Pipes are essential to everyday life, from providing us with clean water to carrying away wastewater.
These integral parts of every plumbing system are designed to endure for a long time. But there are exceptions. No matter how incredibly you care for them, they will need substitutes at some point.
However, the tricky part here is knowing when to replace a pipe. Let’s take a look at the indicating signs your home might need a pipe replacement.
Signs You Need A Pipe Replacement
Corrosion in the Pipes
Pipes often get corroded—galvanised pipes, specifically. Corrosion is one of the primary grounds that need a pipe replacement. Once the rust has set in, it will develop with time, and before long, you will see the need to replace pipes.
But how do you tell that the pipes are rusting? You have two ways to tell.
- Your pipes will clog up more frequently.
- Or the water will be discoloured with sediment floating around.
If you notice any of these issues in your home, it might be due to corrosion, and you need to consider pipe replacement.
Pipes’ Age
As said before, pipes do last for many years without a doubt—but not forever. They will need replacements after a certain age. For instance, if you are often experiencing issues like blocked toilets in Geelong, professionals always first check how old the pipework is.
PVC plumbing pipes are an exception here as they possibly last indefinitely. But others, such as Galvanised or Brass, may need to be replaced sooner.
For this reason, you may do well to know the life expectancy of different pipes.
- Cast iron can last between 75 to 100 years.
- Copper pipes last for 50 or more years.
- Brass pipes last for over 40 years.
- Galvanised steel pipes last between 20 to 50 years. (Commonly seen in houses built before the 1960s)
You must know what pipes are used in your home to run the numbers here. If you are unsure, check with your plumber.
Low Water Pressure
The most obvious sign is the low water pressure. It may be because the connection is loose or there is a leak. Either way, you may need pipe replacement as soon as you can.
Sometimes, the low water pressure could also be a temporary area problem. But if you notice it often, then there is a high chance that your plumbing system is inefficient.
Cracks and Leaks
It is common to have pipes cracked, intrusion, or loosened. Each might be a different problem, but the result is the same—a leakage.
Initially, the leak may be minor, but it can develop with time and pressure. Needless to say, it will even lead to unusually high water bills.
Compared to others, a cracked pipe is often easy to catch. In case of a broken pipe, you will experience the following:
- The crack will be visible if the pipes are exposed.
- The walls will soak if any concealed pipes are broken. Never ignore a wet wall in your home.
- You notice low water pressure, clogs, or escalated water bills.
As soon as you realise there is a crack in your pipes, you should call your emergency plumber in Geelong to minimize the damage and replace the pipes.
Smell and Noises from Pipes
Another indication that your pipes need replacing is if you hear strange noises coming from them–thumping, hissing, or gurgling noises.
These could indicate an issue with your pipes, and they should be inspected right away. It normally occurs when there is an old blockage or any irregularity in the water pressure.
Also, bad odour from pipes is just as important an indication of problems with your pipes.
Lead Plumbing
Almost everyone is now aware of the potential dangers of lead plumbing pipes. But many houses still use lead plumbing lines.
The dangers lead could pose to health is not unheard of. Children exposed to lead regularly may suffer slow growth and learning disorders. While adults who consume it may have kidney and reproductive problems.
So, check to see if there is any lead in your plumbing system or if there is any contact with lead. If yes, you need to think about finding a strategy to get rid of lead from the equation as soon as possible.
Final Say
It can be difficult to know when it’s time for a pipe replacement—after all, pipes are hidden away in our walls and floors, so we don’t always know what condition they are in until something goes wrong!
But you can look for these hidden signs we discussed in this post. If there are any signs of trouble with your piping system—no matter how small—it’s best to contact an experienced plumber who can inspect your system and advise if you need a pipe replacement or not!
Whether it’s faulty plumbing fixtures or corroded water lines, being aware of potential pipe issues and addressing them is essential in keeping your plumbing system functioning properly.
So do not wait until there’s an emergency; keep an eye out for signs of trouble now so you can save yourself money (and stress) down the line!
Better yet, you may consider scheduling regular maintenance checks with Your Local Plumbing. With such regular plumbing inspections, you can figure out any underlying problems with your plumbing, from broken pipes to blocked drains in Geelong.
We hope this guide has helped you better understand the plumbing problems.
