When it comes to replacing your plumbing, the good news about the pipes in your house is that they will probably outlive you. Copper pipes last the shortest amount of time, and even their lifespan ranges from 70 to 80 years. Brass and galvanized steel pipes both last between 80 and 100 years. So, if you’re a first-time homebuyer, and your house is brand-new, then your chances are good of never needing to replace your pipes in your lifetime.
Of course, when it comes to plumbing, pipes aren’t everything. You may need to replace your toilet every once in a while. The same goes for your water heater. When you’re trying to decide when to replace your plumbing, you need to consider which aspect of your plumbing you’re thinking about replacing.
No matter what part of your plumbing needs replacing, Plumbing by Jake can help. We have experience fixing and replacing everything from minor issues with your kitchen faucet to major issues with your underground pipes. We can do it all! Call us today at (928) 377-5910 to schedule an appointment for service.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Pipes
If you are living in an older house, then you may need to worry about replacing your pipes. But how can you know for sure when that time has come? Here are some signs that the pipes in your house are due for an upgrade.
The Pipes Themselves
If your pipes fall within that 70- to 100-year range from when the builders installed them, then yes, it may be time to replace them. If you’re not sure what kind of pipes you have, Plumbing by Jake can take a look and let you know. We can also estimate how old they are based on their wear-and-tear and let you know if the time is quickly approaching for a replacement or if you can hold off a while longer.
Water Pressure Issues
Low water pressure is a sign that your pipes may be on their way out. If you use the sink or shower and your water doesn’t come out as fast or as hard as it used to, this could mean a few things. It could mean your pipes are leaking, which is a serious issue that you must handle right away or risk flood damage and mold-related health issues. It could also mean you have a clog somewhere.
To try to fix the problem yourself, you can first try using drain cleaner to see if that clears up the problem. If not, then you’ll need to call a professional to double-check the situation. If you do need to call someone, let them know first that you used drain cleaner. Else, the plumber could suffer chemical burns from opening a trap that still has drain cleaner in it.
Brown Water
There are a few reasons why the water coming out of your tap is brown. If you have well water or live in a rural area, you may have brown water from time to time. However, if neither of these things applies to you, then this is a good sign that you may need to replace your pipes.
Rust is what makes the water brown. It ends up in your water when the insides of your pipes corrode, and it comes off as the water runs through them. If you don’t treat the problem, then mineral deposits can form and ultimately clog your pipes. Clogs can cause your pipes to burst, which causes the flood damage mentioned earlier. Floods are always an emergency, so you want to address the issue before it gets to this point.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Water Heater
Perhaps it’s not your pipes but your water heater that is the true source of your problems. The easiest way to know you need to replace your water heater is if it is older than 10 years old, though some can last up to 20 years.
Of course, water heaters can break down earlier than their time, so look for any of the following signs that may indicate it’s time to replace your water heater:
- The pilot light keeps going out.
- The thermostat keeps breaking.
- You notice leaks or rust around the heater.
- The heating element keeps failing.
- The circuit breaker keeps tripping.
Other Potential Plumbing Problems
Most other plumbing problems are minor issues that we can repair until they simply don’t repair anymore. Faucets are good for this. Many folks think they need to replace their faucets, but we can usually repair faucets several times before you need to buy new ones. Most folks only buy new ones because they’re tired of the old style.
Here are some other potential plumbing issues and how to know when a replacement is in order.
- Washing Machine Hoses: If they develop a bubble, have obvious damage, or are leaking or rusting.
- Garbage Disposals: If they develop frequent clogs, lingering odors, frequent resets, or an inability to break food down as well.
- Toilets: Never really unless they develop a crack. You only need to replace the parts as they break down.
Need Help with Your Plumbing? That’s What We Do Here at Plumbing by Jake!
Some plumbing issues require a full-on replacement, but most just need a part repaired and they can work like new again. In either case, our experienced, licensed plumbers at Plumbing by Jake have the tools and knowledge necessary to do what you need us to do.
We’re here 24/7 for any plumbing emergency you may have. And we offer all our customers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our parts, repairs, and replacements.
Don’t wait – call us today at (928) 377-5910 or send us your info on the contact form on our website. A plumbing mishap can become an emergency in no time. Call us now, and let’s fix that problem before it gets any worse!
