Water comes out of the faucet when you turn it on, and water goes down the drain like. No problem, right? It’s not quite that simple. While homeowners think of plumbing problems as being apocalyptic in nature—burst pipes, overflowing toilets, multiple clogged drains—there are more subtle signs your plumbing system needs serious attention. Keep an eye out for the problems below so you can call plumbing professionals for the help you’ll need before the situation goes from bad to worse.
Signs You Need Repiping
You may have the impulse to think things aren’t really that bad even if you have one or more of the following warning signs that you need repiping. When it comes to plumbing, however, it’s always best to be proactive as opposed to reactive. Otherwise, you could be looking at a hefty repair bill and/or serious water damage in the not-so-distant future. The right call is to contact your local plumbing experts who can assess the situation and give you the best options.
Rusty Water
Rust in your water may indicate either a rusting water heater or rusting pipes. To figure out which one it is, separately fill 2–3 five-gallon buckets with hot and cold water. If rust only shows up in the hot water, you need to replace your hot water heater. But if rust shows up in both the hot and cold water, this might indicate a deteriorating pipe system.
Recurring Leaks
If you start having leaks on a regular basis—more than one or two a year—that means your plumbing system may be at the end of its lifecycle. Replacing one section of pipe after another adds up fast, and it will be more cost-effective to repipe your entire system.
Too-Green Grass
If your grass is especially lush above the sewer line running from your house to the main sewer line, that can be a sign the pipe is leaking. In the past, entire sections of the pipe would have to be dug up to find a leak. Luckily, a plumbing professional can now use a miniature camera inserted into the pipe system to locate the exact source and cause of leaks deep inside. If you have older clay pipes buried underground, your best option will be to replace them.
Lead & Polybutylene Pipes
Whether you have active plumbing problems or not, repipe your entire system immediately if you live in an older home with lead or polybutylene pipes. The dangers of lead pipes are well-documented. Lead leaches into water and has a particularly damaging effect on children.
Less well-known but also problematic are polybutylene pipes which were popular from the 1970s to 1990s. These are such poor quality pipes that US building codes no longer allow their use. Replace any plastic pipes that have PB printed on them.
Plumbing System Maintenance
When you need repiping, you’re looking at a significant financial outlay. The best way to keep your plumbing in shape is with regularly scheduled maintenance. Whether you’re maintaining your new pipe system or extending the life of your existing one, our trained plumbers have the knowledge and equipment to keep everything flowing smoothly.
Contact Bruno Total Home Performance for repiping in Naples, FL, today!
