When a new home is built, the plumbing installed is designed to function with new water use restrictions in place. But if the home has old plumbing pipes that cannot support these new restrictions, water will be shut off because it cannot reach the end of the pipe. This can be inconvenient and expensive for the homeowner, particularly during a time when they need the most water like during a drought or winter months. Older pipes are also more likely to develop leaks or break, which can cause significant damage. In some cases, the pipes may be so old that they are no longer made or have become obsolete because of changes in building codes or materials used to construct homes in that region. This article explores why old plumbing pipes are a problem and what you can do if yours are failing.

How do old plumbing pipes fail?

The most common cause of pipe failure is an outside force such as freezing temperatures, wind, or pressure from water mains that is too great for the pipes to handle. Pipes may also fail due to internal problems such as root infiltration or faulty joints. Pipes that are made of cast iron, steel, or copper can be corroded by minerals in the water, so this is another common cause of pipe failure. Pipes made of cement or plastic do not corrode, but they are more likely to suffer from cracks and leaks due to the pressure inside them. Cast iron pipes will crack if they are exposed to freezing weather. Pipes made of copper or steel may expand due to changes in water pressure and become too large for the pipe they are connected to, a process known as “pipe stress corrosion cracking”.

What are the signs of aging pipes?

If you notice your water bill is higher than normal, you may have old pipes that are leaking. You may also notice drips coming from the faucet, or the showerhead may sound distorted, especially if you have hard water.If you have a sump pump, you may notice that it runs more often than normal. You may also notice that the pump doesn’t clear the sump as quickly as it used to.You may notice muddy water coming from the faucet in the mornings, or there may be a rotten or musty smell in your home. If the smell is particularly bad, you may also notice a rotten egg type smell coming from the toilet.

When to worry about old plumbing pipes?

If you have a sump pump or have had a pipe break and flood your property, this may be an indication that you need to replace your pipes. Some people wait until a pipe breaks in order to save money by repairing it, but this is very dangerous. If you have an old cast iron pipe, you may want to replace it even if it is not visibly leaking because it is likely to break in a future flood or other major event.If you have a cast iron or steel pipe that is corroded or otherwise damaged, it is recommended that you replace it with PEX or CPVC pipes.Ceramic pipes are not recommended for new construction or even replacement due to potential health hazards associated with these materials.

Plumbing repair and replacement costs

If you are not responsible for the plumbing in your home, you may not see how old plumbing pipes affect you. But if you are on a fixed income or a young adult looking to purchase their first home, these problems can be very problematic. In some cases, you may be able to get the plumbing repair done at a lower cost with a rebate program offered by your city or state. You should be aware that these rebate programs are often very competitive, meaning that you may have to wait for repairs because the contractor has more people applying for the rebate than there are available spots.If your pipes have exceeded their expected lifespan and are causing a problem, you may have to replace them. Replacing a pipe is a very expensive project. The replacement cost will depend on the type of pipe you use, the length of the pipe, and how far it is from the main water line. An average home may have 5-10 water pipes, but some larger houses may have 15 or more pipes.

Finding the right plumber

There are many different types of plumbing contractors you can choose to repair or replace your old plumbing pipes. Some of the most common types of contractors are general plumbing contractors, water main contractors, and trenchless contractors. The best way to find the right contractor is to get a quote for the job. You can do this by either visiting each contractor’s website and filling out a form, or by calling the contractor and asking them to provide you with a free quote.If you are not sure which contractor to choose, you can look at the BBB website to find customer reviews for local contractors. You can also ask friends and family members for recommendations.

Conclusion

Many people assume that old plumbing pipes are safe to use, but this is not true. These pipes are more likely to experience leaks and breakage, and they take longer to repair. You should have your old pipes inspected by a professional to determine if they are safe to use. If they are not, you may need to replace them with new pipes.