When people buy a new house, sometimes they don’t have the luxury of waiting for a home with completely updated plumbing systems. They just feel lucky enough to have landed an older home at all. However, if your house was built before the 1970s or hasn’t been remodeled at all, you likely have old pipes that need replacing. Here are a few tips to know when you might have a problem.
Look for Trouble Signs
If you have exposed pipes in your home, such as in the basement or crawlspace, take a look. If you see stains, flaking, discoloration, dimpling, or anything out of the ordinary, these signs might show erosion. Likewise, yellow or brown water coming out of sinks or tubs means your pipes are disintegrating and filling your water with small flakes of metals and debris. If your pipes are made of lead, this could be toxic, so it’s paramount to get this checked out by a professional.
Remove Hazardous Material
Houses built in the early 1920s likely have pipes made of lead and polybutylene. Before people understood their toxicity, they were used as fairly cheap building material, much like asbestos was until the 1970s. However, these pipes are extremely hazardous and should be replaced immediately. Lead can seep into drinking water and cause dangerous health issues.
Best Time to Replace Pipes
If you’re already remodeling or renovating your home, this is the best time to replace your plumbing. Houses on raised foundations are even easier to handle, as the pipes can be replaced with minimal damage. When you’re ready to replace your pipes, an experienced plumber can help you choose the best option for your home. Copper pipes and PEX pipes are both materials that people have chosen to replace their old and aging pipes.
If you want to discuss your plumbing replacement with a skilled professional, talk to The Eco Plumbers today. Our skilled Columbus plumbing re-piping technicians can offer free in-home estimates with options, up front pricing, financing and emergency service. Let us see what we can do for you.
Contact us at 614-665-5346 or fill out our online form to schedule an inspection today.
