Top Signs It’s Time To Upgrade Or Replace Your Plumbing
Are you a homeowner wondering if it’s time to upgrade or replace your plumbing? If you’re experiencing issues with your toilet, faucet, or something else, then it may be time to contact a plumber. Here are the top signs to look out for.
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Leaks
Leaks are probably the most common sign you’re dealing with a plumbing problem at home. To check for leaks, first look in leak-prone areas such as the toilet, kitchen sink, or shower and see if there are any wet spots. However, detecting leaks isn’t always that easy. A lot of times, leaks are hidden in places that aren’t entirely visible. Common signs of hidden plumbing leaks include:
- Higher-than-usual water bills
- Damaged walls or ceilings
- Low water pressure
- An unexplained odor
- Mold or mildew
- Wet spots on carpet
These are all signs of potential leaks, and also signs that you should upgrade or replace your plumbing immediately.
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Discolored Water
Discolored or unclear water is a sign that it’s time to upgrade or replace your plumbing. In fact, anything other than clear water should be addressed immediately. Not only can it be damaging to your plumbing fixtures, but it can also be damaging to your health. Depending on the color of water, you could be dealing with:
- Rust in your pipes
- Strong presence of copper or brass
- Severe pipe corrosion or growths
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Pipe Material
Last but certainly not least, depending on the year your home was built, different materials were most likely used for your plumbing system. For example, many modern homes either use copper, brass, or polyvinyl chloride pipes whereas older homes may have used cast iron, lead, or galvanized steel. Not only can certain materials be toxic and harmful to your health, they also all come with a different lifespan.
- Copper Pipes Typically Last 20-50 Years
- Brass Pipes Typically Last 80-100 Years
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipes Typically Last 25-40 Years
- Cast Iron Pipes Typically Last 80-100 Years
- Galvanized Steel Pipes Typically Last 80-100 Years
While it may seem as if pipes have a long lifespan and don’t need much attention, depending on when your house was built, you could be due for a replacement sooner than you think. Especially if you have lead pipes, you need to get them replaced immediately. Despite them being long-lasting (up to 100 years), it’s common knowledge that lead is actually extremely toxic and can poison people if they’re exposed to it for long periods of time. That being said, if you have lead piping, then you need to replace them immediately for one of the other materials listed above.
Think It Might Be Time To Upgrade Or Replace Your Plumbing? Call The Pros At Freedom Air Today!
If you live in Cocoa, FL and surrounding arears and think you may be due for a plumbing assessment, give the pros at Freedom Air a call today! We can help you determine if your plumbing issues call for an upgrade or replacement. Call us at 321-631-6886 or fill out our online form here.
