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Like most things in your home, your pipes won’t last forever. And when they decide to give up, they can wreak havoc on a number of different areas — namely, things you might not even be able to see due to the fact that they’re situated behind walls or within the floors or ceilings. But if you’re smart, you’ll replace your piping before they corrode and burst, which can save you thousands upon thousands of dollars in structural repairs as well as plumbing and other home service costs. See below to find out what you should be on the lookout for that might indicate it’s time to replace your pipes.
Not sure of the status of your piping? Well, some signs that your Florida home needs a repipe include:
1. Frequent pipe leaks
2. Your home is over 40 years old
3. Pipes show visible signs of corrosion
4. Rust-colored water from your water appliances
5. You have polybutylene pipes
The most obvious sign that your pipes are rusting through and need to be replaced is recurring pipe leaks. So how many leaks are too many? Well, there’s no exact science but if you get 3 or more leaks in less than 6 months, your pipes most likely need to be replaced. Plus, just think about all the money you’re spending on unnecessary plumbing repairs.
While leaks will sometimes stare you right in the face, other times, it’s not that obvious. Here are a few of the signs that may not be as easy as spotting a puddle on the floor or water trickling down from the ceiling:
One way to test for any leaks in your plumbing is to turn off all water appliances in the house and outdoors (sprinklers, hoses, etc.). Then locate and watch the numbers on your home’s water meter. If the numbers go up after 20-30 minutes, you have a leak. And the faster those numbers go up, the larger the leak.
Copper piping in the Florida area is especially vulnerable to recurring pinhole leaks (corrosion that breaks through the surface of piping), so keep an eye out for bluish-greenish corrosion on copper piping.
If your home was built over 40 years ago, there’s a good chance that your home’s pipes (except for PVC piping) have started corroding. In Florida, the rule-of-thumb for the lifespan of various piping is:
If you notice widespread signs of corrosion on your home’s piping, you probably need to think about repiping your home. Check exposed piping for visible signs of corrosion, which include:
Have steel or iron piping and notice rust-colored water coming from your water appliances? This is a good indication that your pipes might be rusting from the inside and therefore, need to be replaced. Keep in mind that if the rust-colored water only comes with hot water, the cause could be a rusted out water heater—not your home’s piping.
If you see rust only in your hot water, then check the status of your water heater’s anode rod. You may need a professional to do this if you’ve never done this on your own. If the anode rod is rusted out, the rust is most likely coming from the inside of your water heater. Replace your water heater as soon as possible if this is the case. On the other hand, if you see rust from both your hot and cold water taps, you most likely have corroded piping.
To determine whether the rust is coming from your home or the municipal water supply, get a professional to inspect your home’s plumbing.
The inside of a severely corroded pipe that produces rust-colored water.
Polybutylene is an inexpensive, flexible plastic that was used for residential piping from 1978 to 1995. The problem is, it’s extremely vulnerable to rupturing (which ultimately led to a Class Action settlement), and therefore, is no longer accepted by U.S. building codes.
How to tell if you have polybutylene pipes: If your pipes are white plastic and include the letters “PB” in the printed label, you have polybutylene pipes and we suggest having them replaced right away.
Do you see some of these signs but want a professional’s opinion on whether you should repipe your home? Already know you need to repipe your Florida home and need a professional estimate? Contact Aztec Plumbing & Drains. We’ll send over a professional plumber ASAP to take a look at your plumbing and devise an effective and efficient plan to go out with the old and in with the new!
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The information on this website is for informational purposes only; it is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. It does not constitute professional advice. All information is subject to change at any time without notice. Contact us for complete details.
