Is It Time for a Pipe Replacement?

One of the last things you likely want to think about is a pipe replacement project in your home. After all, it can be costly and a major disruption to your daily routines. The good news is that you likely only need pipe repairs when you run into plumbing issues if your home is fairly new. Most pipes are designed to last several decades, even if they’ve been damaged or experience wear and tear.

Unfortunately, there will come a time when you need to invest in a plumbing pipe replacement. This is especially true for homeowners living in older houses. How do you know if it’s time for repairs or replacement? Watch out for these telltale signs that you need to replace your plumbing supply lines or Drain, Waste and Vent (DWV) pipes:

Age

One of the best ways to tell if it’s time for a pipe replacement is by considering the age of your piping systems. Each pipe material has a different life expectancy, so it’s important to compare the age of your piping against the average lifespan for your material type. Here are the life expectancies for the most commonly used types of plumbing materials:

• PVC: 100 years
• Cast Iron: 75 to 100 years
• Copper: 50 years
• Brass: 40 to 45 years
• Galvanized Steel: 20 to 50 years
• PEX: 40 to 50 years
• Orangeburg: 25-50 years

Water Discoloration

Unless you know you’re under a boil-water advisory, discolored water is an unpleasant sight and cause for concern. Water that is yellow or brown or has sediment floating in it could be a sign of a temporary problem with your local water supply. However, it could also indicate that the pipes in your home have corroded. If your water changes from crystal clear to murky in a day, you should stop drinking and using the water and contact your plumber right away.

Cracks

One of the most obvious signs that your pipes need to be replaced is cracks in the material. A cracked pipe will have water coming out of it in an unusual spot. If your pipes are behind a wall or under the floor, you may notice wet spots forming on the walls or ceiling. Other signs of cracked plumbing pipes include bulging paint and warped floors.

If you suspect your pipes have cracked, it’s crucial that you reach out to a licensed plumber immediately. Plumbing leaks can compromise the structural integrity of your home and create an environment ideal for mold and mildew growth.

Leaks

You don’t have to have cracked or corroded pipes to experience leaks in your plumbing system. Wear and tear can occur around the joints of your pipes, resulting in wet spots on your walls and ceilings and water damage throughout your home. While minor leaks can often be repaired, persistent leaks require a full pipe replacement. By replacing the problematic pipes, you will save money in the long run.

Decreased Water Pressure

Like discolored water, reduced water pressure could be a sign that there’s an issue with your local water supply. However, if your water pressure issues persist longer than a day or two, you likely have a plumbing problem.

Low water pressure could be due to a plumbing clog or leaking or corroded pipes. A professional technician can help you determine if you need plumbing repairs or a full pipe replacement to restore your home’s water pressure.

Backed Up or Slow Drains

If your drains seem to be slow or completely stopped, this could be a sign of a clog or a break in the drain line. Even a small belly or tree root invasion in the main sewer line can cause debris to catch and build up, causing a clog in the pipe. 

Let Us Help You Take Care of Plumbing Issues Today!

While scheduling a piping replacement can feel like a hassle, you don’t want to neglect taking care of plumbing issues. Corroded or damaged pipes can wreak havoc on your home and create unsafe living conditions.

If you suspect your home’s piping needs to be replaced, our team of experts at Northern Services would be happy to help restore your plumbing system to perfect condition. We will pinpoint the root cause of your problem and help you decide which residential plumbing services in Renville County, MN, would be best for your situation. We can also help you with drain cleaning to ensure your entire system flows smoothly.

Contact us today to request the assistance of our highly-trained and experienced plumbers!