Do You Need to Replace Your Home’s Old Pipes?
The plumbing pipes that make up our home plumbing system are often thought of as virtually indestructible. The pipes are designed to last as long as your house does unless there is a catastrophic failure.
However, this is not entirely true. No metal or material will last forever. Because most pipes are hidden, it is easy to forget about them and not think about their aging, corrosion, or decay.
If you have an older house, the pipes may need to be replaced. Our professional plumbers are able to handle this job, which is called repiping. You can use our guide to determine when you might need new pipes, and then contact us if you require piping services in Florida.
How long do pipes last in a house?
Depending on the material that your pipes are made of, you can expect them to last between 30 and 100 years with proper care. Your pipes will be in good condition if your house was built in the last 20 or so years. This is especially true if you have them perform regular maintenance. However, a condition known as pitting corrosion may still affect copper pipes, so do not ignore any signs of leaks. Our plumbers will locate the leaks and replace the pipes to fix the problem.
Even if your home was constructed in the 1980s or 1990s, you should still be on guard for any standard leaks. There are also concerns for homes built in this era, such as the presence of polybutylene and lead pipes.
Lead pipes can lead to lead poisoning in drinking water, which can be harmful to young children.
Polybutylene Pipes: Also known as Poly, this pipe material was widely used in the 1970s and 1980s. When in contact with the oxidants found in public water systems, poly pipes quickly wear out, becoming fragile and easily prone to breaking.
Ask a professional plumber to check your home for these materials.
We recommend that if your house is older than 60 years, you should check the pipes every year for corrosion. In older homes, pipes are usually made of cast iron, brass, or galvanized steel. Metals like these can last up to 100 years, but only in ideal conditions. They can corrode and decay faster due to problems like hard water or poor maintenance.
You should call a plumber as soon as you notice signs of discoloration and flaking on exposed pipes, such as those found in basements or crawlspaces. The plumber will be able to determine whether you need new pipes and the extent of replacement.
This post was written by Joey Denick. Joey is the Owner and Operator of Clog Kings. At Clog Kings, LLC, we pride ourselves on our dedication and efficiency. We know you don’t have time to waste. That’s why we work fast to get your home or commercial building back up and running in no time. If you are looking for plumbers in Clearwater FL then look no further because we got you covered!