How Old is Your Home’s Plumbing System?
When evaluating the many types of plumbing repairs, it’s critical to determine the age of your pipes. If your home is old and your plumbing system is also old, you may need a more thorough operation, such as trenchless sewer replacements, to get your pipes working properly.
Certain pipe materials, such as cast iron and Orangeburg pipes, corrode and cause clogs, pipe collapses, and dangerous plumbing conditions when not intended to. Any plumbing system will have issues if it is too old and the materials are nearing the end of their useful life.
How to Determine Your Plumbing System’s Age
The type of plumbing in your home impacts how long it will endure. So check over your home inspection report from when you bought it to see what kind of pipes you have or hire a reputable plumber to inspect your plumbing system.
The longevity of a pipe can be dictated by the material used to make it. The longevity of supply pipes, which are commonly built of brass, copper, or galvanized steel, ranges from 80 to 100 years. Drain lines composed of polyvinyl chloride (commonly known as PVC) have a lifespan of 20 to 40 years.
Nevertheless, just because your pipes are old doesn’t imply that you need to replace them right now. Pipes that have been carefully maintained will outlast those that have not.
It’s generally a good idea to keep a watch on your pipes if you own an older home.
If your home is more than 60 years old, make it a routine to inspect exposed pipes in basements and crawl spaces for indicators of failure once a year.
Signs of Pipe Failure:
Pipe Material
Depending on what year your home was built, different materials were probably used for the plumbing system. Most modern systems use brass, copper, or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes. However, older buildings used cast iron, lead, and galvanized steel.
Regardless of the material, each of these plumbing products have a life span that you should know. This way, you can gauge whether you need an upgrade.
Water Discoloration
Discolored water is typically a cause for alarm unless you are under a boil order, have well water, or live in a rural location. This brown or dark water is because of corrosion in your pipes. Corrosion leaves rust when the water flows through them.
Mineral deposits, if left untreated, can choke pipes, increasing pressure. The pipes finally burst due to the constant pressure, inflicting substantial damage. If you suspect rust or corrosion in your pipes, you must act quickly and replace them.
Low Water Pressure
It’s tough to pinpoint the specific cause of low water pressure while taking a shower or using the sink. Your plumbing could simply be clogged, or your pipes could have leaks or pinholes that are lowering water pressure.
Leaky pipes can also cause wood rot and mold growth in your foundation and frame. Mold also has a negative impact on your air quality, which is difficult to correct without the use of additional appliances such as an air purifier.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are a few ways you can attest to how old your plumbing system is in your home. Be on the lookout for issues with your plumbing system to make sure that as problems are arising, you are able to get them taken care of before matters get worse.
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any plumbing help with your faucets. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem.
We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.
