We never plan for the unexpected plumbing problem and certainly not a complete home repiping. Most homeowners would never have thought their pipes needed replacing. The fact is, we have hard water in California that can contribute to a failing plumbing system. Although hard water is not the sole reason, our pipes will eventually fail. For example, if you have poorly installed pipes, you probably wouldn’t know it for 10, 15, or 20 years down the road. The same is true for cheap sub-standard materials. Unless you’re an expert in the field, you would never know the quality of the copper pipes that installed in your home.
However, a decision to repipe your home usually creeps up on a homeowner over time. Most homes that were fitted for pipes before 1960 are galvanized steel pipes. Galvanized pipes are very reliable and have a life expectancy of 40 to 60 years, but they tend to rust from the inside out. So, for the most part, copper pipes replaced galvanized ones. Plumbers quickly found that copper was easier to work with, lighter to transport, cost about the same, and lasted as long.
The Problem Usually Starts With Old Aging Pipes
An old plumbing system coupled with additional issues with your pipes is a sign that you need to hire a qualified plumbing expert to inspect your pipes. While age alone is no reason to repipe your home, it will be the number one reason when considering it. However, it has been tested and proven that well-maintained pipes can outlast the projections given to us by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Residential Rehabilitation Inspection Guide.
When considering the purchase of an older home, a complete inspection of your pipes and sewer line should be at the top of your list. If the home still has galvanized steel pipes, replacing them should be part of your negotiations.
Poor Installation And Bad Installation Are Two More Reasons Your Home May Need Repiping
It’s impossible for a homeowner to know who installed their pipes. However, shabby installation is one of the main causes of leaking pipes. Unfortunately, the problem doesn’t raise its ugly head until some damage has already occurred. Also, there is no definitive reason why some homes in an older neighborhood are prone to pipe leaks, while other homes in the same neighborhood seem to be fine. Although it could be the result of poor craftsmanship. If you’re experiencing pipe leaks in more than one area of your plumbing system, then you need to consider repiping your home.
Mineral Deposits In Our Pipes Will Cause Low Water Pressure
Reduced water pressure is another sign that your pipe needs replacing. Low water pressure may gradually develop over many years before it becomes noticeable. Most homeowners are well aware of California’s drinking water’s mineral and calcium deposits. Those minerals tend to build up over many years, causing our pipes to constrict causing low water pressure. For those that do not know, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has defined hard water as high in dissolved minerals, largely calcium and magnesium.
You Cannot repair old Galvanized Pipes
If your water is cloudy or shows signs of rust, this could be a sign of corroded galvanized pipes. Brownish water occurs when rust gets dislodged, causing the water to change color. In most cases, rusty pipes will eventually leak. Another thing to remember is that galvanized pipes can only be replaced and not repaired. In addition, pipes exposed to high mineral content can reduce the lifespan significantly.
Constant Clogs are Not Isolated To Your Incoming Water Supply
Drains that constantly get clogged could also be experiencing sediment build-up caused by hard water. Minerals that build up in our pipes over many years are not isolated to our incoming water supply lines. Calcium carbonates and magnesium carbonates are the minerals responsible for the built-up sediment in our sewer lines and the reoccurring clogged drains.
What’s The Solution To Poor Quality Water?
In many cases, the damage may have already occurred, and the only solution is to repipe your home. But the best solution is a reverse osmosis water filtration system. The system will eliminate solids and chemicals in our bathing and drinking water. Additionally, it will keep those same minerals from building up in our plumbing system. Furthermore, the benefits go well beyond clean pipes and drinking water. The filtered water can also contribute to healthier skin and hair.
Recap:
- Has your water pressure gotten worse over an extended period?
- Does your water show signs of poor water quality?
- Do you have drains that regularly get clogged?
- How old are your pipes?
- Are your pipes leaking?
If the answer is “Yes” to any of the above, call your Big B’s Plumbing specialist for a complete inspection of your pipes. We have a team of home repiping specialists that can give you all your options. If you need home repiping services our highly skilled experts are proficient in both PEX and copper. Call today and get the service you deserve
