It does not matter if it is a commercial or a residential building, the plumbing system installed at the time of the building’s construction is usually expected to last for a long time before it needs to be repaired or replaced.
As time passes, the insides of the copper plumbing may corrode, causing the water flowing through the pipes to become brown, discolored, or musty. If you happen to notice any such sign, you should know that if the situation is not dealt with and left untreated, it would be highly harmful to the pipes as all of that sediment would cause a clog that may lead to the pipe bursting.
Many of the individuals in our society are not aware of the consequences of such issues. However, those who are aware tend to overlook such indicators of an old plumbing system. If you are not well educated regarding the signs that indicate whether you need to upgrade your plumbing system or not, no need to worry, we have got you covered.
1. Leaks
Leaky pipes don’t tend to give off a massive list of warning signs. Wet spots on the ceilings, walls, or floors of your house are one of the signs that may be noticeable. However, if the pipes are not exposed and are well hidden, it may not be easy to notice the signs of moisture.
If you notice that the faucets in the kitchen or your bathrooms are dripping water even after you’ve closed them, you need to get them repaired or replaced. While you may have the option to stop the drips by tightening the gasket, there is a risk of breaking the fixture, causing a sudden onslaught of water to gush out. A budget-friendly way to save water and improve the plumbing system is to replace outdated faucets with new ones.
2. Material of the Pipe
With passing time, advancements are being made in every sector. Hence, when your house was built, different quality materials were used to install the plumbing system. They may be the best materials at that time, but just like we humans age with passing time, materials age too. They get old and don’t work effectively.
While older plumbing systems were installed using materials such as lead, cast iron, and galvanized steel, modern ones use copper, brass, or PVC pipes. Therefore, it is essential for you to know about the life span of the material so that you can estimate when to upgrade it. In comparison to the 80 to 100 years life span of galvanized steel, brass, and cast iron, copper lasts for approximately 70 to 80 years, whereas PVC pipes survive for an average of 24 to 45 years, depending upon the quality.
Houses or buildings that are built in recent times and using this era’s modern materials barely face any problem with the plumbing system. However, buildings and houses constructed way back in time have a high probability of facing issues with the plumbing system. Hence, it is better to get your pipes inspected via a professional in order to know their current situation.
3. Low Water Pressure
If your house’s plumbing system has an issue, there are high chances that you must be experiencing a decrease in the pressure of water while using the sink or during a shower.
The issue could be as simple as having a clog in the plumbing, or the pipes could have pinholes or small leaks that could lead to the reduction in the water pressure. In addition to that, you can check whether the water heater is working correctly or not. If the water heater malfunctions, it could also lead to a loss of pressure.
As a DIY solution, you could try any ordinary dry cleaner to check whether it solves the problem or not. If not, you are advised to contact a professional plumber who could investigate the matter thoroughly and act accordingly.
4. Discoloured Water
When you notice the water coming out of the tap in your bathroom or kitchen to be discolored, it is a red flag that there is an issue with the plumbing system. If the color is observed, you might be able to guess the root of the problem.
If the water has an orange, yellow or red shade, it confirms rust in the water. The pipes in your house may be pretty old, which is why they must have a lot of rust within them. As water flows, tiny bits of the rust break off and get into the water. If this issue is not dealt with on time, the corrosion and rust may lead to holes in the pipes.
On the flip side, if the water has a green shade, it indicates algae in the fittings.
5. Mold or Mildew
If the leaks are not detected by you or any other individual in your house, they may lead to increased mold and mildew concentrations. These may typically be found in the bathrooms of your house, and if found, they are a clear signal for you to upgrade your plumbing.
Listed below are some of the most common areas in your house where you are likely to find mold or mildew concentrations.
· Near clogged drains
· Around bathtubs, toilets, or showers
· On the walls or ceilings from where the pipes pass
Conclusion
Now that you are well-educated on the signs that indicate you to upgrade your plumbing system, it is essential that you don’t delay the matter and act as soon as you notice any of the signs as mentioned earlier. However, even if your pipes are in good condition, it is essential to keep an annual maintenance routine to save yourself from future problems.