No one likes to think about it, but there is a point in time when your old water lines will need to be replaced.
Unfortunately, many homeowners are unaware of how aging water lines can negatively impact their homes. When your water lines are old, they can burst or leak and cause damage to your home.
Signs indicate its time to replace your water pipes
Leaking in your pipes
This is the first sign that you need to replace your old water lines. Leaking pipes are not only annoying, but they can also cause a major disaster if you don’t take the time to fix them quickly enough.
They will weaken the structure of your home and damage your floors.
Leaking pipes may not be openly visible, and it cannot be easy to detect them. Some signs of leaking pipes include:
- Puddles of water on the floor or under your sink
- A high bill for no reason
- Mold growth on walls, ceilings, or floors near pipes
Water pressure fluctuations
Unexplainable fluctuation in water pressure is a sign your water pipes are old and need to be replaced.
Your water lines may be having issues and not able to handle the water demand.
You will notice that your flow changes when more people are using it or higher usage in general.
Water coming from your tap has an odor
A musty smell coming from your water is a sign that the pipes are probably very old and might need to be replaced. This smells like mold or mildew but not quite as strong.
It could be caused by sulfur gas released through corroded piping into drinking water as it travels through old plumbing systems to reach tap fixtures or faucets.
Recurring Plumbing issues
Recurring plumbing problems, such as clogged pipes, bursts among others, could be a sign it’s time you replaced your old water pipes.
Therefore, you should save yourself from incurring repair costs by replacing your water lines.
Read more: How to replace your main water line up to the current plumbing codes.
Unexplained noises coming from your plumbing system
If you notice unexplained noises coming from your plumbing system, it could be a sign that you need to replace the old water pipes.
The noise is usually caused by vibrations created when water running through rusty or corroded metal pipe joints during times of high demand.
Over time these vibrations can cause leaks and breaks in the pipes, leading to costly repairs.
Rusty fixtures
If your old water pipes are metallic, they will corrode over time as minerals in the water react with their structure.
Over time the rust and corrosion on these pipelines will weaken their structure to the point where they eventually break off from water pressure.
This can result in expensive repairs or damages to your house. Therefore, you should replace your water lines when you notice any signs of rust or corrosion.
Discolored water
Another sign that it’s time to replace your old water lines is discolored or smelly water. This can happen when the pipes are damaged and allow rust particles, sediment, dirt, and other impurities into your home’s drinking supply.
This might not be aesthetically pleasing but could also lead to health problems for those who drink this type of water regularly.
Therefore you should act quickly if you notice any signs of change of color in your water by inspecting and possibly replacing your water lines.
Old Aged
If the water line is more than a decade old, it’s likely that the copper pipes are already corroding and will soon be a source of leaks or breaks in the future.
The best way to avoid this problem is to have them replaced now while they’re still intact to avoid any additional damage accumulate over time.
Final thoughts
If you are experiencing any of the following signs, it is time to call in a professional plumber for water pipe replacement.
Replacing old pipes will save you money on repairs and improve the quality of your water supply.
If you wait too long instead, then not only will fixing things become more expensive for yourself down the line, but also dangerous for those living at home! Contact a professional plumber today.
