Most homeowners don’t really think about their plumbing, especially not the age of their pipes. You might not realize that your home needs to be repiped, but it is something that you may have to deal with. After all, pipes wear out over time, just like anything else.
This blog is a guide for when you should consider repiping your home.
How Long Does Plumbing Typically Last?
Obviously, aging pipes are rarely a problem in new constructions, but if your home is older, you might want to check to see what material your pipes are made from, as how long your pipes last depends largely on what material they are made of. Pipes in older homes were commonly made from materials like brass, cast iron, or galvanized steel, that typically have a long lifespan but can be come susceptible to rust and corrosion. Copper pipes have a lifespan of 70-80 years, which is still a fairly lengthy span of time. In contrast, PVC and PEX pipes tend to last 25-50 years.
Some older homes may have lead piping. If you find you have lead pipes, you should replace them immediately, as lead is highly toxic and even small amounts consumed can lead to severe health problems.
Other Signs That You Should Consider Repiping Your Home
If you’re not sure what material your pipes are made of or don’t know how old your pipes are, there are other signs you can watch out for to see if you need to call a plumber to repipe your home.
Low Water Pressure
Are you experiencing low water pressure while in the shower or using the sink? There are a number of issues that can cause lower water pressure, but it can be an indicator of aging pipes that need replacing. You should call a plumber for an inspection and they can advise you of the best way forward.
Water Discolouration
Discoloured water is definitely a concern for most folks, unless you’re under a boil water advisory or you get water from a well. Discoloured water is a sign of corrosion in your pipes, which leaves rust behind as the water runs through them.
If you don’t act, mineral deposits can build up, which leads to clogged pipes. Those clogs lead to building pressure in the pipes. Eventually, your pipes burst, causing massive damage. If you suspect there is rust or corrosion, contact a plumber immediately.
Check Exposed Pipes as a Guideline
Homes that are older than 60 years old are likely to have exposed pipes somewhere in the building. You can use this exposed pipeline to gain insight into the overall condition of the pipes around your house. Check for things such as discolouration, flaking, dimpling, bumps, or anything else that seems unusual.
You can also look for pools of water or signs of moisture accumulation. That indicated corrosion or pipes that aren’t sealing correctly. It may be that a couple of pipes just need tightening, but if there’s significant amounts of water, you should start thinking about repiping.
Are You Renovating?
There are times when it makes sense to replace the pipes in part of your home. If you’re doing a bathroom or kitchen renovation, that’s a perfect time to upgrade the pipes to something new.
Call Black Forest for Repiping Services
Black Forest has been in business since 2009, helping homeowners throughout the Greater Toronto Area with their plumbing, including in Toronto, Barrie, and Keswick. When you need repiping, call our experienced plumbers and request a quote.
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