How to Upgrade and Replace Your Plumbing System
The plumbing system in your house plays an important role in regard to convenience on a daily basis. It offers fresh, clean water and gets rid of wastes efficiently. Just like everything in your home, pipes are liable to wear and tear from time to time. Knowing when and how to replace old or corroded pipes is key to upholding a prudent and functional plumbing system. This article will take you through some of the signs that you need to replace your pipes and explore some options for the replacement of your pipes, which includes the material to use and the cost.
Signs You Have to Replace Old or Corroded Pipes
Pipes are really meant to last long, but when it is time for them to break down, they will. There are many ways to tell if your pipe will require replacing. One of the most common signs is consistent leaks. While a single leak can often be patched, the continuous leaking of your pipes, again and again, could be a sign that they are breaking down and eventually failing completely. If your water is rust-colored in any way, that might be a sign of pipe rusting from the corrosion. Rust is not only a water quality concern but also weakens the pipe structure, increasing chances for pipeline leakage or bursting.
Another thing to look at is when there is a reduced water pressure. It’s widespread that, as time goes by, corroding pipes become mineral deposit-restricted, reducing the speed and thus the speed at which water passes through them, causing low pressure. Low pressure in your entire house most likely hints at deteriorating pipes. You should also replace the galvanized steel pipes in your house. These are the most common types of water pipes before the 1960s. Galvanized pipes usually corrode, and as a rule of thumb, they should have a lifespan of about 50 years before wearing out. If your house is that age or older and still has the original pipes in place, replacement will be a good precautionary measure.
Most important, if you start seeing an inkling of water damage, such as stained walls and ceilings, dampness, or even the growth of molds, this could be a hint that there’s a hidden leak lurking. Even if the extent of the damage may appear to be minimal, calling a plumber for investigation may be necessary because the integrity of the structure is at risk from the behind-the-wall leaks.
Copper Pipes
For many years, copper has been a standard in plumbing due to its durability and reliability; therefore, it is resistant to corrosion, high water pressure, and generally, bacteria. However, compared to other materials, copper is expensively priced and installation could come up higher because working with copper is very labor-intensive. In spite of the cost, copper pipes are an excellent investment over time since they can last for more than 50 years.
PEX Pipes
PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene, a more modern material that has been adopted based on flexibility and an easy ability to install. A more modern material that has found broad adoption is PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene in pipes. Therefore PEX pipes may also be used to replace old pipework. And since PEX is less expensive than copper and uses fewer fittings, it can mean savings in the cost of installation. One of the greatest advantages of PEX is its flexibility, that it is easy to snake into walls, making it particularly ideal for retrofitting older homes. PEX pipes are also resilient with a useful life of about 40 – 50 years.
PVC and CPVC Pipes
Waste lines use PVC and CPVC. Cold-water applications use the same, but due to its higher tolerance to temperature, CPVC is used for hot water lines. All of these pipes are light in weight, easy to handle, and corrosion-resistant. The PVC and CPVC pipes are cheap, and thus offer a relatively inexpensive way of replacing pipes. However, they are not as resilient as copper or PEX in high-pressure usages.
Galvanized Pipes
It should be noted that galvanized steel pipes are no longer in use. Their vulnerability to corrosion makes them less steadfast and thereby injurious to occupants. Thus, in case you decide to replace your old galvanized pipes, ensure that you replace them with a better alternative, for instance, PEX or copper as earlier mentioned, for durability and better performance.
Conclusion
When upgrading corroded, old pipes, it gets fully justified as a necessary investment for the safety and effectiveness of your home’s plumbing system. Knowledge of the signs that it is time for an upgrade and careful consideration of material options will help you make a choice that best serves your needs and budget. Be it for the strength of copper, the flexibility of PEX, or the affordability of PVC, all pipe replacements are bound to put your mind at ease and have your house protected against water damage for years to come.
