When Does Plumbing Need to Be Replaced?
Have you noticed any problems with your plumbing lately? Any leaks or mild discoloration in the water? You should always act fast, no matter how minor or severe these issues may seem. We discuss the many signs that tell you it is time for services or replacement.
Do you need an El Paso plumbing supplier? C&L plumbing has you covered. Contact us online or call (915) 532-3917 to learn more about our services!
Signs That You Need Your Plumbing Replaced
Pipe Material
Depending on the year and time that your El Paso home was built, different materials were most likely used for your plumbing system. Modern plumbing fixtures are typically made out of:
- Brass
- Copper
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
Whereas older pipes were made out of:
- Cast iron
- Lead
- Galvanized steel
Some materials hold better than others, so it never hurts to inspect your plumbing and get new fixtures from a plumbing supplier.
Water Discoloration
If you have yellow or brown water with some kind of sediment floating around in it, it could be a temporary problem with your local water supply. But it could also be a sign that your pipes are corroding or rusting from the inside. This may require new pipes from a plumbing supplier. If water continues to come out discolored after a full day, call a plumber right away.
Age
PVC pipes are some of the best materials to have when it comes to plumbing. But other materials do not age as gracefully, including:
- Galvanized steel
- Brass
- Copper
- Cast iron
It is always good to have a professional check your pipes to learn more about their age and whether or not they need replacing.
Low Water Pressure
If you notice a difference in water pressure, whether it is coming from your shower, sinks, or other faucets, this could be tied to several issues.
Decreased water pressure can be caused by an issue with the water main on your street or it could be an issue specifically within your home’s pipes. It is important to replace your pipes if this starts to happen.
Cracks
You should never hold off on replacing plumbing that has cracks. When there are cracks forming in pipes, it is only a matter of time—a short one, at that—until it starts to soak the wall or floor and cause further damage. This issue calls for immediate plumbing replacement.
Leaks
Pipes don’t have to have cracks to leak. Loose connections between plumbing pipes could also cause leaks. Either way, you should always take care of leaks as soon as you possibly can. While leaks may seem minor at first, with little water coming out of the pipe, the issue can definitely worsen over time.
Corrosion
While it is important to be mindful of what does and doesn’t go down your drains in order to prevent clogging, there could be another issue at hand. Clogging can also be caused by pipes that are corroding from the inside out. Galvanized steel pipes are the most common culprits when it comes to clogging. Replacement pipes from a plumbing supplier may be necessary.
Toxic/Dangerous Materials
Lead pipes are the most toxic materials to have in your plumbing. Exposure to lead is known to cause problems later on in life, including kidney and reproductive issues. What most people do not know is that lead is prevalent in many people’s plumbing. Find out if your plumbing contains lead and look into new plumbing supply right away.
Using Exposed Pipes as a Guide
If your home is one that still has exposed plumbing pipes, it never hurts to do a quick inspection every now and then. Some things you should look out for include the following:
- Discoloration
- Flaking
- Dimpling
- Bumps
- Anything else that looks out of ordinary
It is also helpful to look out for pools of water or pipes that show signs of moisture accumulation and buildup.
Get High-Quality Fixtures From Our Plumbing Suppliers
Whenever you find yourself in need of new plumbing supplies for your El Paso home, our professionals are more than happy to provide. Contact us online or call (915) 532-3917 to see how we can help.