Have you ever thought about the plumbing in your home? The truth is that most people don’t, you simply turn on the tap and the water comes out. In fact, running water is still a luxury in many parts of the world.
While you’re thinking about your plumbing you may want to consider the quality f your water and whether you need to add a filtration system; if you’re re-piping your home it’s a great time to put in a whole house filtration system.
So how do you know if you need to re-pipe your home?
There are several factors that can influence your decision;
Local Events
Take a look at the local mine dewatering systems and when they are going to be replaced or upgraded. There’s a good chance that replacing the industrial pumps will increase the pressure in your home and strain any weak areas in your pipes.
This can cause them to start leaking, potentially giving you a huge issue.
In fact you should inspect your plumbing regularly to see if there are any issues, such as leaks or corroded pipes. Don’t forget, many pipes are hidden behind the walls and floors, look for damp patches and stains; this can indicate a plumbing issue.
Another clue is the presence of yellow or brown water from your taps; this will show the pipes are decaying on the inside and may be on their last legs.
Age
If your plumbing was installed before the 1970’s and not been upgraded since then there is a good chance that the pipe work is nearing the end of its life.
If your pipe work is older than this then you may find that you still have lead pipes in your home. Lead is a heavy metal that absorbs into the water and then collects in your body. Over time the amount of lead in your body will accumulate and has been linked with a variety of health issues.
The modern approach to plumbing is to use plastic or copper pipes. Copper will generally last longer, while plastic is more flexible and better for tight spots.
When To Replace
If you have lead pipes then you have a serious health risk, you need to replace the pipes immediately. If your pipes are just getting old and showing signs of corrosion then remodeling a home is a good time to replace the pipes; this is also when you may want to re-design the plumbing work to fit your own needs anyway.
It is possible to replace sections of your pipes as you redesign specific rooms. However, this is not generally the most cost efficient solution, although it may help you to spread the cost of re-piping your home.
While it is possible to replace the pipes in your home yourself, you’ll find that it is generally better to get the professionals to do it for you. A new system can actually stop leaks you didn’t know you had and save you money on your water bills.
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