Fixing your home's pipes can be a challenge, but it's best left to the professionals. However, repiping can be a regrettable task that may need to be undertaken, and it's always best to be sure, so here are some signs that indicate repiping is necessary:
Frequent Leaks
Multiple leaks in a short period of time may mean that your pipes have corroded and need to be replaced. Leaks can be detected by the naked eye, or there may be signs: when water pressure changes, water bills go up, or mold appears. Plumbing leaks can be caused by different defects in the system, excessive pressure, or aging pipes. Leaks can quickly cause significant damage; a small puddle can lead to a flood that causes serious water damage. Every small leak in the home is a sign that the pipes are about to be replaced completely, because after all, the original pipes are from the same period, and the consistent water flow pattern will eventually wear out the water pipes in multiple places. Upgrades may be needed to prevent any additional or ongoing damage.
Old Houses
If the house is more than forty years old, there is a good chance that the pipes are just as old and have begun to deteriorate. The average lifespan of most pipes is thirty years, depending on the care and maintenance they have received over the years. If you have an older home, it's a good idea to inspect any exposed pipes once a year for any warning signs that could lead to problems.
Corrosion and Rust
Corrosion can cause leaks. However, there are some signs that you may already have corrosion. Corroded pipes include a bluish-green hue on copper pipes, and possible rust, flaking, pitting, or discoloration. If you've been away from your home for a while and the water has been sitting in your pipes for a while, check how the water looks. If the water is brown or yellow, that's a sign that you have rust and corrosion within your plumbing system. Not only does rust change the purity and appearance of your water, it also wears down your pipes over time, causing them to become weaker and more likely to leak or break. When there are signs of corrosion and rust, it's time to re-pipe. However, if you notice that rusty water only comes out when you turn on the hot water, there may be reason to believe that the rust is coming from the water heater and not the pipes.
Lead or Polybutylene Pipes
Regardless of their age, two types of water pipes that need to be replaced immediately are lead pipes and polybutylene pipes. Lead pipes are from a different era, they were used in the early 20th century and had a life expectancy of about 100 years. However, they can easily leach lead into drinking water, posing serious health risks. Lead pipes can contaminate water, making it toxic and dangerous. Polybutylene pipes were installed in homes from the 1970s to the 1990s as a cheaper and more flexible option. However, since they are classified as a cheaper material, they are of lower quality and are more prone to breaking. As a result, they can cause flooding and severe water damage in your home. Re-piping is an important step that is highly recommended if you have one of these plumbing systems in your home.
Poor Performance
If your pipes are performing poorly and you notice low water pressure, fluctuating water temperatures, or loud pipe noises, these are signs that re-piping and replacement are needed. When rust and corrosion occur, it causes residue to build up, making the water flow more restricted, which affects the water flow. This residue can get trapped in the anti-scald devices that help regulate temperature, causing drastic changes in water temperature. When your pipes are making a lot of noises like squeaking, popping, and banging, then corrosion and water pressure changes are affecting the pipes and they need to be replaced.
If any of these signs are showing up in your home, it's best to call a professional to see if repiping the pipes would be the most beneficial step to help ensure that damage doesn't reoccur or persist in your home.
