Whether you’re thinking about your next home renovation project or are frustrated with spending money on temporary repairs, you may wonder how to know if it’s time to repipe your home. Repiping a home is no small task. However, it’s often the best solution for an older or outdated piping system that is causing many issues. Here are several signs you should look for to determine if your plumbing system needs to be repiped.
Your Water Smells Strange
If your water smells or tastes bad or has a metallic or sulfuric odor, your pipes may be rusty. Rusty, deteriorating pipes can significantly affect the quality of your water. Because you use this water to bathe, drink, brush your teeth, and cook, you may need to repipe your home.
There Are Noises Coming From Your Pipes
If noises are coming out of your pipes, listen to them closely. If you hear banging or creaking noises, these indicate aging pipes that may require replacement. While some ambient noises are normal for your pipe system, you should take a closer look if they are noisier than usual.
Water Temperature Discrepancies
Many people have had memorable experiences with fluctuating water temperatures, especially if they’ve been in the shower and someone flushes the toilet elsewhere in the home. Another common water temperature issue is if it stays the same or dramatically changes when you try to make adjustments. If a small turn of the handle leads to a substantial temperature change or the temperature doesn’t change at all, your pipes may be to blame.
There Is Corrosion on Your Pipes
If you see corrosion or rust on exposed pipes, it is a good sign that you are at risk of a pipe burst or pinhole leak in the near future. Discoloration and rusty stains indicate that your pipes are at the end of their lifespan and should be replaced before you’re faced with a bigger issue.
The Water Isn’t Running Clear
If the water that comes out of your faucets is yellowish or has a rusty brown hue, there could be a build-up of rust from inside your pipes. However, there may be another issue to consider if your water is discolored. If you only notice discoloration when you run hot water through your faucet but not with your cold water, your problem may lie with your water heater and not your pipes.
You Experience Issues With Water Pressure
When corrosion and other debris block the water from properly flowing through your pipes, you may notice increased issues with low water pressure. As metal pipes age, sediment can build up inside the interior walls, leaving you without the water necessary to do laundry, dishes, or wash up.
Consider the Average Lifespan of Your Pipes
All plumbing pipes have a lifespan, and this number depends on several factors. How long your pipes will last depends on their material:
- Galvanized steel: Galvanized steel can last up to 70 years, provided the metal quality is good and the galvanizing technique is sound.
- Brass: Although brass piping is less common than copper, its lifespan is slightly longer, between 80 and 100 years.
- Copper: You can expect copper piping to last between 70 to 80 years.
- Cast iron: Cast iron can withstand a significant amount of water pressure but can rust over time. Cast iron pipes last 80 to 100 years.
While plastic pipe options like PVC, CPVC, and PEX can technically last indefinitely, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll never need replacing. They can still be affected by various issues requiring a replacement, especially if you notice significant cracks, multiple leaks, and foul odors.
Outdated Piping Materials Should Always Be Replaced
Even if your pipes are well-maintained, you may still need to replace them. Older homes often feature plumbing systems constructed from lead, polybutylene, or galvanized steel pipes. Each material poses a risk to your home and your family’s health if you do not replace them as soon as possible. While polybutylene pipes pose a higher risk of failure, galvanized steel pipes can release lead and other chemicals into your water as they corrode. Lead pipes are dangerous since the lead can leach into your drinking water, causing lead poisoning.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
If you’re dealing with low water pressure, creaky pipes, or any other issues with your plumbing, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Our professional team of experienced local plumbers can handle any task of any size to help you get to the root of your problems. We cover all your plumbing concerns, from routine maintenance to emergency repairs and anything in between. Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today, and we will be happy to assess your piping situation further and help you determine the best course of action.