No parts of the home do any heavier lifting than your plumbing systems. Providing you with the water you need for daily life, keeping that water at the right temperature, and directing waste away from the home is a luxury of modern living that we can easily take for granted. It can soon become a more prevalent issue when your plumbing system isn’t doing what it should. Here are some of the signs you need to upgrade your plumbing:
Frequent Leaks
The occasional leak might not be something to worry too much about. If you do it quickly, a faucet with a worn-out seal is an easy fix. However, if your plumbing leaks regularly and you see damp spots on the walls and ceilings, it may be that your plumbing infrastructure has hit its limits. This can be due to deteriorating seals in your pipes, corrosion, mineral buildup, and more. Whatever the case, you need a plumber to help.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be a major annoyance, especially if it’s making it harder to wash, do the dishes, or keep the toilet functional. If your faucets have lost some of their usual force or struggle to maintain a decent water stream, look into the problem. Water pressure can drop due to leaks, mineral deposits, sediment buildup, and corrosion in your pipes. Pipes made from modern materials like copper are less likely to have these issues.
Rusty or Discolored Water
If your water doesn’t look right, you shouldn’t drink from the taps. Rusty, discolored, or bad-smelling water indicates your pipes are corroding from the inside out. This is especially prevalent in older pipes that are made of cast iron or galvanized steel. It affects more than just the taste of your water too. It can cause blockages and weaken parts of the plumbing system, potentially leading to leaks and bursts.
Frequent Clogs and Slow Drains
It could quickly become an issue if the water isn’t draining from your fixtures as effectively as it should. It might be that your plumbing system needs an upgrade to handle your modern usage demands. Using a plunger or drain cleaner can help you clear up blockages closer to the surface, but if it’s affecting more than one part of the home, you may need sewer line repairs. The sewer line takes sewage water away from the home. When blocked, it can cause this water to seep into the soil or back up into the house, which can be a major health risk.
Unpleasant Odors
If you’re trying to keep your home smelling nice, you don’t want to deal with the bad smells that can come with faults in your pipes. Sometimes, the cause is bacteria, which can be washed away with pipe cleaner. It can also be from blockages, especially in the sewer line. If boiling water, baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice don’t clear up any unpleasant odor in your pipes, you’ll need a pro to go deeper.
Visible Corrosion
If you see visible signs of corrosion, like flaking, rust spots, or discoloration, the situation is urgent. This means that corrosion is affecting the entire pipes, which can weaken their structural integrity and might mean that they can burst at any moment. You have to replace these pipes before it’s too late. If you see any signs of corrosion in your water or pipes, inspect the whole system to make sure nothing is in critical condition.
Water Damage and Mold
If you see unexpected mold in your home, you should always investigate. It may be that there are issues with air quality and humidity that could be improved by, for instance, investing in a dehumidifier or improving your ventilation. However, if there’s also water damage or thorough dampness, it can typically be traced back to leaky plumbing. Leaky pipes behind walls and beneath floors can cause mold and water damage to spread rapidly. Inspect beneath the surface when you see mold to ensure the damage isn’t more extensive inside your walls or ceiling.
High Water Bills
If you see a sudden or inconsistent rise in your water bills and it can’t be easily explained by higher water usage in the home, then it’s likely that there are hidden issues that require your attention. These could be leaks that you have to fix or find. Or, it could be inefficiencies in the plumbing that cause you to use more water than necessary, such as high water pressure.
Old Fixtures and Appliances
It’s not just the pipes that are worth upgrading after a while. You should also look at your fixtures and appliances, from your faucets to your toilets to your water heater, to ensure they work efficiently. Older plumbing fixtures are more likely to fail. And, even when working well, they are unlikely to comply with modern water-saving standards. It’s worth taking the time to upgrade these fixtures so you can see reduced water bills and a more efficient experience throughout the home.
Recap: Signs you need to upgrade your plumbing
The longer you wait, the more expensive the damage will likely be to repair. Act quickly when you spot any signs you need to upgrade your plumbing. Call a professional for an expert opinion, and get a couple of quotes on how much the work will be.
