How Long Should a Plumbing System Last?
Plumbing in a home is not designed to last forever. Homeowners who have purchased older homes may have pipes that have never been replaced or have been poorly maintained. The need to make a variety of small repairs to the plumbing in a home often indicates some or all the plumbing needs to be replaced. If you have recently purchased an older home, then review some basic information about plumbing pipes. You can then contact Waldman Plumbing and Heating with any questions.
Types of Plumbing Pipes
The piping used for the plumbing inside a home will vary based on the age of the house and when the material was originally installed. Common plumbing pipes in a home will typically consist of copper. Copper is a material that will last between 40 and 50 years before it needs to be replaced. Another material found in an older home is galvanized steel. Steel will last between 20 and 50 years. However, some older homes may have lead pipes. Lead will be toxic when it leeches into the water. This is a health hazard and often means repiping the entire home is necessary.
Look for Signs of Trouble
Homes that are over 60 years old and have original plumbing may be on borrowed time. Inspections of the plumbing in the home are needed periodically to check for problems. Common signs of trouble that can be easily seen include flaking of the pipe, dimpling, stains, and pimples. These are signs that the pipe is corroding and will soon need to be replaced. Another problem that can occur is leaking from the pipes. A leak can easily be repaired, but other serious issues may remain. If a home is on a slab, then leak detection can be performed by a Boxford plumber.
Rusty Water
Water that appears yellow or brown is an indication of rust. Rust occurs when the inside of a pipe begins to decay. This is a sign that plumbing pipes are nearing the end of their life and need replacing.
If you are unsure about the age of your plumbing, then contact Waldman Plumbing and Heating at 978-780-3615 to schedule an appointment.