It’s a homeowner’s worst nightmare—a leaking or broken water pipe. It can cause extensive damage to floors, walls and electrical systems. And often, it could have been avoided if old and deteriorating pipes had been replaced. So how do you know if it’s time to replace your water pipes?

The Telltale Signs that You Need New Water Pipes

One of the first indications that you need new pipes may require no inspection of your existing plumbing. What are your pipes made of? You may be able to examine them and determine if they are brass, copper, galvanized steel or lead, but you may need a plumber to tell you. In most instances, you’ll have a good idea of the age of your pipes if you know what types of materials were used to make them. Brass, cast iron and galvanized steel were used approximately 80-100 years ago and copper pipes are typically 70-80 years old. PVC has been used only in the last 40 years. Those pipes have been under constant pressure for all those years, so probably need to be replaced.

Of course, if you have certain types of pipes, you will want to replace them as soon as possible. Lead pipes will increase the lead content in your water, which can cause significant health risks, especially in children. In addition, polybutylene pipes, popular from the 1970s to the 1990s, are particularly susceptible to breaking and cracking.

If you have a leak in your pipes, and it’s not tied to weather or tree roots, it may be time to repipe your house. The pipes in your house will generally be the same age, so if one or more are starting to fail, others will likely follow.

Another sign that your pipes are beyond their useful life is discoloration in your water. If you notice a brown or yellow tinge, it means that either your water heater is rusting or your pipes are rusting. Furthermore, if you observe corrosion, stains, flaking or dimpling anywhere on exposed pipes, it’s probably time to install new pipes.

Public Service Plumbers
5610 Dyer Street
Dallas, Texas 75206
(214) 753-4633