There can be a lot of difficulties, and one can be in a pretty tough situation if the plumbing system is outdated, so it is necessary to understand when it is time to change the pipes. Sometimes, it is possible to fix them, in case they are not outdated, but in some cases, the only solution is to replace them entirely. They are usually made from materials that can last for years, but if you are not sure how old they are, it is time to check for some warning signs. Replacing them in time can save you from a total disaster such as leaking or even flood in or under the house. If you need professional help, check DAZ Plumbing & Locating and schedule the appointment. If you are not sure what are the caution signs, read this text, and you may find it helpful.
1. Colored water
We all know that the water does not have color, and if that’s not the case, there is something wrong with it. The water needs to be crystal clear, and everything other than that can be a serious sign that something is off. If it is colored, never drink it or use it for food preparation. The best thing is to wait for a day or two to see if it is a problem with the water supply in the whole area, and it is not, ask for professional help. Depending on the color, you can actually find out more about the problem, but either way, it is never a good idea to try fixing it by yourself. In case that it is green or blue, that can mean that there is brass/copper in the fittings or that there are even algae in the supply. If it is red, yellowish, or orange, then that is most probably the indicator of the presence of rust that can be harmful to your body but also means that it is time to change the pipes since they can break off and cause leaking. The water with a pink tinge almost always has a specific kind of organism in it, and that can cause serious problems to your health. If it is black, do not even think of using it since it means that there is some kind of growth in the pipes and a serious sign that they need to be changed.
2. It doesn’t run properly
Not every change in water pressure is the alarm signal, but it is definitely worth checking. Sometimes it can be a problem in the whole area, and you should just wait for professionals to fix it. If that is not the case, the next thing you should check is the heater. If it is not working properly, the unexpected loss of pressure can be one of the indicators. But if the pressure loss occurs gradually, it can be a warning of leaking pipes. That can be serious since the water can leak somewhere in the house, but also under it and cause the foundation and framing damages or mold growth. There is still the possibility that the pipes are just clogged what can be fixed with some drain cleaner, but it is still something that should not be overlooked.
3. Leaking
It can be tricky to notice if there is any leaking since the leakage can be perfectly hidden and do not show any obvious signs of that happening. In the beginning, the leak may look trivial to you, but if not fixed, it can become a much larger issue. That doesn’t mean that they would crack if it leaks, and the problem could be some loose connection between them. Sometimes they can be repaired, but avoid tightening the gasket by yourself since it is easily breakable. If you want to avoid leaky faucets, the best solution is to call the professional and be sure that there will not be any sudden onslaught of water. It is not an expensive investment, and it can save you plenty of water and resources in the future.
4. Material
The materials that are used for the pipe system were changing a lot during the time. Today, the most accepted are PVC, copper, and brass, but if the house is older, it is more likely that the pipes are made from galvanized steel, iron, or lead. Since every one of those materials has a different life span, it is necessary to know what material your pipes are made of, and the PVC is the material that has the shortest lifespan since it can last for 25 to 45 years. The situation with copper is better, and it can last for about 70 to 80 years. Galvanized steel, cast iron, and brass have a longer lifespan and can last up to 100 years. The fact is that no matter what material the pipes are made of, all of them need to be well maintained and checked occasionally. If they are not, that can shorten their lifespan and cause damages that cannot be fixed, and the only solution is replacing them. Lead pipes can be potentially dangerous and need to be checked more often. Since lead is toxic, there is a federally suggested level of it, and if it is above that level, the water usage needs to be stopped. You probably should consider replacing them to avoid poisoning. The adult person can tolerate small amounts of lead, but it can be dangerous for the children.
Summing up
Water is the most important and essential thing for human health, and that is why it is crucial to check its quality frequently. Water quality is worse if the pipes are in bad condition, and this can be very dangerous. In addition to health problems, worn-out pipes can also cause big material problems, and that is why it is significant to notice the malfunction in time and repair it. A healthy plumbing system saves a lot of water, and it is one of the best things that you can do for your environment.
