Have old pipes? 4 signs you need to replace your plumbing in Vermont

The pipes in your house will not last forever. Over the years, they will eventually corrode, rust or develop cracks, which could cause disaster. As pipes wear out, your water may no longer be safe to drink. A flood of water or possibly a sewage backup caused by a cracked pipe can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your carpet, furniture, floor, walls and other property. 

The cost to replace your pipes is not cheap, as a homeowner can expect to spend between $5,000 to $10,000 on average to replace the lines in a 1,500-square-foot, two-bathroom home. It is a costly, extensive job that requires cutting into walls and floorboards.

Most homeowners do not want to replace their pipes until it is necessary. In the end, you will need to hire a professional plumber to inspect your pipes and determine if replacement is required.

Here are four signs you may need to call Plumbers 911 Vermont and be referred to a plumbing contractor to see if it is time to replace your pipes.

 

Your lines have developed cracks or leaks

Cracked or leaking pipes are easy to spot and can be readily fixed by a contractor referred to you from Plumbers 911 Vermont. 

Be aware that small leaks could be a sign you may soon need to replace all the pipes in your home. It is likely the pipes in your home were installed simultaneously, making them decades old. If one line has degraded to the point where it has cracked or developed a leak, then there is a strong possibility other pipes are not too far behind. 

If you have a pipe leak or crack, ask for an inspection of your pipes. The contractors referred by Plumbers 911 Vermont will perform an expert assessment and tell you when it is time to do a whole house pipe replacement. 

 

Your water is brown or discolored

Corroded pipes are hard to miss, as they can turn clear water into the color of rust or brown. 

If the water is brown or discolored, it may have sediment. While this could be a temporary problem with your water supply, it could also mean your pipes are corroding or rusting from the inside. If this is the case, the water in your pipes could be unsafe to drink.

Other indicators of corroded pipes may include water with a metallic taste and visible specks floating in the water. Popular in homes before World War II, galvanized steel pipes will start to erode after generations of use.

If left untreated, corroded pipes can lead to mineral deposits, which can cause clogs and ruptured pipes that could cause extensive damage to your home.

If one pipe has corrosion, there is a good chance the entire system is compromised. You will need to have your pipes inspected by a Plumbers 911 Vermont referred contractor and possibly have them replaced.

 

Your pipes are old.

Depending on the type of pipes installed in your house, you will probably need to replace them at some point. The exception is PVC piping, which will likely last indefinitely. Other pipes, though, will need to be replaced. Here is a general idea of the average lifespan of the different types of lines: 

• Galvanized steel: 20 to 50 years
• Brass: 40 to 45 years
• Copper: 50 or more years
• Cast iron: 75 to 100 years

 

If you are unsure what type of material your pipes are, call Plumbers 911 Vermont and get referred to a contractor who can inspect your lines and not only tell the pipe material but their condition. 

 

You have lead or polybutylene pipes

If your pipes are lead or polybutylene, they will need a replacement immediately.

Commonly used in the early 1900s, lead pipes can leach lead into your drinking water and cause lead poisoning, which can lead to a myriad of irreversible health problems. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, children who consume drinking water contaminated with a low level of lead can suffer from:

• Behavioral problems
• Learning difficulties
• Lowered IQ (intelligence quotient)
• Hyperactivity
• Growth delay
• Hearing problems

When exposed to high levels of lead, children can suffer from seizures and become unconscious. In sporadic cases, it can be fatal.

 

In adults, lead poisoning can lead to serious health effects that include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Kidney problems
• Reproductive issues

 

For pregnant women, lead poisoning can: 

• Increase your risk for miscarriage
• Cause your baby to be born too early and/or too small
• Damage your baby’s brain, nervous system and kidneys
• Increase the likelihood of learning or behavioral problems in your child

 

Commonly used from 1970 to the 1990s, polybutylene pipes are brittle and highly prone to breakage.

 

Need to inspect or replace your pipes? Call Plumbers 911 Vermont

If you need to inspect or replace your pipes, call Plumbers 911 Vermont and connect to a local plumbing contractor who can provide you with an expert opinion. 

 

All our Vermont Licensed Plumbers are highly trained and vetted. They are drug tested, insured and bonded. Call Plumbers 911 Vermont for a trusted Licensed Plumber today!