06 May When to Replace Your Plumbing
5/6/16
By: Karli Willden
Replacing your home plumbing can be expensive. Not replacing your pipes when it is needed, however, can be even more costly. So at what point do you know you should replace your pipes, or if you would be okay to hold off for a while longer? Listed below are a few tips to give you a general idea of when you may or may not need to replace your plumbing. Give Mathews Plumbing a call today for additional questions or service requests at 208-357-3439.
Professional Plumbing Inspection
First, and foremost, getting an expert opinion is never a bad idea. With a plumbing inspection, a professional plumber can take a look at the condition of the plumbing system. Older plumbing systems are much different than modern plumbing systems. Some of the older plumbing systems will have shorter life expectancies and higher risks inherited with them. Only a professional plumber will be able to analyze the condition of the plumbing and tell you whether or not work will need to be done.
Red Flags in Plumbing
- House Older than 60 years old
- Yellow/Brown Water
- Hot Water is Shot
- Exposed Pipes Show Corrosion
- Galvanized Pipes
- Lead and Polybutylene Pipes
Listed above are red flags and indicators to know when you should definitely consider replacing the plumbing in your home or business. Ignoring or postponing these issues could be harmful for your health or lead to an all-out disaster in your home. Especially if you have lead or polybutylene pipes in your home or business, you should give extra caution as lead can be absorbed and later dangerously consumed. Galvanized pipes pose similar threats to the household and should be replaced as soon as possible.
Remodeling & Add Ons
Checking on and replacing your plumbing is not always as simple as changing out a tire on your car. Since plumbing is embedded in walls and not out in the open, there are limited opportunities to inspect and replace the plumbing. Opportunities to check on your plumbing and replace the system may come as you do home remodels or add ons. Since you will already be in construction mode, replacing your plumbing at the same time will be efficient and convenient. Mathews Plumbing has a wealth of experience replacing old plumbing systems. If you are planning a remodel for your home or business in the near future, give us a call and we can talk about what it would take to replace your old, outdated plumbing system.
Older Homes
If you live in an older home and do not plan on doing any remodeling or add ons in the future, then periodically check out the plumbing that is out in the open. By making a point to inspect the plumbing in your home each year, you can prevent any major water or sewage leak from your plumbing. Listed below are the life expectancies of several types of plumbing pipes. Find out what type of pipe is used in your house and make sure to monitor it frequently. Look for signs of water leaks or corrosion on the pipes.
Plumbing Types & Life Expectancy
Brass–80-100 years
Copper–70-80 years
Galvanized steel–80-100 years
For more information on when is the best time to replace old pipe systems, give Mathews Plumbing a call today at 208-357-3439. We would be happy to answer any other questions you may have about your plumbing.