When Should I Replace My Old Plumbing?

How old is old?

You shouldn’t replace something if it’s still working just because it’s old.

Do you know when you should replace your old plumbing?

When it starts to exhibit these signs:

When the Water Stops Being Clear

Water is supposed to be clear. So when you open the faucet and see the water is any color but clear, this should raise your eyebrow in concern.

(However, this can be more common for those with well systems. Contact your local plumber and have the water tested immediately.)

Water with a darker color (a tint of brown) usually indicates some sort of pipe corrosion. As water is channeled through your plumbing pipes, it can pick up and carry any rust that exists in your pipes.

Not only is this water not good to use, pipes with rust are more prone to sediment and mineral deposits building up within the pipe. This will increase your chances of developing clogs, while also increasing your chances of a burst pipe; due to the pressure that can build up from the lack of open space in the pipe.

When the Water Starts to Smell

Does your water have a foul odor? Well, it shouldn’t. Water with any sort of smell could indicate a buildup of bacteria within the pipes. This could lead to some parts of your plumbing system needing to be replaced.

One distinct smell many people notice right away is when their water smells like eggs.

When You Begin to Notice Mold and Water Damage

Leaky pipes and plumbing fixtures can happen from time to time. As long as you get them repaired in a timely manner, you should be fine. However, not all leaks are that apparent.

Some leaks can remain hidden behind walls. The only way you’ll end up noticing these leaks is when it’s too late and you discover a giant brown water stain with mold (or you won’t notice it at all — like if it’s behind the shower walls or underneath the tub).

When you notice a dripping pipe or plumbing fixture, a brown water stain, or mold — contact your local plumber immediately. The longer you let leaky pipes sit, the more damage your home will sustain.

Plumbing doesn’t always age how you want it to (especially if you don’t provide it with enough maintenance). It won’t always age like wine — sometimes it will age like milk. So when you need plumbing pipes or fixtures replaced, give us a ring!

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