Is It Time to Replace Your Pipes?

Like most things in your house, your pipes won’t last forever. Even when they are made of high quality materials, plumbing pipes do eventually wear down and need to be replaced. But how do you know when it is time to replace your pipes? There are a few signs you can watch for that will tell you when pipe replacement is necessary. But if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call the experienced plumbing professionals at Plumbers911! Our Central California plumbing professionals are experienced at diagnosing pipe issues and installing replacement plumbing pipes, and we are here to help.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Pipes

Irregularities:

Irregularities in your exposed pipes are one the easiest to spot early signs of trouble. If tubing displays flaking, stains, dimpling or discoloration, it’s a good idea to call in a plumbing professional to inspect it. This is especially true if you detect any leaks in your system – a few sporadic leaks can lead to bigger problems throughout your home if not addressed quickly. Water color can also be a sign of pipe decay. Decaying pipes will need to be replaced as soon as possible to prevent leaks and other issues.

Outside Forces:

Pipes that extend outside of your home are susceptible to outside forces and may need replacing sooner than interior pipes. Sewer and supply lines can become root-bound or crushed. Exterior pipes are also more susceptible to corrosion. Additionally, exterior pipes can suffer from plugs developed from putting items like diapers or tennis balls down the drain. A plumbing professional can perform a camera line inspection to check for these types of issues.

Age: 

If you are in an older home, it’s likely that your pipes have aged as well. Older pipes are more likely to fail and have a higher likelihood of needing replacement. Age isn’t the only factor, however, material matters as well. Brass and galvanized steel supply lines as well as cast iron drain lines can last 80 to 100 years, while copper supply lines can last 70 to 80 years, and PVC drain lines are the most fragile, only able to last about 25 to 40 years. Knowing the material of your pipes can help you identify if replacement may be imminently needed. Proper maintenance, or lack thereof, also has a significant effect on the lifespan of your pipes.

If you have any questions about your pipes, or are wondering if it’s time to replace them, give the plumbing professionals at Plumbers911 a call! At Plumbers911, we are experts at pipe replacements, and we are here to help. If you are in the Central California area, call a Plumbers911 professional in Fresno, Clovis, Modesto, Tracy, or Stockton. Wherever you are in the Central Valley, there is always a Plumbers911 plumber near you! Just give us a call at (559) 258-1904 or (209) 809-1468!