Upgrading Your Home Plumbing System: When And Why To Replace Old Pipes?

The plumbing system is an essential part of your home and it is responsible for delivering clean water and removing waste efficiently. As we know that nothing lasts forever, including the pipes inside our house. Over time, however, pipes can deteriorate, leading to leaks, corrosion, rust, decay, low water pressure, and other plumbing issues. Unless you replace plumbing, you are eventually going to get leaks—and possibly a flood of water or raw sewage into your home.

HOW TO DETERMINE WHEN A PLUMBING SYSTEM UPGRADE IS REQUIRED?

Knowing when and why to replace old pipes is crucial for maintaining a well-functioning and safe plumbing system in your home. In fact, there are various steps that can be taken to determine if an upgrade is required on your home in the upcoming days.

Age

One of the primary factors to consider is the age of your home's plumbing system. Each pipe has its own lifespan depending on the quality of its manufacturing material. For example, galvanized steel pipes, generally used in older homes, have an average lifespan of 50 years. Copper pipes can last up to 70 years, while PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes have a lifespan of around 50-70 years. If pipes at your homes are approaching or have exceeded their expected lifespan, it may be the right time to consider a replacement.

Water Pressure

Water pressure is an essential aspect of your plumbing system's comfort. In the absence of proper water pressure, you get irritated and your work gets stuck, creating trouble and delay in your fast-paced life. You need to ensure that your plumbing system is working to its best performance.  If a significant change is seen in water pressure recently, there is a need to have your plumbing specialist review the system and swap out damaged components. If the water pressure when you are taking a shower or washing the dishes has dropped significantly as of late, this could be a sign that it is time to replace aging pipes in our old home.

Various kinds of mineral buildup, corrosion, and clogs within the pipes can restrict the flow of water. Upgrading to newer pipes like APL Apollo PVC pipes with larger diameters and smoother interiors can help restore adequate water pressure and improve overall water flow.

Water Quality issue

Aging pipes can deliver poor water quality. As old lead pipes were commonly used in homes built before the 1950s, even copper pipes joined with lead solder can pose a health risk. Exposure to lead is harmful and can cause various health problems.  If you suspect your home has old lead pipes or notice a decline in water quality, it is essential to replace the plumbing system for ensuring the safety of your drinking water.

Watching over leakages

As a homeowner, you need to keep an eye on your home plumbing and its performance. One small leak within the pipes can cause various problems ending with a good amount of expenses.  Frequent leakage is a strong indicator that your plumbing system needs attention. Leaks not only waste water and increase your utility bills but can also cause significant damage to your home structure and lead to mold growth. Replacing old, corroded pipes will help eliminate this recurring problem and provide peace of mind.

Meter activity

Reviewing your meter activity is also a way to see the health of your plumbing system. The water meter will rise rapidly in case we have a leakage in the home. Ensure to check the meter regularly and review the changes taking place to determine the potential for leak repairs or upgrades.

Water Colour

If the water colour in your plumbing is changed to a yellow or brown tinge then it is an indication that there is rust in the pipes and that the pipes are corroding. The rust is the result of the oxidation process as metal interacts with oxygen, breaking down the metal structure. If you are experiencing changes in water colour within the home, you need to get it checked by a professional plumber.

Checking under the sinks

If you want to find the signs of past plumbing work, you may look underneath the sinks and, you may usually find different-looking pipes and that there is some leaking from the older pipes.

Family needs and Health hazards

If your home is a few decades old, it is likely that you at least require a home plumbing inspection to ensure the system is in peak working condition. As it has been experienced that some older homes also use lead pipes, which pose a number of health hazards for our family members. Likewise, if  we feel that the existing plumbing system no longer supports your family needs and your plumbing no longer meets their requirements, you should consider replacing them.

Increasing home value

If you want to increase the value of your home, upgrading your plumbing system, including replacing old pipes, may be one of the best things to do. It can enhance the value of your home and give your homes a new look. Potential buyers often view updated plumbing systems as a desirable feature.

In conclusion, replacing old pipes becomes necessary when they have reached their expected lifespan, exhibit leaks or corrosion, contribute to low water pressure or poor water quality, or as part of preventive maintenance or home renovation projects. It is necessary to address these issues promptly to maintain a reliable and efficient plumbing system as well as to ensure the safety and well-being of our household.