A home’s plumbing system is designed to offer years, if not decades, of uninterrupted use. Unfortunately, as with most things, your plumbing system and its related fixtures will eventually age and become inefficient. When you should consider plumbing upgrades depends on a wide set of circumstances, some obvious and some not. Listed below are examples of plumbing systems and their components that would benefit from plumbing upgrades.
Galvanized Pipes
Galvanized pipes, used for both water supply and drainage, were common throughout the 1950s and into the 1960s. If your home still uses a galvanized system today, it is probably time to consider replacement. Galvanized pipes deteriorate with age, not only developing leaks but also rust and scale obstructions. This buildup can drastically reduce water flow and drainage as well as contaminates that can pollute your fresh water supply.
Leaking Pipes or Fixtures
Plumbing leaks are a common occurrence faced by homeowners from time to time. Weather, age and other maladies can cause them to leak. However, when your home is continually developing leaks, it might be time to hire a professional plumber to investigate the cause. Whether the leaks are from age or poor installation, ignoring them could lead to severe damage throughout your home.
Slow or Obstructed Drain Lines
Your sewer line is an integral part of your home’s plumbing system. A slow draining sewer line is more susceptible to obstructions, which can lead to wastewater backing up into your home. Tree roots, age and collapse are all leading causes of sewer line failure. Avoid the additional expense of unnecessary home repairs by maintaining or replacing your dated sewer line.
Outdated Toilets
Old toilets, although they may still get the job done, could be costing you. New federal plumbing standards require that a toilet use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush. When you consider older toilets can use between 3.5 and 7 gallons per flush, it does not take a rocket scientist to see how much valuable water and money they waste.
Outdated Water Heaters
A water heater is one of a plumbing system’s silent workhorses. Throughout the day and night, this reliable appliance provides a home with a steady supply of hot water. Unfortunately, older models do not utilize the newer technologies of today. High-efficiency tank and tankless water heaters use far less energy than their predecessors do. Some models are so efficient, they pay for themselves in savings in just a couple of years.
While the old adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” may still apply to several circumstances today, your home’s plumbing system is definitely not one of them. Avoiding plumbing upgrades today could cost you thousands in additional repairs costs in the future. For answers to your questions, or if you’re still unsure if you need plumbing upgrades, contact the Pink Plumber today.
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