Four Signs You Should Replace Your Plumbing

Your home's plumbing, just like all other building materials, can degrade over time due to a combination of structural stress and the pressure of general aging. Over time, this degradation can increase the risk of leaks and other related plumbing problems occurring, which can be complicated and expensive to fix. Understanding some of the warning signs associated with a plumbing system that is nearing the end of its effective lifespan can help you determine when you should contact a professional about replacing your home's plumbing.

Discoloration and Staining

One of the first and most apparent signs that your plumbing has aged significantly is if you notice signs of water damage around your home, the most common of which would be stained or discolored walls and ceilings. You may also see peeling or bubbling paint and wallpaper, and in severe cases you may find that the structure of your walls or ceilings themselves have begun to bulge outwards or otherwise structurally deform.

Mold Growth

Another clear sign that your plumbing has sprung a leak somewhere in your home and needs to be fixed is if you notice any amount of mold growth in your home. Mold growth is characterized by a strong earthy smell, while mold itself will look like dirt specks or stains and will tend to grow in darker, hidden away areas (like behind walls and ceilings, underneath sinks, and in your basement or crawl space).

Dirty Water

If you notice that the water that comes out of your tap is discolored, especially if it is a red or brown hue, you may be significantly overdue for installing new plumbing in your home. This reddish or brown sediment that is in your water points to rust and corrosion within your pipes. Beyond representing reduced water quality that can make your water less than ideal for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, rust and corrosion in your pipes means that your pipes are slowly falling apart, and a leak is likely to develop in the future.

Reduced Water Pressure

Finally, the last sign that you should watch out for to determine if you need to get in touch with a professional about replacing your pipes is if you notice a sudden and marked decrease in your home's water pressure. This can be due to a hidden leak, a burst pipe, or even a blockage within the pipe itself that is impeding the flow of water. In any case, your pipes are not in proper condition, and replacing them is the proper step to restore adequate water pressure.

Contact a company like VINES PLUMBING & WATER RESTORATION for more information.