Your home’s plumbing and sprinkler systems see a lot of use. However, since they are mostly hidden from view, it is easy not to think about them—until something goes wrong. Faulty lawn sprinklers can increase water bills, and faulty plumbing can result in higher water bills, water damage, electrical fires, health hazards, and more. Here, HEB Plumbing explains the signs that it is time to replace your plumbing and sprinkler systems and the benefits of doing so.
Signs of Aging Pipes
Watch for signs of aging pipes, as they can cause many problems. Since pipes are buried, it can be difficult to determine their condition at times—that’s one reason why regular maintenance is essential.
Some signs of aging pipes include the following:
Lead Pipes
If your home has lead pipes, you should upgrade them. Lead pipes can cause medical problems for children, such as stunted growth, learning disabilities, and kidney issues. They can also cause reproductive problems for adults.
Polybutylene Pipes
Polybutylene pipes were installed in homes from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s. Unfortunately, they are prone to breaking, potentially causing problems such as water damage. Water chlorination breaks down the pipes, which can cause chemical residue to flake into your water supply.
How Old the Pipes Are
Your pipes’ materials impact their lifespan. Please note that many variables can affect their longevity.
- Galvanized steel, brass, and cast iron pipes last 80 to 100 years.
- Copper pipes can last from 70 to 80 years.
- PVC pipes can last from 24 to 50 years.
The Water Is Discolored
Yellow, brown, or green tap water may indicate rust, sediment, or minerals entering the drinking water. If the water appears cloudy, it could be due to excessive air getting into the pipes.
Water discoloration may not stem from your pipes. It could be the result of issues with your municipal water source. If that is the case, you may want to have a professional install a house-wide filtration system.
Pipe Corrosion
Signs of corrosion include flaking metal or rust. Pipe corrosion can contaminate drinking water, resulting in health issues. A reputable plumbing professional can test your water to determine if it is contaminated.
Constant Wet Spot on the Lawn
Without a professional inspection, it can be hard to determine whether your underground sewer pipes have a problem, which highlights the need for regular plumbing inspections. If a part of your yard has constant wet spots or the grass in an area is particularly green, that may indicate an underground sewer leak.
This may occur due to pipes wearing out or tree root intrusion. Regardless, a professional inspection is essential.
Less Water Pressure
If you are experiencing low water pressure, it may be an indicator of aging pipes. Leaks or clogged pipes may also cause reduced water pressure. You’ll need to contact a professional plumber to determine the cause of the problem.
Wall or Ceiling Water Stains
Discoloration on a wall or ceiling, bubbling wallpaper, or peeling paint are signs of a plumbing leak. It’s essential to contact a plumber as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Increasing Water Bill
If you notice an unexpected increase in your water bill, it may be due to a plumbing leak.
You can conduct a test to determine if the increase is due to a plumbing leak.
- Go outside your home and check the water meter.
- Wait to use the water for two hours.
- Recheck the water meter; if it has changed, it may be due to a pipe leak.
Regardless, having a plumbing professional determine the cause of the water bill increase is helpful.
Indications for Sprinkler System Replacement
Several signs indicate you may need a new sprinkler system. However, it may be difficult to determine whether it should be replaced or repaired. If you notice any of the following, contact a reputable plumber to determine the best course of action.
Frequent Underground Leaks
Underground sprinkler leaks can happen. If they occur regularly, consider replacing your sprinkler system. Frequent leaks can increase your water bill and result in costly repairs.
The Sprinkler System Is Over 15 Years Old
Sprinkler systems can encounter more problems as they age. Consider getting a new one if your sprinkler system is over 15 years old.
Spray and Rotary Heads Don’t Retract
Spray and rotary heads that don’t retract can be a hassle, presenting tripping hazards and making mowing difficult. Over time, the springs that retract the heads can wear out.
Constant Electrical Problems
Electrical components are crucial to your sprinkler system. As with mechanical components, electrical components, such as zone valves and sprinkler controllers, are susceptible to failure.
