Since the advent of copper pipes in the mid-twentieth century as the primary plumbing material, the life expectancy for plumbing systems has increased to almost 100 years. This newfound resilience has been a great gift to homeowners, who don’t have to worry about their pipes rusting out from under them anymore.
Copper pipes are not immune to all damage, however, and there are still plenty of older homes that don’t use copper pipes. Let’s take a look at some of the signs that you need to replace your water line.
Discolored Water
Common in homes with iron, steel, or lead pipes. If you notice red or brown water coming out of your faucets, it’s a sign of advanced oxidization somewhere in your plumbing system. Rust that is this advanced is dangerous, because it increases the chance that a pipe will rupture. If you see discoloration in your water, call a plumber right away. Honestly, if you know that you have an older pipe system, especially if it’s lead, you should probably replace your pipes anyway.
Loss of Water Pressure
A loss of water pressure can be caused by a number of plumbing issues, one of which is a leak or blockage in your home’s water line. Obviously, neither of those things is good for the health of your system. Depending on the size of the leak (or blockage) it may be possible to repair the issue without replacing the line. However, it is often less expensive to simply replace the water line.
Visible Corrosion
While most of your home’s plumbing is installed out of sight, there are many homes that have water lines that are at least partially visible. If you have any part of your plumbing system that can be visually inspected, make a habit of doing so at least once a year. You’ll want to look for any signs of corrosion, which often manifests as a white, chalky substance on the pipes. Depending on how widespread the corrosion is, you may have to replace the water line. Copper pipes are vulnerable to this condition, so be sure not to skip checking them as well.
If you think you may need to replace your water line, call Brooks Plumbing. We provide plumbing repair throughout Tumwater.
