Is your water bill a bit higher than normal? Are you seeing discolored, brownish water coming from your faucets or is your water pressure low? These are all signs that you made need new plumbing.
If you have any of the above listed issues it may be time for you to take a look at your piping. Before you call a plumber you may be able to take a look at your pipes yourself and look for signs of trouble. You can do this by looking at any exposed piping you have around the house. You can look for exposed piping in your basement, crawl spaces, or even at your water heater. Signs of trouble include leaks, discolored pipes, flaking, or dimpling. If your house was built prior to the 1920’s and you have not had the plumbing updated then you may have lead pipes. You should have those pipes changed to either copper or PEX piping.
What type of piping to use when upgrading? Currently homes are piped with copper, galvanized steel, PVC, or PEX plumbing. All of these have different advantages. Galvanized steel can last up to 100 years, copper about 70 – 80 years and PVC can last up to 45 years. {ex piping does not degrade and is great for all weather. PEX is also more cost effective because it is easier to work with. PEX will last approx. 50 years.
The best time to replace your homes plumbing is during a remodel. If you are already going to have your walls and possibly floors opened up might as well upgrade your plumbing if your budget allows it. If your home is on a raised foundation it can be east as well. Homes built on slab foundations can be done with little trouble as well. You just might have a little more patching of drywall to do in a slab foundation home.
Contact your local plumber to discuss what the best options are for you.