Benefits of Upgrading Plumbing and Sprinklers
While some people may hesitate to upgrade their plumbing and sprinkler systems due to costs or other concerns, it can have many benefits.
Benefits of Upgrading Plumbing
- Reduced chance of unexpected repairs – Regular maintenance is important whether a plumbing system is old or new, but a newer one may have fewer costly and damaging problems.
- Potential home value increase – A new plumbing system may increase your home’s value and offer a selling point.
- Better quality water – As pipes age, they can accumulate rust, mineral deposits, and additional contaminants. Upgrading your filtration and getting new pipes will allow you to enjoy cleaner water.
- Reduced likelihood of water damage – Older pipes can be prone to leaks. By upgrading to leak-resistant pipes and adding leak detection systems, you can help protect your home.
Benefits of Upgrading Sprinkler Systems
- Enhanced efficiency – With an upgraded sprinkler system, you benefit the environment and your bank account by conserving more water.
- Potentially fewer repairs – Routine maintenance is essential, but an upgraded sprinkler system can mean fewer unexpected and costly repairs.
- Increased irrigation accuracy – An upgraded sprinkler system can improve the evenness of your irrigation, helping to prevent areas of your lawn from getting too much or too little water.
New Sprinkler System: Cost Considerations and Financing Options
Several variables impact the cost of a new sprinkler system. Costs can also fluctuate based on product prices.
Some of the variables include the following:
- The size of the lawn
- The type of sprinkler system
- The number of sprinkler zones
- The number of sprinkler heads
- Labor costs (in the case of professional installation)
Financing options are available if you want to purchase a sprinkler system but don’t want to pay for it outright. Many lawn sprinkler companies offer payment plans to make sprinkler systems more attainable.
Sprinkler System Environmental Impact and Sustainability
A sprinkler system helps your lawn grow, but it also uses valuable water resources. Fortunately, there are many ways you can mitigate your lawn sprinkler system’s effect on the environment and maintain a more sustainable sprinkler system.
The following steps are ways you can improve the environmental friendliness of your sprinkler system.
Make Sure Sprinkler Heads Are Adjusted Correctly
Sprinklers that spray water on sidewalks and driveways waste water and don’t help your lawn grow.
Use a Smart Sensor
Smart and weather- or soil-based sensors can analyze conditions and water your lawn accordingly, ensuring efficient water use.
Avoid Watering Your Lawn in the Afternoon
Watering your lawn in the afternoon when the sun is intense causes water to evaporate. Water your lawn in the morning to avoid wasting water.
Customer Testimonials and Success Stories
Had a bad sprinkler leak. Communication with Kathlyn was excellent. Eric & Jacob showed up on time & had my leak fixed in under an hour. Highly recommend & will call again with any plumbing issues! THANK YOU!!!!
– Amanda
WOW. What a wonderful job you guys did for me. I’ve called 3 other companies to see if they could come out and service the leaking sprinkler system, and they all said not till Thursday or Friday. In the meantime, my system was leaking nonstop for 2 days. Even though you guys were booked, somehow you scheduled me in and had your A team come out and fix the issues and then some! This is the 3rd time that I’ve used your services, and you guys came through AGAIN! No more calling around for me…Thanks, Kathlyn and your team. Keep up the good work.
– Bruce
Was able to fit us in early in the day on short notice. Professional, on time as promised. Work completed on a busted sprinkler line and everything put back the way it was. Eric provided good advice to leave sprinkler line shut off since it’s cold and the glue needs to set and takes longer. Very courteous workers. Thanks for the fix! Would definitely use them again.
– Phillip
Schedule Your Consultation With HEB Plumbing & Sprinkler Today
If you are in the Bedford, Texas, area, we can help you with your plumbing and sprinkler needs. Whether you need new pipes, a new sprinkler system, or other plumbing work, award-winning and BBB-accredited HEB Plumbing & Sprinkler will help bring you peace of mind. Don’t wait for plumbing or sprinkler problems to escalate. Contact us to schedule a consultation today!