the system when you notice these problems at your house.
Reaching the End of the Average Lifespan
One of the strongest indicators that repiping is the best solution for plumbing problems is aging pipes. As a general rule, plumbers tend to find more problems with pipes when they are on the older side of their lifespan. The amount of time that you can expect the pipes in your house to last depends upon the materials they are made from, and here are a few general guidelines for how long they could last.
- Brass: 40 to 70 years
- Copper: 50 or more years
- Galvanized steel: 20 to 50 years
- Cast iron: 75 to 100 years
- Plastic: Potentially indefinitely
Keep in mind that many factors influence whether or not pipes can make it to the high end of the average lifespan. Trees growing nearby, shifting soil, and exposure to contaminants in the water can all prematurely shorten the life of a piping system.
Finding Frequent Leaks
A reputable plumber won’t typically recommend repiping an entire home over one small leak. But, they might make this recommendation after investigating multiple leaks in a short period of time.
The walls of metal pipes naturally grow thinner over time, and the deterioration can occur faster in plumbing systems that are exposed to water with high mineral levels. As the walls weaken, they can develop pinhole leaks that could occur throughout different parts of the system. In a worst-case scenario, this could lead to a major pipe break that places your house at risk for water damage.
Experiencing Low Water Pressure
Maintaining the right water pressure for your home requires striking a delicate balance. Water pressure that goes too high can damage pipes and increase the risk of leaks. If it’s too low, then you might notice the issue in the shower when it takes forever to rinse the shampoo out of your hair. Or, your dishwasher might not be able to fully rinse the dishes.
Either way, low water pressure is often a sign of sediment buildup or corrosion that begins to create a narrower passageway through the pipes. In many cases, professional plumbers can use techniques such as hydro-jetting to safely blast away the deposits. But, there eventually comes a point where it may make more sense to replace the pipes, especially if they have extensive buildup and are reaching the end of their lifespan.
Hearing and Feeling Strange Sensations
In the plumbing industry, plumbers often hear homeowners complain about haunted pipes. Knocking and banging noises are a sign that the water pressure is off. The same is also true if you notice wildly varying temperature fluctuations in the water. Asking a plumber to identify the source of the pressure problems is the best way to find out if the issue is an easy repair or requires repiping.
Discovering Unappealing Water Changes
No one likes to find brown water pouring from the tap. If you notice that the discoloration only seems to occur when you run the hot water, then this could be related to the hot water heater. If this is the case, then a plumber will only need to replace the component or heating system that is causing the problem. Or, it might be time to flush the hot water heater and do a little maintenance.
Seeing brown water coming from all of the faucets in the house indicates that the problem is more likely to be system-wide. When rust or sediment builds up inside the pipes, it can eventually become noticeable in the color of the water.
Aging or corroded pipes can also cause odors and taste changes. Rust can generate a metallic scent in the water that you notice as it pours from the faucet. Some people can also detect the taste of rust in the flavor of the water. Repiping can restore your home’s water quality so that you can enjoy staying hydrated again.
When to Consider Repiping Your Home
As a homeowner, it’s good to be cautious about undertaking major repiping projects, and the answer to whether or not your house needs new pipes depends upon multiple factors. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we only recommend putting in new piping when the benefits are substantial. Reach out to our friendly plumbers today to get a professional opinion on whether your house needs new pipes so that you can feel confident with your decision.