As time passes, water pipes begin to experience damage due to frequent exposure to elements that can cause rust and corrosion. Age can also interfere with the piping integrity. When excess rust and corrosion build up in your pipes, it might result in pressurized pipes which are vulnerable to bursting.
Burst pipes are among the primary causes of water-damaged property, an event that can cause depression and anxiety in victims. Given that mental health is the core of one’s general health, it’s always right to check on people affected by water damage. For example, you can decide to develop an initiative to ask such individuals how they’re doing, like Fergusons Plumbing Group has done, to prevent them from being consumed by mental health issues. Fortunately, before your home experiences water destruction, some early signs indicate your plumbing system requires an upgrade. These signs include:
- Your Home’s Old
Your home’s age is a factor to consider regarding plumbing system upgrades. While most modern homes use copper, brass, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, older homes mainly use lead, cast iron, and galvanized steel. Regardless of the material used for plumbing, each one has a life span, after which an upgrade is necessary. For example, galvanized steel, brass, and cast iron can remain in good condition for about 100 years. Copper can last for 70 years, while PVC can only last up to 45 years.
Regarding current homes, piping material isn’t a thing to worry about. However, if you reside in an old home, it’s crucial to determine the state of the material used for the plumbing. If the piping is in good condition, consider developing a maintenance plan to avoid future issues.
Nevertheless, it might be wise to consider changing the piping material if your old home has lead pipes, whether new or old. Lead is poisonous and can easily affect one’s health once it finds its way into the bloodstream. Once you’ve determined your home has lead piping, discontinue water usage and have the piping changed immediately. You might also consider seeing a doctor to determine if the material deposits have affected your health.
- Leaking Faucets And Showerheads
Leaking faucets and showerheads aren’t bothersome at first. However, they play a massive role in increasing your monthly water bill. The common reason behind leaky faucets is worn-out washers or gaskets. When these features are worn out beyond repair, it becomes challenging to tighten a faucet.
On the other hand, showerhead leaks might result from loose connections that can be fixed effortlessly. Nevertheless, if the showerhead continues to leak even after tightening it, it might be rusty. In such a case, the only lasting solution might be replacing it with a new one.
- Discolored Water
Unless you’re using well water or living in a rural area, your taps shouldn’t produce discolored water. You might want to check out your plumbing system if there isn’t a tangible reason why your water isn’t sparkling clean. Brown or dark color in the water results from corrosion in the piping. Once rust mixes with running water, it results in water coloring.
If rusty pipes aren’t immediately taken care of, mineral deposits will clog the pipes, resulting in pressurized pipes and, later, pipe bursting. It’s, therefore, important to consider upgrading your piping once you suspect rust or corrosion in your piping.
- Decreased Water Pressure
While decreased water pressure might result from several factors, such as municipal water supply reducing pressure when repairing pipes, it can also result from leaky or clogged pipes. When pipes are clogged for a prolonged period, they can burst, causing a severe problem. On the other hand, leaky pipes can damage your property with time. Once you’ve experienced reduced water pressure, the first step should be to try to fix the issue with a drain cleaner. If the pressure doesn’t return to normal, it might be time to call a reputable plumbing company to fix the issue.
- Wet Patches On The Wall
Leaks aren’t visible all the time. Sometimes they occur under walls, where only a professional plumber can notice them. However, you can notice leaks through wet patches visible on the wall. If you identify any wetness on your walls, there’s some leakage somewhere on your piping. In such an event, you must contact a reputable plumber to fix the issue before the pipe bursts, resulting in severe property damage.
- Mold Growth
Mold and mildew thrive in wetness. Therefore, when you notice its presence in your home, it’s because there’s water leakage, even if it’s not visible. At this point, it’s wise to hire a plumber who can diagnose the issue, identify where the wetness is coming from, and correct it accordingly to prevent mold from multiplying.
Conclusion
The above-discussed plumbing issues show that your plumbing system requires immediate repair or replacement. Regardless of how insignificant a plumbing system issue seems, it’s essential to have it checked by a professional before it causes severe property damage. It’s also vital to avoid handling plumbing projects, especially if you don’t have experience.
