Your pipes will develop problems over time. Even if you don't notice these problems, there are likely to be hidden issues like gradual corrosion, rust, and decay that will eventually cause leaks and water damage unless you upgrade your pipes. Making plumbing upgrades ensures you have highly efficient fixtures and helps you lower your utility bills. But how do you go about upgrading your old plumbing? Here are some useful tips.
Watch Out for the Warning Signs
If you live in an old house, you should inspect your exposed pipes every year. Look for dimpling, pimples, flaking, discoloration, and stains. These are signs of corrosion. There may also be rust or decay inside your pipes if the water in your bathtub looks yellow or brown. Leaks may also indicate that you need to upgrade your pipes.
Remove Outdated Pipes
Some pipes found in old homes pose a significant risk to your health and property. Lead pipes were popular in the 1900s. Unfortunately, they can leach lead, which is a toxic metal, into your water. In the 1930s, galvanized steel pipes replaced lead pipes. These pipes tend to corrode internally. The materials that break off of them can affect your water quality.
Polybutylene pipes were commonly used from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s. They usually deteriorate from the inside out. As a result, they tend to break and cause horrible water damage.
If your home has old pipes made of lead, polybutylene, or galvanized steel, you should strongly consider replacing them with better and more modern materials, such as copper. Copper pipes are safe and add to your home value.
Insulate Your Pipes
When upgrading your plumbing, it's a good idea to insulate your pipes. Insulation is a cost-effective way to protect your plumbing system from freezing during harsh winters. You can easily get pipe sleeves or wraps that fit over your exposed pipes from hardware stores.
Reducing Upgrade Costs
There are several ways of reducing pipe-replacement costs. You could start by replacing the exposed pipes. If you upgrade your pipes when remodeling, you will save on costs. You can limit wall demolition by opting for PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipes, which can be weaved into your walls.
A plumbing professional can inspect your plumbing and tell you if it's time to upgrade your pipes. Contact us at Air Assurance for all your plumbing needs in the Broken Arrow area.