Plumbing is one of those things that many homeowners don’t like to think about. It’s out of sight, out of mind, right? Unfortunately, failing to properly maintain your plumbing can actually be quite disastrous. For example, did you know that a running toilet can leak more than 200 gallons of water each day? Plumbing issues are especially common in older houses that may not have the most stable plumbing systems. So if you live in an older house, it’s crucial to replace old pipes, appliances, and fixtures, sooner rather than later.
How do you know when it’s time to replace your older home’s plumbing? Watch out for these three warning signs in particular:
If you experience frequent leaks: Whether it’s a leaking sink, toilet, or pipe in the walls, leaks are a surefire sign that something isn’t right. Frequent plumbing repairs can get pretty expensive — so if you’ve been dealing with leaks throughout your home, it may be time to talk to your local plumber about replacing your plumbing. While replacing plumbing may be more expensive upfront, it will save you money in the long run.
In addition, remember that not all leaks are immediately apparent! Pay close attention to your water bill and watch for sudden spikes. Some leaks can only be identified by experienced plumbers who know where to look.
If you experience low water pressure: When you go to take a shower and the water isn’t as powerful as it used to be, you may be dealing with decreased water pressure. Like leaking pipes or water heaters, this can be a sign that plumbing needs to be replaced. If you’re experiencing low water pressure, you may be dealing with galvanized pipes. This means the pipes are corroded and clogged, which makes it difficult for water to flow freely through them. In this case, replacing the water lines and the pipes may help fix the problem.
If you experience discolored water: When pipes are clogged or rusty, they may cause tap water to become discolored. Most commonly, the water pours out in an ugly red-brown sludge. Furthermore, the water may taste different too. While this is generally not a major problem, consuming water from rusty pipes may cause illness or other negative health effects. So to avoid this, any rusted pipes should be replaced as soon as possible.
While it can be difficult to know when your plumbing system is old and inefficient, it’s important to look for these few simple signs. And if you’re still unsure, a trusted local plumber will be able to tell you if and when your plumbing should be repaired or replaced. Trusting an expert opinion is the best thing you can do to save money and save your plumbing.
3 Signs Your Old Plumbing Should Be Replaced
Plumbing is one of those things that many homeowners don’t like to think about. It’s out of sight, out of mind, right? Unfortunately, failing to properly maintain your plumbing can actually be quite disastrous. For example, did you know that a running toilet can leak more than 200 gallons of water each day? Plumbing issues are especially common in older houses that may not have the most stable plumbing systems. So if you live in an older house, it’s crucial to replace old pipes, appliances, and fixtures, sooner rather than later.
How do you know when it’s time to replace your older home’s plumbing? Watch out for these three warning signs in particular:
If you experience frequent leaks: Whether it’s a leaking sink, toilet, or pipe in the walls, leaks are a surefire sign that something isn’t right. Frequent plumbing repairs can get pretty expensive — so if you’ve been dealing with leaks throughout your home, it may be time to talk to your local plumber about replacing your plumbing. While replacing plumbing may be more expensive upfront, it will save you money in the long run.
In addition, remember that not all leaks are immediately apparent! Pay close attention to your water bill and watch for sudden spikes. Some leaks can only be identified by experienced plumbers who know where to look.
If you experience low water pressure: When you go to take a shower and the water isn’t as powerful as it used to be, you may be dealing with decreased water pressure. Like leaking pipes or water heaters, this can be a sign that plumbing needs to be replaced. If you’re experiencing low water pressure, you may be dealing with galvanized pipes. This means the pipes are corroded and clogged, which makes it difficult for water to flow freely through them. In this case, replacing the water lines and the pipes may help fix the problem.
If you experience discolored water: When pipes are clogged or rusty, they may cause tap water to become discolored. Most commonly, the water pours out in an ugly red-brown sludge. Furthermore, the water may taste different too. While this is generally not a major problem, consuming water from rusty pipes may cause illness or other negative health effects. So to avoid this, any rusted pipes should be replaced as soon as possible.
While it can be difficult to know when your plumbing system is old and inefficient, it’s important to look for these few simple signs. And if you’re still unsure, a trusted local plumber will be able to tell you if and when your plumbing should be repaired or replaced. Trusting an expert opinion is the best thing you can do to save money and save your plumbing.
