Unless you just built your home or it’s a few years old, there’s a chance that your plumbing is outdated. Over time, pipes suffer from the elements, resulting in corrosion, rust, and eventual disrepair. However, you don’t have to live in fear of a leak or raw sewage flowing under your house or in your basement. Before catastrophe strikes, look for these telltale signs it’s time to upgrade the plumbing in your Lubbock, Texas, home.
Water Discoloration
Unless you’re under a boil order, have well water, or live in a rural area, discolored water is usually a cause for concern. This brown or dark water is the result of corrosion in your pipes, leaving rust as the water runs through them. If left untreated, mineral deposits can clog pipes, which builds pressure. Under continual pressure, the pipes eventually burst, causing catastrophic damage. If you suspect rust or corrosion, your pipes need immediate attention from one of our trained technicians.
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 so you can gauge whether you need an upgrade. Brass, cast iron, and galvanized steel have a life span of 80 to 100 years, copper lasts 70 to 80 years, and PVC piping only survives for 24 to 50 years.
In most new construction, this is seldom a problem, but if you live in an old home you might want to see what pipe material your house has. If you find that your piping is relatively new, you still might want to consider our preventive maintenance plan, which helps avert any problems in the future.
Lead pipes, however, are an entirely different story. Lead is highly toxic and, if consumed in small quantities by children or in large quantities by an adult, can ultimately put a person in the hospital. Tests can reveal how much lead is in each pipe, and if it’s above the federally suggested level, you should cease water usage immediately.
Low Water Pressure
When you experience low water pressure during a shower or when using the sink, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact problem. You could simply have a clog in your plumbing, or your pipes could have leaks or pinholes that are reducing the water pressure. Leaky pipes can also damage your foundation and framing, causing wood rot and mold growth. And mold adversely affects your air quality, which isn’t easily fixed without extra appliances such as an air purifier. At first, you might want to try ordinary drain cleaner and see if it alleviates the problem. Continual problems require the attention of a plumber or other trained professional.
Use Exposed Pipes as a Guideline
If your house is 60 years old or older, there’s a significant chance that you have exposed pipes somewhere in the home. Typically, piping will run through the basement, which can give you insight into the condition of the pipes throughout the home. Check all pipes for discoloration, flaking, dimpling, bumps, and anything else that looks out of the ordinary.
You’ll also need to look for pools of water or pipes that show signs of moisture accumulation. This alerts you of corrosion or pipes that aren’t sealing correctly. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need a total plumbing overhaul; some pipes just need a good tightening. However, if there’s significant leakage, it’s time to start thinking about an upgrade.
Don’t wait to upgrade your plumbing system until it’s too late. Instead, call the professionals at BTAC to handle all your plumbing needs. Our trained professionals will assess your current plumbing situation and give you sound advice on the next step to take. You can reach us at 806-589-1014 to schedule an appointment today.
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