Unfortunately, there is no way to make anything permanent. The tubing slowly corrodes, rusts and decays with time. Many Long Beach plumbers are able to tell you that if you don’t repair the plumbing you will eventually get leaks.
You should remember that replacing old plumbing will require you to cut walls and floors. This is why it’s important not to rush the job. This is how to evaluate your plumbing system and determine when it is time to repipe.
Understanding Your Pipes
How long your plumbing will last depends on the type of plumbing you have. The Long Beach Plumbing Experts recommend that you review the home inspection report from when you first bought your house to determine what type of plumbing you have. You can also bring in a Long Beach Plumber for a free inspection to inspect your plumbing system.
Your plumbing’s life expectancy
- Material Type Average Lifespan
- Brass
- Copper
- Galvanized steel 80-100 yrs70-80 yrs80-100 yrs
- Drain lines Cast iron
- Polyvinyl chloride (also known as PVC) 80-100 years 25-40 yrs
These guidelines are not required for older pipes. Pipes can last longer if they are maintained properly.
If they are not well maintained or live in an area with hard water, it may be more likely to fail.
Eliminate Lead and Use Polybutylene
Two other types of water distribution pipes should be removed immediately, regardless of their age. The majority of lead pipes were used in the early 1900s. However, they have a lifespan of approximately 100 years. But, they can leak into drinking water and pose a serious health risk.
The polybutylene pipes were used in the 1970s and 1990s. They are known to break.
Be on the lookout for signs of trouble
If your house is older than 60 years, you should make it an annual “item” to inspect any pipes in crawlspaces, basements, or utility rooms for signs of trouble.
You should also inspect the tubing for any discoloration, stains or dimpling, pimples or flaking. These are all signs of rust. You can also bring in a Long Beach plumber to inspect the tubing for any un-usualities.
It is important to be alert for any leaks. Even small leaks that are simple to fix may indicate that it is time to replace the entire house.
Remember that the pipes in your home’s original location are usually the ones you have.
- Similar vintage
- Similar material
- They were also exposed to the same water source as their usual usage patterns
Therefore, sporadic leaks may start to appear in your system soon if they are not fixed. This is usually when you need to replace your water lines.
You should also look at the color of the water when you fill up your bathtub. This is especially important after a vacation because the water has been sitting in pipes for a while.
If you see water that looks yellowish or brownish, it could be rust. This is an indication that the pipes are decayed. Another reason to replace your pipes is this.
The Best Opportunities to Replace Plumbing
A Long Beach plumber can help you decide when it is time to replace your pipe. Before you start a replacement project, it is always a good idea to get another opinion. These are some ways you can reduce the cost and inconvenience of your occupation.
You can replace what is exposed. If you live in a home that has plaster walls or wood paneling, it is worth replacing any pipes that aren’t buried within the walls. It’s not an easy task, but it is possible to replace vulnerable pipes in a basement or crawlspace.
The configuration of your house may determine whether the Long Beach Plumber can access your entire machine. Renovate when necessary. When you are renovating a part of your home, make sure to inspect and, if necessary, replace any plumbing lines.
This covers not only the plumbing in your kitchen or bathroom, but also the plumbing that runs through walls to supply the upstairs bathrooms.