In the world of plumbers, the term “repiping” means replacing old, faulty lengths of pipe with new lengths.
It can be as simple as replacing one section or as extensive as replacing all the pipes in a home.
While older homes are more likely to require repiping, owners with new residential plumbing installations should make sure their pipes are working right, too.
Fortunately, figuring out if your house requires repiping isn’t hard.
All you have to do is keep an eye out for three signs.
Lead Pipes
Lead pipes can pose a serious health risk.
That’s why they’re not allowed in home construction anymore.
If you have an older home, check your pipes.
Are they dark grey?
Are they soft enough to be scratched with a screwdriver (and is the scratch shiny)?
If the answer to those questions is yes, you have lead pipes.
They should be replaced immediately.
Leaky or Corroded Pipes
Sometimes, a leaky pipe can be repaired by welding or otherwise patching the leak shut.
However, if the same length of pipe keeps getting a leak it’s a sure sign that section is flawed and needs to be replaced.
A pipe will also need to be replaced if it’s corroded or rusted.
Corrosion and rust lead to leaking on most pipes, so if you come across a corroded pipe you’ll need to replace it.
This is not welcome news to most people, but it’s actually a blessing in disguise.
Since corroded or rusting pipes will inevitably leak, you have a chance to replace your pipes—before they become an emergency.
Rust in the Water
Corrosion doesn’t always have to be on the outside of pipes.
Sometimes pipes can corrode from the inside out.
When that happens, flakes of it may break off.
As a result, you’ll start to see rusty or discolored water coming out of your faucet, letting you know it’s time to do some repiping.
However, if you do have discolored water, there is one crucial question you need to ask.
Does the discolored water only appear when hot water is being used or not?
If it does, the rust is probably within your water heater tank, not your pipes.
This is good news and bad news.
The good news is that you don’t have to have to replace your pipes.
The bad news is that you may have to replace your water heater.
Other Symptoms
You might experience other issues with your plumbing, ones that might lead you to believe you require repiping.
However, repiping isn’t always the right answer.
For instance, if your water bill has been getting steadily higher, that may be the sign of a leak.
It doesn’t mean your building needs repiping, though.
The same caveat goes for other problems, like having low water pressure.
It could be a result of leaky pipes.
It might also be due to a clog in your main water line or some municipal work in the neighborhood.
The only way to be sure is to have a professional inspect your pipes.
Call London Plumbing
If you think your building might need repiping, don’t delay.
Contact London Plumbing.
We’ll inspect your building and let you know whether you need new pipes or if you have another plumbing problem we can solve.
Stuck? Give Us A Call
Once you’ve shut the water off, take a deep breath, and give us a call. Here at London Plumbing, we’re here to help, no matter your plumbing needs.
London Plumbing
Serving London Ontario and the surrounding area
https://g.page/londonplumbing
At London Plumbing we pride ourselves on top quality plumbers and plumbing solutions for residential and commercial customers in London Ontario.