Every person deserves to enjoy fresh clean water and every water supplier works diligently to provide safe drinking water to its customers. Problems can arise when the plumbing inside your home is old and not able to function correctly. This can lead to your water supply becoming tainted and unhealthy and can promote plumbing emergencies due to leaking, clogs, and poor pressure.
In this article, we will learn about outdated pipe material that is still in use and the very real dangers they can inflict on you and your family. We will discuss the issues you may encounter from aging plumbing pipes and the benefits you will enjoy by replacing them. Not only will you have peace of mind your plumbing system is updated, but your quality of water will be at its best.
Types of Old Pipe Material
Galvanized Iron:
This type of pipe material was popular prior to 1060. They were strong and durable with an applied zinc lining to protect the integrity of the pipe. Unfortunately, over time the lining wore away exposing the iron to hard water minerals and chemicals used to treat your drinking water. This created rusty and corrosion-filled pipes reducing water pressure and significantly depleting water quality.
Polybutylene:
Between 1975 and 1996, polybutylene pipe became the preferred piping material. Unfortunately, it was prone to failure causing flooding that eventually led to a class action suit. This pipe is no longer used but there are many homes that still have polybutylene piping.
Lead:
Lead piping is responsible for health issues,, especially among children. The lead leaches into the water supply causing headaches, stomach issues, cognitive disruptions, and reproductive issues. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention states children are highly susceptible to the negative effects of lead piping going so far as to state there is no acceptable level of lead for children.
Although these pipe materials are no longer being used in new construction, they are present in older homes and lead to negative but predictable plumbing issues. Pipe replacement will help alleviate some of these issues.
Issues Related to Aging Plumbing
Frequent leaks:
The constant wear and tear on plumbing pipes and fixtures takes its toll. The connections between pipes become weak and loosen leading to frequent leaks.
Separating pipes also permits dirt and debris to enter the water supply line. These particles are not only unpleasant to see, they can cause the water to become unsafe to use.
Leaking pipes also contribute to costly repairs and health-related issues as moisture soaks insulation and supporting infrastructures and creates the ideal conditions for mold growth.
Corrosion:
Hard water is present in more than 85% of American homes and can be detrimental to plumbing pipes and fixtures. Hard water contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium which collect and build on the interiors of pipes and components leading to a narrowing of the space where water flows. This smaller space causes an increase in the water pressure and results in leaking, ruptured pipes, flooding, clogging, and more.
Frequent backups:
Aging plumbing is susceptible to clogging and blockages. Over the years grease, oils, and fats cling to the interior of pipes and behave as a magnet, catching small bits of food and other waste products never meant to be disposed of through the plumbing system.
Clogged pipes restrict the natural flow of waste water and when the clogs become too large backups occur where the flow of waste is reversed sending sewage into tubs and showers.
Rusty, discolored, and poor-smelling water:
Aging plumbing can deposit rust particles, dirt, and debris, and cause bad smells from deteriorating old metal pipes. This is unpleasant at best and a danger to your health when taken to the other extreme.
Frequent calls for repairs:
All of the issues related to aging and outdated plumbing will cause you to call for repair services. While an occasional service call is expected in every household, frequent calls are costly and a signal it is time to replace your home’s plumbing.
Replacing the aging plumbing in your home will increase your water quality as well as offer other benefits. Here we will look at the top 4 benefits to replacing your plumbing.
- Lower utility bills: Leaking pipes waste water and frequent calls for service add undue strain on your pocketbook. Replacing outdated plumbing pipes will significantly reduce the money you spend on monthly utility bills. If, in addition to replacing pipes, you update your plumbing fixtures and appliances you will save even more. Newer faucets, toilets, and water heaters are designed to conserve energy and reduce water use. A win-win situation for everyone.
- Added Value: Replacing outdated plumbing pipes and fixtures immediately adds value to your home. Buyers will be willing to pay more knowing the plumbing is as up-to-date as if they purchased new construction.
- Safety: Installing new plumbing guarantees your home is safe. Old pipes can negatively affect the quality of your water but it can also create unsafe conditions such as rotting infrastructures or mold growth from leaking pipes. Replacing these will allow you to remedy safety issues and rest assured your home and health will be protected.
- Improved water quality: By replacing your old plumbing pipes you will enjoy cleaner water that is free from rust, corrosion, and the leaching of lead or other contaminants into your drinking water. You will enjoy fresh, clean water delivered with good pressure and will no longer fear sewage backups or unusually high water bills.
Need To Replace Your Plumbing Pipes?
Making the decision to replace outdated plumbing pipes, fixtures, and appliances can greatly improve your quality of life. It will remove plumbing pipes that may be dangerous to your health and to your home and allow your plumbing system to stop negatively influencing the clean water your supplier delivers to your home.
If you would like to increase your home’s value, enjoy peace of mind your plumbing is of the highest quality, and ensure your family the safety of clean water, then replacing your old plumbing is an easy decision. We strongly support the replacement of your outdated plumbing system because we know the benefits far outweigh the time and effort to replace it. Give your family the safety and comfort they deserve!