Generally, the things to look for that can give you some indication of the condition and age of your pipes are your water quality, tiny leaks and corrosion. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your pipes because, although they can be expensive to replace, it can be even more expensive to fix broken pipes and to do repairs from water damage.
You can get some idea of the shape of your plumbing system just by the age of your home, as well as what material the pipes are made from. For example, brass pipes have a life of 40 to 70 years, copper pipes about 50 years, and galvanized steel pipes about 20 to 50 years. But this is just a general estimate because there other conditions that can affect how pipes age. For example, if you live in an area with hard water, the pipes probably won’t last as long because the minerals in the water can lead to deposits and clogs in the pipes.
Another indicator of the condition of your plumbing system is water quality: its color and taste. If your water begins to have a rust colored tint to it, this could be a sign of corrosion in the pipes. Sooner or later, all pipes are going to erode. This is just a result of water under pressure flowing through them. But corrosion is a little different. This occurs when the water has a chemical reaction with the pipe material, which causes the inside of the pipe to break down. This not only makes the water taste bad, it can be a health hazard as well. If you spot corrosion in your pipes, it is a clear sign that they are past their prime and need to be replaced.
You should also check areas where the piping is exposed, such as in the garage or a crawl space, to look for signs of flaking metal or rust, which is a sign of aging pipes that may need to be replaced.
Keep an eye on your water bill as well. If you notice that the bill has increased even though your water usage has not, it could be a sign that there is a leak somewhere in the system. Even a little leak can lead to a great deal of damage from water and mold. You should contact a plumber, who has the tools needed to find the source of the leak and fix it.
If your home’s plumbing system is old or you’ve noticed some of the signs above, contact Flower Mound plumbing service for repairs or inspection. Call us at 214-929-3431 or send us a message for more information.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
