Old is gold. But this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, when something gets old, it depreciates in quality, resulting in adverse effects. One example is the plumbing system. Once it gets old, it’s bound to break, form build-up, or rust, resulting in leaks and colored water that can affect the integrity of your property and general health. Unfortunately, most homeowners will choose repairs to remedy the problem in this situation.
While plumbing system repairs might be a solution to leaks from old plumbing systems, they only serve as a temporary solution that can be costly in the long run. On the other hand, replacement might seem pricey at first but cheaper in the long run since you won’t be dealing with plumbing issues any time soon. That said, it’s advisable to choose wisely for a long-lasting solution.
If you’re having old plumbing system issues but aren’t sure whether or not to replace the system, here are viable signs and reasons why you must opt for replacements:
1. Discoloured Water
Are you experiencing discolored water supply in your home? It might be a result of rusty pipes from your old plumbing. Apart from the water looking dirty, it might taste bad due to the rusty pipes.
However, if you can’t figure out if the water in your property is discolored, perform a color test by filling a water bottle from one of the water outlets in your home. Once you fill the bottle with water, compare the color with a bottle of mineral water and check if there’s a difference. If the water from your home is a bit brown or orange, your old plumbing is affecting your water’s quality.
If you continue consuming water from rusty pipes, you and everyone else using the water will likely experience health issues. Rust water can also affect the quality of your clothes once used for laundry. To avoid any adverse effect of rusty water on your health and essentials, contact a reputable plumber or work with plumbing experts to change the entire plumbing system.
2. Frequent Leaks
Leaks are the most common old plumbing system issue. Unfortunately, leaks can cost you a lot in the long run, especially if they’re frequent. Additionally, if they’re left unattended, they can cause other problems to your property. For instance, unattended leaks can result in significant leaks that can cause flooding to your property. Such water damage can be expensive to repair.
If your property’s plumbing has served you for a long time and you’re starting to experience water leakage, have it replaced than repaired. While most homeowners prefer repairing plumbing over replacing it, it’s advisable to settle for replacement when it concerns age. Though some plumbing replacements might cost a considerable amount of money, they can save you from frequent replacements that can add up to a significant amount after some time.
It’s essential to note that even after successfully correcting leaking issues of old plumbing with repairs, it may not stand the test of time. The solution may only be temporary. If you want to solve leaking issues once and for all, consider replacing the system with a new one, and rest assured that the problem won’t reoccur for a long time.
3. To Reduce Utility Bills
If you’re receiving high utility bills and are looking for ways to reduce them, consider changing your old plumbing. You should know that former plumbing uses more water, thus hiking your monthly water bill by a significant margin. On the other hand, current plumbing technology systems are designed with low water usage in mind.
Besides using less water, current plumbing systems require less energy to run since they have energy-saving components like upgraded toilets, shower heads, faucets, and water heaters, unlike old plumbing systems.
Hence, changing your old plumbing is among the best ways to reduce utility bills. Come to think of it, who doesn’t like saving whenever possible?
4. Increase Your Property’s Value
Replacing your old plumbing system may be necessary if you’re looking forward to selling your property. Plumbing systems are among the features that most home buyers check before determining how much they’ll be willing to pay for a property. That said, if your home has a new plumbing system, most homebuyers are more likely to get attracted to your property and pay handsomely. Additionally, replacing old plumbing is a good investment and an efficient way to improve a property’s value, especially if you want a complete remodel.
Unlike repairs, old plumbing replacement is more effective in giving your bathrooms and kitchens a brand new and fabulous look that will enhance your home’s appearance. With a new plumbing system, you can rest assured that no leaks or broken fixtures will scare away potential home buyers.
5. You Live In An Old Home With Lead Pipes
Though most homes aren’t installed with lead pipes, some old homes still have these pipe types. If you live in such a home, you might need to change the plumbing system since regular exposure to lead can cause severe health issues, especially in children. To avoid lead pipes from affecting you and your loved one’s health, consider replacing the entire system with a new and safe one.
6. Decreased Water Supply
As years pass by, your pipes collect debris that narrows the water pipe’s diameter resulting in gradually decreased water pressure and other plumbing issues. At first, the reduced water pressure might not be noticeable, but with time it becomes apparent. Additionally, elements like rust built up in old pipes and leaks can reduce pipe diameter, causing similar issues. If it takes longer than usual to fill the tub or the toilet after flushing and you haven’t replaced your plumbing for years, it might be a sign that it’s time to replace it.
7. Malfunctioning Fixtures
Have you noticed malfunctioning in your sink fixtures, showerheads, or tub handles and faucets? Or are they rusty? If yes, it might be time to replace the old ones with new ones. When you see rust on your fixtures, it means the elements in the water have already interfered with the system, especially since the water passes through it daily. The solution might lie in replacement.
8. Frequent Clogs
As stated earlier, debris and elements can interfere with the piping diameter. When this happens, you’re bound to experience frequent clogs that can be devastating. However, if you can unclog the pipes, the issue might not be severe to require plumbing replacement. Nevertheless, suppose your efforts to unclog the pipes are in vain even after seeking professional help. In that case, the only solution, and an efficient one for that matter, might be replacing the plumbing.
9. Unpleasant Mold Growth
If there are visible signs of mold growth on the walls of your property, there could be water flowing where it’s not supposed to. Check whether there are damp spots, dark spots around the piping, or crumbling drywall. If these signs are present, call professionals to check if the solution lies within repairing or replacing the plumbing system. Professional plumbers usually advise changing the system, especially if the problem is severe or likely to recur.
10. Visible Water Damage Signs
Unfortunately, cracked pipes mostly go unnoticed. It’s until there are visible signs of water damage that you notice there’s a menace in the making. However, some indications such as cracks and water pools can be noticeable even before they become a huge mess. Once you notice unusual water damage signs, it’s vital to have a professional plumber address the issue as soon as possible to prevent mold growth and other damage.
11. Prevent Future Plumbing Issues
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. That said, replacing your old plumbing system is beneficial in the long run since it prevents future plumbing issues that can be costly. For example, with a new plumbing system, you don’t deal with leaking and cracked pipes or other repairs that can slowly drain your pocket. Additionally, it ensures your home is free from mold, protecting your family’s well-being.
Conclusion
The plumbing system is a critical aspect of any home. It ensures you get a water supply and offers drainage to keep your home from wastewater and water damage. Additionally, depending on its quality and nature, it can increase the value of your home.
Unfortunately, if the plumbing system is damaged, it can affect your property and health. For instance, a broken plumbing system can lead to water damage to your property or mold growth. On the other hand, a rusty system can produce dirty and contaminated water that can harm your health and your family’s. That said, it’s essential to ensure that your plumbing system is always in shape to avoid such mishaps.
Regarding ensuring the system is in shape, sometimes it requires changing instead of repairing. While repairs seem cost-effective, they can be costly if the problem occurs frequently. Also, if the system has served for years without replacement, it might be time to replace it to avoid further damage to your property and health.
