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When it comes to plumbing issues and plumbing needs, even more so in an older home, like faulty hot water systems, blocked drains, leaking pipe, old pipes, a backflow, a burst pipe, or a clogged sewer line, some homeowners may feel overwhelmed by the repairs that lie ahead for their plumbing problem. Especially when you don’t know anything about your plumbing systems and it’s your first time taking the reins with the home renovation or being faced with an emergency situation. It’s easy to be daunted on how to replace your plumbing or find more cost-effective, favourable plumbing solutions in the surrounding area. However, ignoring the piping issues will not magically solve them. And avoiding, and when left untreated, it will only lead to bigger plumbing problems that can only be solved by an emergency plumbing service. Thus, taking a bit of time to inspect the more minor issues can save you a lot of trouble and money in the long run. And well-maintained water pipes and home plumbing systems can last up to 50 years.
The thing is, replacing plumbing fixtures is rarely a straightforward job. Instead, it requires the evaluation of a few piping issues with both obvious signs and non-obvious and more serious problems like leaks, corrosions, cracks in pipes, and others. But there’s a new methodology for your home’s plumbing known as pipe relining as an alternative to traditional pipe replacement. And this might just be the plumbing solution you’re looking for!
We have compiled a few steps to help you understand when your pipes need to be replaced.
Think of it this way – your plumbing system is always in action 24 hours. This means that your pipes, no matter the plumbing materials, do not get a break, which can cause wear over many years, and you may need to replace plumbing when you renovate or even if you don’t renovate. After using a drain pipe for ten years, you can’t expect it to remain the same, don’t you think? Nothing lasts forever. With old pipes, plumbing problems are bound to happen.
Also, pipes are usually made of metal which is susceptible to corrosion. And the water running through our systems has chemicals or pH levels that are not ideal for keeping the pipes in good shape. Sometimes, the water is hard and loaded with minerals that corrode the insides of your pipes.
Often, trace elements of minerals weaken the pipes, making it difficult for water to flow correctly in its designated direction. This can change the water pressure and build unnecessary strain on the pipe walls causing them to crack.
And it is not only the minerals but also heavy metals that can lead to an internally damaged pipe. After a point, it is also impossible to reverse this damage, which is when it becomes crucial to replace them.
Discover pipe relining as a long-term solution from your reliable plumber.
You can see pipe corrosion only when the pipes are unscrewed and for exposed pipes. But there are a few ways to tell if your pipes are indeed rusting from within. First of all, the water will taste funny, but we don’t recommend drinking it if the water has a strange colour or odour. Frequent clogging of toilets or shower drains could also point to this issue.
From the experience of master plumbers, if one section of the pipe needs removal, it is highly likely that the rest of the piping is suffering a similar fate. However, remember that this holds true only for old plumbing pipes and worn-out pipes.
A leaking pipe could mean many things– either there are cracks in the structure or the joints are weak after ensuing wear and tear. It could also mean some of the screws have loosened, thus causing water to drip out.
The problem with leaky pipes is that they seem pretty harmless at first because the water dripping does not come to your attention. But, as time passes, the pipe may give way under pressure, and the amount of water leaking can suddenly increase.
If it is a minor issue, you can hire a plumber to take care of the leak without replacing the entire structure. But if the problem is recurring, it could mean that it is time to replace the pipes. Take extra precautions with damaged pipes. They require extensive work. Discover plumbing relining costs from your local plumber to consider this option.
You should only see clear water when you turn on the kitchen or bathroom faucets. It is strange if the water appears muddy, yellowish, brown, or has some sediments floating in it, making you worry if it’s a health hazard and your drinking water is still safe. Before jumping to conclusions, check with your local water supplier if there are any pipe repairs in your area.
Sometimes, the water may be dirty temporarily due to some repair work with the water pipes. On the other hand, it could also mean that the inside of your pipes was rusting and corroded, which would explain the colour change.
Wait a day to see if the issue resolves and clear water returns. If the water does not return to its normal colour, contact a plumber to get your pipes checked. In the meantime, avoid drinking from those taps and do not use the water in your cooking.
When the water pressure in your pipes reduces, it might be a cause for concern. Similar to the discoloured water situation, it does not have to mean that the problem is directly linked to the pipes in your home. It could be a local issue affecting all other homes in the vicinity.
But there is a way to determine if the issue is widespread, affecting all neighbours or whether the pressure is low only in your home. Notice how frequently this issue occurs. If the pressure reduces once and everything is back to normal, there’s no need for action.
However, if this seems to be an ongoing issue, the plumbing system might require repair or replacement.
Cracks quickly become apparent in pipes, and you do not have to look for this sign. You will be able to see a crack on the pipe if it has one. In the case where the pipe is hidden behind the walls, you can still hear the hissing and gurgling sounds that occur only when a pipe is damaged.
If the damage is sizable, it will not be long before your walls and floors end up soaking wet or your pipe bursts. For those with sensitive flooring, don’t wait to have warped flooring. If you find wet spots around the house, do not ignore them; it may indicate a broken pipe in dire need of replacement. New pipes are better for the pocket than having to renovate most of the house out of the blue.
So, we hope this short guide helped you figure out which piping incidents to keep a lookout for.
Apart from the above signs, you should also keep track of the fluctuation of your water bills. If the bills run sky-high without using extra water, there could be a leak in the piping.
For pipes that are leaking, cracked or broken, pipe relining is another alternative for pipe replacement. This form of pipe plumbing repair is a less intrusive method that replaces the pipe’s damaged area with a new epoxy layer. Pipe relining is a permanent solution and is more durable than most pipes.
In any case, do not hesitate to contact a professional or an experienced team of master plumbers if you opt for pipe relining or the traditional method to fix the matter for you. A licensed plumber can easily resolve all your piping issues, so you do not have to worry about them again. So, contact one today to get your pipes professionally inspected.
If you require experienced plumbers on the Gold Coast, speak to the team of master plumbers at Gold Coast Plumbing Company. We are a professional, reliable and friendly plumbing company specialising in commercial and residential pipe repair. Leave your corroding pipes, burst pipes, clogged drains, low water pressure, and other plumbing issues. Our master plumbers are available 24 hours, 7 days a week, providing high-quality plumbing service for water pipes, blocked drains, hot water systems and other plumbing issues.
