Pipes are everywhere in your home. Although you might not think about them, there’s a good chance you use them daily. Activities such as washing your hands, doing the dishes, and taking a shower all involve pipes.
Plumbing pipes in poor condition can cause many problems, from health issues to house damage. At HEB Plumbing & Sprinkler, we’ve compiled a list of common signs your home needs repiping. It is important to keep in mind that there are other signs beyond these.
If you have questions, make sure to consult with a plumbing professional. A reputable plumber will help you determine if your home requires repiping or something else.
Signs that Your Home Needs Repiping
There are multiple signs that can indicate that your home needs to be repiped. Some of them are more easily noticeable than others. But dealing with the problem sooner rather than later can save you a lot of hassle and potentially money in the long run, so keep an eye out for the following signs.
Corroding Pipes
There are several indications that your pipes are corroding. Some of these include:
- Rust
- Discoloration
- Stains
- Peeling
If any of these occur, you must contact a reputable plumbing company to have them fixed.
Low Water Pressure
Corrosion, sediment buildup, and leaks make it harder for water to flow through a pipe. This can result in low water pressure. Low water pressure can lead to inconveniences when doing common activities such as showering or washing your hands.
Rusty or Discolored Water
Rusty or discolored water could be caused by rust buildup within pipes. If your home’s hot water is the only water that is rusty or discolored, it could be a sign of a problem with your hot water heater. Issues with hot water heaters should be dealt with quickly, as they can be dangerous if not functioning correctly—they can even explode.
Bad Tasting or Smelling Water
Rust in your pipes doesn’t just affect the look of your water, it can also affect its taste and smell. When pipes get rusty, they can release flakes of rusty metal into the water supply. This can give the water a metallic or sulfuric smell. It is imperative for your health that you get this corrected. While rusty water is not always dangerous, it can be when certain minerals are present.
Frequent Leaks
One leak may not warrant repiping, but a multitude of leaks will require it. A good indicator of needing repiping is when multiple leaks occur in a single area. Water leaks lead to expensive water damage, possible fire hazards, and the possibility of dangerous mold growth.
Unusual Noises
Certain noises can be indicative of needing new piping. For example, when you turn on your water, do you hear shrieking, squealing, or banging? These can be the sounds of a “water hammer.”
A water hammer is a high-pressure surge of water capable of damaging pipes and plumbing systems. The more problems your plumbing has, it is likely that you will hear more noises.
Changing Water Temperatures
Unusual water temperature changes are another sign that your building may require new pipes. This is often caused by the narrowing of the walls of pipes. One example of this can include the temperature of a shower changing due to someone running water in a sink or flushing a toilet. Another example would be a faucet that does not change temperature after it has been adjusted. Not only can this be a major inconvenience, but it can also lead to burns.
Having Led Pipes, Galvanized Pipes, Aged Pipes, or Polybutylene Pipes
If you have an older home, or the pipes have not been replaced in a while, you may need repiping. Certain types of pipes should be replaced regardless of their condition. For example, older homes may have lead pipes. As lead can lead to significant health problems, such as brain and nerve damage, these must be replaced.
Galvanized and polybutylene pipes also present health risks and will need to be replaced. Cast iron pipes may use lead in their joints and connections and should be replaced as well.
Repiping Services
When you suspect you need new piping for your home, it is imperative to reach out to a professional. If you’re in the Tarrant County, Texas area, HEB Plumbing & Sprinkler can repipe your home. Our award-winning company has over 35 years of experience and has received many five-star reviews from satisfied customers. We’ve also maintained an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau since 1991.
We look forward to helping you with your plumbing needs. Contact us to set up an appointment!