Month: October 2019

In the last blog, we explored some questions regarding how long pipes are supposed to last. The types of pipes used in your home can have a significant impact on how long they’re predicted to last. Visit the previous blog for details!

We also talked about opportune times to replace your pipes, such as it being a good idea to get pipework done during the remodeling process.

WARNING SIGNS THAT YOU MIGHT NEED TO REPLACE YOUR PIPES

Today, we are going to discuss some of the symptoms of rotting or leaking pipes, which are situations when you’ll want to call City Plumbing as soon as possible. Some pipe types, like cast iron, should last from 75 to 100 years. Unfortunately, things like pipe joints, fittings, and other factors that go beyond the material of the pipe itself can cause life expectancy to vary greatly.

Leaks, cracks, and corrosion are all signs of faulty plumbing. That means any sort of water damage in your home should be a warning sign. Signs of a leak can include water, water stains or even just damp areas (especially if there’s dampness around appliances or sinks). Water damage and warped flooring could also be evidence of a leak. If water damage stains appear to be rust-colored, that can be further proof of corroded pipes.

Low water pressure (and we know you’ll notice if it’s in the shower!) can be a sign of a clog. If you hear a gurgling sound from your drain, that’s a bad sign too.

SOLUTIONS

One of the tricky things about knowing when to repair or replace your pipes is that you can’t see them! When it’s time to inspect them, it’s necessary to call an expert. City Plumbing will do what it takes to detect the problem. Whether it’s looking for damp areas in your crawl space, or snaking your drain, we’ll find out what’s causing the issues with your plumbing. And at City Plumbing, we do it at a reasonable price. When you spot an issue, give us a call at 432-366-2401 and we’ll come running!

You live in a brand new house. Or it’s 10 years old. Or it’s 20 years old. Or it’s 50 years old. You’ve made some cosmetic upgrades over the years, but have been putting off any major plumbing work. Is now the right time? Let’s take a look.

AVOIDING DISASTER

Some disasters can be worse than others. Plumbing is potentially one of those. If your carpet wears out, you replace it, no big deal. But if a pipe bursts, you’ve got some major problems, and some major costs. That’s why it’s important to keep your pipes and plumbing updated.

PLUMBING DURING RENOVATION

We often don’t think about internal plumbing because we don’t see it. The pipes are hidden underground, in the crawl space, or behind the wall. Sometimes the best time to replace existing plumbing is during renovations. If you’re getting a new bathtub, kitchen cabinets, or bathroom vanity, that can be a great time to get plumbing work done as well. The pipes will likely be more exposed, and easier to access and replace.

AGE OF PIPES

Every family has a unique situation: relatives, kids, budget, housing, even the weather patterns in the area where you live. Depending on your situation, you might be inclined to put off expensive repairs as long as possible. So when do they become really necessary? 

Here’s a guide to how long your pipes should last based on the material they’re made from:

Copper (50+ years)

Brass (40-45 years)

Cast Iron (75-100 years)

Galvanized Steel (20-50 years)

PVC (50-70 years but, if properly maintained, they can potentially last indefinitely!)

If you’re not sure what kind of pipes you’ve got, just check the inspection report from when you bought your home.

THE SOLUTION

In our next blog post, we’ll go into more details about some of the signs you can look out for to determine when you really need to get those pipes replaced. If you think it’s time, City Plumbing is here for you. Give us a call, and we’ll come running. Call us today at 432-366-2401.