5 Signs It's Time to Replace Old Plumbing

You probably don’t walk around with the idea of upgrading your plumbing on the brain, but it’s actually something you should think about for the wellbeing and efficiency of your home. It’s definitely no fun to run into a plumbing issue, so work against the possibility of one by keeping an eye out for telltale signs of plumbing problems. Read below about the signals to look for!

1. Water Discoloration

Whenever you notice that the water coming out of your pipes or tap is discolored, it should be a red flag. It’s something that should raise concern especially if you don’t have well water or live in a rural area. Dark water could indicate pipe corrosion, which means that as your water flows through the pipes, it picks up rust along its journey. If this condition is left untreated, mineral deposits could build up, leading to a clog. The continuous pressure that a clog can put on your pipes could lead to an eventual burst. That means large-scale damage costing much time, effort, and money to fix. If you notice water discoloration or suspect pipe corrosion, hire a professional to check things out and consider upgrading your plumbing to reduce the chance of issues.

2. Low Water Pressure

While you may notice low water pressure and think it’s no big deal, it may actually be a sign that you need to replace your plumbing. However, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact problem when it revolves around low water pressure. It could indicate a clog which, in most cases, would be a minor issue or it could be indicative of a bigger problem. For instance, low water pressure may mean that your pipes have leaks or pinholes that are reducing water pressure. Leaky pipes could lead to damage of your home’s foundation or framing, catalyzing wood rot and the growth of harmful mold. Before jumping to the conclusion that your plumbing requires an upgrade when you experience low water pressure, you should first buy a home draining solution and see if it helps reduce the prevalence of the problem. If it doesn’t, call in the professionals for a more in-depth evaluation.

3. Foul Smelling Water

As you can probably tell from reading this far, your water can be a strong indication of the health of your plumbing system. If you notice a strange stench accompanying your water supply, it could mean that your pipes need to be replaced. Over time, bacteria can enter pipes, eventually leading to a foul odor. New pipes can eliminate this issue and the consumption and spread of bacteria.

4. Leaky Pipes

Like we mentioned above, leaky pipes can cause quite the issue. If you start to notice frequent and persistent leaks in your pipes, it's a strong indication that it’s time for a plumbing replacement. If you find yourself calling a plumber time and time again to fix a leak, it may actually be more cost-effective to simply replace the leaky pipes than to continuously call a plumber every time a trickle begins.

5. The Appearance of Mold or Water Damage

If you notice mold in your home anywhere around a plumbing system or pipes, it could be a sign that an upgrade is in order. Mold requires water and moisture to grow and flourish, so when you spot it growing, it’s a safe bet that your pipes are leaking or letting water out where they’re not meant to do so. This is likely to happen along your walls or even on the ceiling. You should also be on the lookout for wet parts of the wall or ceiling, which could act as a precursor to mold, after a shower or running the water for an extended period of time.

It’s always better to be proactive in the face of a potential problem than it is to simply react to an issue when it arises. This is particularly true when it comes to the systems that control the water in your home. Be on the lookout for these signs so that you are never caught off guard with a plumbing problem in your household.