Well, that plumbing in your home has been there forever and I bet you think
that it will just keep on keeping on. Old pipes are not the first thing
we think about when it comes to home repair, but it may be one of the
most important. I will give you a couple of hints on how to recognize
old plumbing.
Over time all types of rust, sediment, and debris can build up and erode
your pipe walls. How quickly that build up can take, depends on the structure/
type of plumbing, water pressure, and acidity. When buildup occurs, it makes it hard for
water to pass through. Old pipes normally will gather more debris and
become prone to clogging over time. Corrosion can cause your old pipes
to leak. If you notice frequent leaks it may be a sign you have old pipes.
Some of the older plumbing can contain lead which is toxic, and harmful
to consume. They may even contain fixtures built with lead solder, which
when corrosion takes place, can enter your water supply (Homes built before
1986 may have plumbing constructed primarily of lead). The debris from
daily use can also cause your pipes to corrode. One of the sure signs
that you have debris in your pipes is lowered water pressure. Watch your
water for any discoloration. If you do see discoloration, don’t
drink your tap water and call a plumber!
Supply pipes made of brass and copper typically last 80 to 100 years. Galvanized
steel has a life of 70 to 80 years. While your drain lines; cast iron
can last 80 to 100 and PVC 25 to 40 years.
Well, we hope this gives some basic insight into knowing if your pipes
are old or not. If you are not sure the age of your pipes or if they may
be bad, give us a call and we can do a simple inspection to give you peace
of mind. Eco Electric & Plumbing provides top-quality
piping and repiping services throughout the greater Seattle area.
