As the decades go by, new technology is constantly hitting the market to correct the imperfections that are found with older building products. When it comes to plumbing, newer technology has been introduced to eliminate problems like internal rusting and lead poisoning. If you notice any of the unpleasant signs below, it’s an indication that it’s likely time to upgrade your home’s plumbing system.
1- Dirty Water
When you turn on your faucet, it should produce nice clear water that you can drink, bath, or even wash your clothes in. Unfortunately, if you notice that the water is dirty, it’s an indication that there’s corrosion present inside your water supply lines. This is typically the result of outdated metal piping materials experiencing corrosion due to unhelpful mineral deposits in the water. Over time, as they corrode, these metal pipes will release rust particles into your water. This will come through looking brown, red, and even greyish. You should never drink this contaminated water as it can be harmful to your health.
2- Constant Leaks
Another key indicator that it’s time to upgrade your plumbing is that you’re experiencing constant leaks. While some leaks may be obvious due to their location or size, others may not be. Hidden leaks can happen throughout the walls and floors of your home when pinhole leaks develop in your piping. You may experience higher than normal water bills, wet spots on your walls, yellow staining on your ceilings, and even low water pressure consistently.
3- Your Supply Pipes are Made of Lead
The knowledge of lead poisoning has led many homeowners to check out what their water piping material is made of. Lead was popular before 1986 as an affordable piping material for water supply lines in residential homes. However, it has since been discovered that lead from piping can contaminate the drinking water and cause negative symptoms in humans. If you have any lead piping lines or plumbing fixtures, it’s time to upgrade your plumbing to protect the overall health of your family.
4- Low Water Pressure
Another indicator that your plumbing is outdated and needs to be upgraded is that you’re experiencing low water pressure. As your piping corrodes on its inside, it will create a restriction in the water flow. Think of a two-inch pipe diameter compared to a one-inch pipe diameter. The two-inch pipe is going to be able to allow more water to flow through it than a one-inch pipe. You’ll likely experience your water pressure getting weaker and weaker as the corrosion inside your piping continues to build up and become worse.
As a homeowner, your house’s plumbing system is probably not something that you give a lot of thought to. As long as it’s working, it may not seem like a big deal. However, it’s important to remember that your plumbing system won’t last forever. If you’re experiencing dirty water, low water pressure, constant leaks, or you have lead water supply pipes, it’s high time to consider upgrading. While it’s easy to overlook your plumbing system when everything is functioning smoothly, proactive maintenance and timely upgrades are essential for preserving the integrity of your home’s infrastructure.
