Most people would not think twice about replacing worn out appliances or the roof on their home if they were showing signs of failing. However, it is very common to not give old plumbing a second thought until there is a major problem. The plumbing in your home will usually give you a sign early on that something is going awry – you just need to know to recognize the signs that repair is needed so that you can act to prevent further damage.
Discolored Water
You should be concerned any time discolored water comes out of your faucet, especially if your water is not well water. Discolored water could be a sign that your pipes are corroding. As water flows through, it is picking up rust. The longer you ignore your rust-colored water, the longer mineral deposits from the corrosion will build up. And this can clog your pipes, as well as put you at risk for bursting pipes.
Foul Smelling or Tasting Water
There could be a couple of reasons why your water could become foul smelling or tasting. It could be a build up of mineral deposits or it could be the breakdown of your water heater’s anode. However, it could be something more serious. It could be possible that bacteria have infiltrated your pipes. Replacing old plumbing with new pipes will eliminate the source of bacteria and stop it from spreading further.
Bad Smells
Any bad smell that seems to be emanating from there is a connection to the plumbing in your home is a good sign that something is up with old plumbing. A moldy or stagnant water smell is a sign that water could be leaking and collecting somewhere it does not belong. This could happen behind your laundry machine or dishwasher is hoses or hookups are leaking.
Your toilet could also leak if its wax seal has gone bad or it is rocking because of loose bolts. The smell of sewage in your home is a sign of old or damaged plumbing that you should definitely not ignore. It could mean a broken or blocked sewer line that could cause raw sewage to back up in your home.
Signs of Water Damage or Mold
A clue that old plumbing could be leaking is water stains, mold, or buckled flooring. These signs could show up in any area of your home where water or drain pipes run through, including under your sinks, bathroom walls or your basement. Locating the source of the leak and replacing old plumbing will prevent further water damage and mold growth from occurring.
Poor Water Pressure
Over time you might notice that the water pressure has dropped in your home. However, low water pressure is a sign it might be time to replace old plumbing (often called a “repipe”). This problem could be caused from tiny holes or leaks in your old pipes that you have not noticed. A professional plumber can evaluate your pipes to determine if you need to upgrade your plumbing.
When it is time to repair or replace the plumbing in your home, schedule service with Fenwick Home Services. Bill Fenwick offers fast and affordable plumbing services to get your home’s plumbing back in its best shape.