Is your water bill a bit higher than it used to be? Are you starting to see discolored, brownish water coming from your faucets? What about your water pressure, is it a bit low?
A majority of the time, these are all pretty clear signs that you may need new plumbing. If you have any of the listed issues mentioned above, it may be time for you to take a look at your piping and possibly replacing it.
Prior to calling a local Long Beach Plumber, you may be able to take a look at your pipes yourself and identify signs of trouble. You can do this by seeking out any piping that might be exposed throughout your home.
As an example, you can look for exposed piping in your basement, crawl spaces, or even at your water heater. A few notable signs of trouble include:
- Leaks
- Discolored pipes
- Flaking
- Or dimpling
If your house was constructed before the 1920’s and you have not had any of the plumbing updated, then you may have lead pipes. Our Long Beach Plumbing experts suggest you have those pipes changed to either copper or PEX piping.
Tips On Knowing What Type of Piping to Use When Upgrading Your Plumbing
For the most part, todays homes are piped with copper, galvanized steel, PVC, or PEX plumbing. All of these have an assortment of advantages.
- Galvanized steel for example, can last up to 100 years
- Copper generally last about 70 – 80 years
- PVC can last up to 45 years. {ex piping does not degrade and is amazing for all weather.
- PEX is also more cost effective because it is easier to work with. PEX will last approx. 50 years.
Generally speaking, the best time to replace your homes plumbing is during a remodel. If you are already going to have your walls and possibly floors opened up, you might as well upgrade your plumbing if your budget gives you an opportunity to.
Homes developed on slab foundations can be worked on with very little difficultly as well. Do take into consideration that you just might have a little more patching of drywall to do in a slab foundation home.