At Repiping Professionals & Builders, we have observed and worked on homes with substantial damage. Whether it’s having a flood of water or raw sewage infiltrate your home, replacing your pipes in a timely manner can prevent you from paying thousands of dollars in more home repairs. So, how can you tell if it’s time for your plumbing to be replaced? Our Los Angeles repiping experts have provided five telltale signs which indicate replacement is in order.
1.) Your Pipes Have Expired
There are two types of pipes: supply pipes and drain lines. Supply pipes bring water into your home and can cause damage to your home if a burst or leak occurs. Drain lines are used to dispel water and waste from your home. Each of these pipes are associated with specific types of materials.
Common supply pipe materials include:
- Brass (80-100 years)
- Copper (70-80 years)
- Galvanized steel (80-100 years)
Common drain line materials include:
- Cast iron (80-100 years)
- Polyvinyl chloride or PVC (24-40)
Whether you examine the home inspection report you received when you initially bought your home or call a professional plumber to inspect your system, the first thing you need to do is find out what material your pipes are made of.
2.) Brown or Yellow Water
Discoloration in your water flowing through your faucets indicates your water is mixing with rust. This could either mean the rust is coming from your water heater tank or your pipes. If there is any evidence of rust found in both, replace immediately.
3.) Leaks
If a leak is found in your pipes, even just a small one, your entire piping system must be replaced. Since most of your pipes should be around the same age and have been under the same amount of pressure, if one pipe leaks, eventually the rest will experience the same thing.
4.) Your Home Has Lead or Polybutylene Pipes
If consumed, lead is toxic and poses great harm. Lead piping can lead to infiltrate your water supply. Polybutylene pipe are made of poor quality and prone to breaking. These type of pipes are mostly found in homes from the 1970s to 1990s.
5.) Signs of Corrosion on Exposed Pipes
If your pipes are discolored, stained, flaked, dimpled or pimpled, your pipes are corroding. Check exposed pipes located in your crawl space, basement or utility room.
If your home requires professional pipe replacement, contact our Los Angeles repiping experts for a free estimate today.