Plumbing systems and their components often have a particular lifespan. If they hit that lifespan or goes beyond that, you will have to replace the system. But the question what many homeowners seem not to have an answer to, is how often should we replace our system and when do we need emergency plumbing services? The truth is that, it depends on different factors, like age, plumbing type, and its overall condition.
Lifespans of Plumbing System’s Components
Different components of a plumbing system have different lifespans. For instance, the lifespan of supply pipes vary depending on the material. Copper pipes last for 70 to 80 years while those made of brass and galvanized steel can serve up to 100 years. If you are also dealing with a faucet issue, you can repair it. However, if you regularly fix those faucets with no change, then replace them immediately. Mostly people replace their faucets periodically for the following reasons:
- Ease of use
- Water efficiency
- Bathroom renovations
- Upgrade in the new bathroom technology
When to Replace a Plumbing System
If you bought a house and have started experiencing some plumbing issues, there could be several reasons to your woes. Probably, you didn’t ask which material the plumbing pipes are made of. Or maybe, you don’t know when the current plumbing system got installed. But it’s not too late to have those issues fixed. You can call a plumbing expert to help you solve the problem. To know when to call an expert, here are warning signs to note:
1. Brown Water
A few things can explain why you get brown water from your tap. If you live in a remote/rural area or have well water, you may at times get brown water. But if that isn’t the case, then you will have to contact an expert to replace the system. If you don’t solve this problem on time, pipes will start to clog. This, in turn, may cause bursting of pipes.
2. Cracks
Cracks are easiest signs to spot. Just look at your pipes and you will see some water coming out. Even if the pipes are underneath your floor or behind a wall, it will take you minutes to know there is a problem. With cracked pipes, it won’t take too long for water to start soaking the floor or wall and damage it.
3. Frequent Leaks
If you repairs leaks constantly in your system, then it means you are dealing with damaged pipes, which you must replace immediately. Not attending to this problem may result in costly repairs and more water damage.
4. Corroded Pipes
Damaged or visibly corroded pipes are clear signs of wear & tear. This is why it is important to examine every exposed water pipes in the basement, crawl space, or utility rooms for corrosion signs. Usually, this problem shows in the form of these:
- Flaking
- Stains
- Dimpling
- Pimples
The rule of thumb is to always replace your plumbing system when renovating your basement, bathroom, or kitchen. While at it, keep the costs down by simply replacing all the exposed pipes if there is no sign of leaks. But if you are removing walls while renovating, inspect hidden joints and pipes to determine whether to replace or fix them.
