Signs Your Home Needs Re-Piping
The plumbing system is one of the most sturdy systems in a home. However, while your home's piping system lasts for decades, pipes will eventually start to wear out, warranting repairs or replacement. Unfortunately, most homeowners aren't sure whether to replace or repair their piping system.
While you might opt to replace a single old pipe to solve an emergency case, sometimes an entire re-pipe is unavoidable. The cost and inconvenience of recurring plumbing issues will merit a home re-pipe project. Home re-piping involves removing all the hot and cold water pipes in a home and replacing them with new ones.
While replacing your home's entire plumbing system can be scary due to the involved costs, the project offers long-term benefits. You'll enjoy higher quality water, lower water bills, better water pressure, fewer water leaks, and a safer plumbing system. Also, re-piping your house will save you money, give you peace of mind, and increase your home's value.
But as a homeowner, how do you know your plumbing system needs a replacement, not repairs? Read on to learn the telltale signs your home needs a re-pipe.
Frequent Water Leaks
Plumbing leaks are not only inconvenient but can be costly, especially if they go undetected. If you notice hiked water bills, musty smells, stained floors/walls, wet spots, or low water pressure, you might have a plumbing leak. While plumbing leaks are normal and a professional can easily repair them, it's more cost-effective to re-pipe your home if the leaks have become far too common.
Besides repair costs, water leaks can present other costs and hazards. For instance, plumbing water leaks can cause water damage in your home, destroying valuable personal properties. Also, leaks facilitate mold growth and affect your indoor air quality, causing respiratory issues. If you have to call a professional plumber occasionally to repair plumbing leaks, consider a re-piping project.
Noisy Pipes
Your plumbing system should make no noise, only the sound of water flowing smoothly. Unfortunately, noisy pipes are a common problem, especially in older homes. Noisy pipes are annoying and can present unpleasant surprises such as emergency leaks. Causes of noisy pipes include loose fittings, copper pipes, water hammers, pressure issues, and blockages.
If you notice squealing, whistling, banging, knocking, or shrieking, you have a plumbing issue. Also, each of these sounds indicates a unique problem. For instance, whistling noise can signal high water pressure, which can be potentially disastrous.
Seek the intervention of a professional plumber to determine the root issue of your plumbing noise. In some instances, especially when your piping system is old, your plumber can recommend a house re-pipe.
Visible Corrosion
Pipe rust and corrosion are a common occurrence, especially in older homes, due to the use of galvanized pipes. If you've noticed stains, dimpling, flaking, or discoloration on exposed pipes in your home, re-pipe to prevent emergency plumbing repairs and water damage. Causes of pipe corrosion include old age, low pH levels, high oxygen levels, higher water temperature, and sediment buildup.
Corroded pipes will adversely impact the quality of drinking water in your home. When the rust in the pipes contaminates the water, you might notice water discoloration. Consumption of such water can lead to various health issues such as nausea and headaches. Also, corroded pipes are more susceptible to other plumbing issues such as pipe leaks and low water pressure.
If you've noticed corrosion on several pipes in your home, be ready for a home re-pipe. Also, if your pipes are from unsafe materials such as lead, you need an immediate replacement.
An unrepairable plumbing system can cause costly damage and affect your home's value and comfort. If you suspect your piping system might need a replacement, call a professional plumber for an inspection and confirmation. Contact Michigan Plumbing for all your plumbing, sewer and drain, and water heater needs, including inspection, repair, re-piping, and installation.
