Your Full-Service Plumbers In Northern Alabama

Signs It's Time To Upgrade Or Replace Your Plumbing

As homes age, the plumbing can become outdated. Over time, pipes can corrode, rust, and break. Before that happens, there are a few things you can look at to see if it’s time to upgrade your plumbing.

Water Discoloration – Unless you have well water, live in a rural area, or are under a boil order, water discoloration is typically a cause for concern. Brown or dark water can be the result of corrosion in your pipes – and it is a warning signal before something catastrophic can happen – like a burst pipe. If you are noticing discoloration in your water, we encourage you to give our technicians a call.

Pipe Material – Most modern homes use brass, copper, or PVC pipes for plumbing, but older buildings and homes will commonly have cast iron, lead, and galvanized steel. Brass, cast iron, and galvanized steel have a life span of 80 to 100 years, copper lasts 70 to 80 years and PVC piping only lasts for 20 to 45 years. Lead pipes, however, can be highly toxic if the amount of lead in each pipe is above the federally suggested level, and you’ll want to stop water usage immediately. It’s a good idea to determine what the age of your home or building and inspect what kind of pipes you have.

Water Pressure – If you are experiencing low water pressure when using the sink or taking a shower, it’s usually not a good sign – as it can mean a clog in your pipe or a possible leak, which can lead to damage. And if there is significant leakage, it can lead to mold issues in your home or building - which can get expensive.

If you notice any issues like the ones listed above, be sure to call our experienced plumbing professionals and have them come out to assess your current plumbing situation. Our plumbers will look out for you and will provide sound advice on what next steps to take.