Are you trying to decide whether plumbing repairs vs. replacement is right for your home?
Over time, a home’s pipes will suffer from exposure to the elements, leading to rust, corrosion and eventual disrepair. Unless it’s newer, there’s a strong chance that your home will need one or the other in time. However, both plumbing replacement and plumbing repairs can present significant expense.
To the untrained eye, it can be hard to tell which issues require plumbing repairs vs. replacement. A matter of degrees, knowing how to interpret the warning signs correctly can help homeowners make the best decision between plumbing replacement vs. repairs. That’s why it can be helpful to have a trustworthy and experienced plumbing partner like Pro-Tec on speed dial.
Warning Signs for Plumbing Repairs vs. Replacement
Occasional leaky pipes or clogged drains are common problems that most homes experience from time to time. Often, routine repairs can resolve the underlying issue. In many situations, these plumbing repairs can offer homeowners a viable option to save money for many years. It requires a simple service appointment from a knowledgeable plumber to confirm whether repairs are the best course of action.
However, pipes don’t last forever. It’s important to be aware of the warning signs that indicate your home may need more significant repairs or even replacement.
Outdated Materials
Pipes are made from many types of materials, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), copper, brass, cast iron, lead and galvanized steel. Each of these materials age at different rates, so they also fall into disrepair at different times. Of these, PVC drain pipes have the shortest lifespan of just 25-40 years while copper will last from 70 to 80 years. The most durable materials are brass, galvanized steel and cast iron, clocking in between 80 and 100 years.
Depending upon the age of your home, you may have just one type of pipe – or a mix of several. Most modern homes deploy a combination of brass, copper and PVC, while older residential buildings use cast iron, lead and galvanized steel. Technically, lead pipes can last up to 100 years, but they also cause significant health problems and should be replaced immediately. Otherwise, whether a leaky pipe can be repaired or requires replacement is best made with a licensed professional.
Water Discoloration
Is discolored water is flowing through the pipes of your home? Unless you have been given a boiled water advisory or your home uses well water, this is cause for concern. The brown or dark-colored discoloration results from corrosion that releases rust into the water as it flows through your home. Without treatment, your pipes may accumulate mineral deposits. These build under pressure, eventually bursting and causing widespread – and expensive – damage.
If you are experiencing water discoloration, call a licensed plumber to take a closer look. They can advise how immediate the situation may be. They can also evaluate whether it is possible to use plumbing repairs vs. replacement as the necessary course of action to prevent catastrophe.
Low Water Pressure
Do you ever experience low water pressure at the kitchen sink, or during a hot shower? Pinpointing the problem can be a challenge. The culprit may be a minor clog in your plumbing. Or, you may have pinholes or leaks that are reducing your home’s overall water pressure.
A good first step is to try an ordinary drain cleaner. However, continual problems are a good reason to call a trained plumber before leaky pipes damage your foundation and framing, or cause mold growth. Call a professional to determine the cause of the low water pressure. Once this is known, the decision between plumbing repairs vs. replacement will become more clear.
Frequent Leaks
Recurring plumbing leaks are a telltale indicator that there is corrosion or pipes that aren’t sealing correctly. It doesn’t always mean extensive repairs or a whole-home replacement, but you will need to start thinking about possible plumbing upgrades in the future. The worst thing you can do is wait until it’s too late and water damages your home or valuables.
To the untrained eye, it can be hard to tell which issues require plumbing repairs vs. replacement. Knowing how to interpret the warning signs correctly requires an expert opinion and all the facts, so that homeowners can make the best decision between plumbing repairs vs. replacement. That’s why it can be helpful to have a trustworthy and experienced plumbing partner like Pro-Tec on speed dial.
Pro-Tec Offers Whole Home Water Filtration Systems
Highly trained and experienced technicians within Pro-Tec’s plumbing division regularly inspect residential plumbing systems in Southwest Florida. As a result, Pro-Tec has valuable insight to offer those researching a decision.
When it comes to plumbing replacement, the cost of repiping a house can run up to $15,000 or more. It depends on the footprint of the home, type of pipe used and other relevant factors. Sometimes, partial plumbing replacements are possible by repiping only the exposed plumbing. In other cases, repairs may buy a little time before a future repiping is needed.
In instances where repiping an entire home is necessary, many customers opt for whole home water filtration systems. These are useful for homes on well water, as well as those who want to eliminate strong odors from a home’s plumbing system. Whole home water filtration systems soften hard water, reducing corrosion and making pipes less likely to clog. The filtration system delivers much cleaner and healthier drinking, cooking and bathing water while improved pH levels help extend the lifespan of home appliances.
Debating Plumbing Repairs vs. Replacement? Call the Pro-Tec Pros!
Want to know whether it’s time to replace or repair your plumbing system? Schedule an appointment at ptpflorida.com. One of our experienced plumbing technicians is happy to make a qualified assessment. They will walk you through whatever they find, answering any questions you may have so that you can feel confident in making the best decision for your home.