The pipes and fixtures that comprise residential plumbing systems are built to withstand the test of time, but no material can last forever. Inevitably the tubing begins to rust, corrode, and decay. If left unchecked, this will lead to leaks or even outright burst pipes that can cost homeowners substantial money in repairs. Instead of waiting until disaster strikes, keep an eye out for these warning signs that a Plumbing Replacement in Ft Washington MD is needed.
Know What the Plumber is Working With
Homeowners that had recently had their homes inspected and already know what kinds of pipes are used when they were installed, and what kind of lifespan they can expect from various pieces of equipment are in a much better position to determine a time frame for replacing old plumbing. The age of the house itself has less to do with how well the plumbing is holding up than the material used during initial construction.
Older homes were typically built with brass, copper, or galvanized steel supply pipes and cast iron drain pipes. The lifespan for these is often estimated at as much as 100 years. Owners of newer homes should check to see if their drain pipes are made of metal or PVC, as PVC can only be reasonably expected to hold up for 20-40 years. Owners of older homes that are currently equipped with lead or polybutylene pipes should look into Plumbing Replacement in Ft Washington MD immediately. Lead pipes leach into the water supply, and polybutylene pipes are very prone to bursting.
Sporadic Leaks
Homeowners noticing even one or two leaks in solid piping should begin to consider having the plumbing replaced immediately. One or two leaks will very quickly turn into a systemic problem and could lead to substantial water damage if the problem is not addressed quickly.
Pay Attention to Water Color
The best time to evaluate whether rust is leaking into the water supply is after a vacation or absence that has caused the plumbing to go unused for at least a few days. Fill the bathtub or bathroom sink up with a little bit of water. If the water has a yellow or brown tinge, it is most likely due to rust. Even if this is the only sign of trouble, it will soon be followed by leaks and further system decay. Contact B. McCall Plumbing Inc today for more information.
