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While it is important to regularly keep an eye on your pipes, it’s even more critical to do so if you’re living in an older home. As a plumbing system ages, pipes will generally show indications of problems. If you don’t watch for pipe problems closely, you might miss the signs of issues that could result in extremely costly damage.
Check areas of your home that you may not typically think about, places such as utility rooms, crawlspaces, and basements, and look for the following clues that you may need pipe replacement.
Even a small leak could be a warning that something is seriously wrong with your pipes and that you may need pipe replacement. More than likely, they are as old as the house itself and are beginning to deteriorate.
One sure sign of a leak is the accumulation of mold or mildew, either on a bathroom wall or somewhere else in your home. Mold grows in moist environments, of course, and a leaking pipe provides the perfect place for mold to thrive. This is especially the case if the leak is hidden under a floor or behind a wall. While spotting some mildew in your shower is not necessarily a cause for concern — seeing it anywhere else is an indication there could be a substantial problem.
The musty smell of mold and mildew is unmistakable. If you notice it after you’ve thoroughly cleaned and scrubbed your home, there is probably a water leak. To check for leaks, use a flashlight to shine light into the pipe. Look for dark spots where there should be clear water. This indicates a leak.
If you notice a leak, call a plumber immediately. Leaks can cause serious damage to pipes and lead to costly repairs.
Tube Corrosion Likely Means Pipe Replacement
If your pipe tubing shows dimpling or flaking, that likely means some substantial corrosion has occurred and the pipe needs to be replaced.
Additionally, if your water has a high acid content, that could eat away at the tubing. Also, if copper pipes are idle for an extended period, that can lead to corrosion as well as water reactions to the flux used to connect pipes.
Look at the WaterColor
Next, take a bucket with you and fill it up with water. Then pour some of the water into another container. If the water looks cloudy, then you need a plumbing pipe replacement.
Look for the color of the water coming from your faucet. If it’s clear, then there’s nothing wrong with your plumbing system. However, if the water coming from your tap has a yellowish tint, then you might want to consider pipe replacement.
Listen for Gurgling Sounds
Gurgling sounds are often caused by clogs in your pipes. To find out if there is a problem, listen carefully to any noises coming from your pipes. If you hear a gurgling sound, then you should call a plumber immediately.
The first thing you should do is turn off the water supply at the main shutoff valve. Next, check the faucet handles to see if they are loose or corroded. If they appear to be loose, tighten them using a wrench. If the handle appears to be corroded, replace it.
Feel Around the Pipe with Your Hand
Look at the outside of your home for signs of damage. Is there water leaking into the ground? Are there cracks in the walls or ceilings? Do you see mold growing inside the walls? These are all warning signs that your pipes need replacement.
If you notice any of these problems, then it’s time to call a professional plumber. The sooner you get them to come out, the better off you’ll be. A leaky faucet could lead to serious flooding issues, while cracked walls and ceilings can cause structural damage. Mold growth can spread throughout your house, making it difficult to breathe and causing health problems.
Test the Temperature of the Water
To test the temperature of the water, turn off the main valve and open one faucet. Wait until the water stops running before turning the main valve back on. This will give you an idea of how hot or cold the water is. If the water is too warm or too cold, then you should call a plumber to inspect your pipes.
A good way to tell if you need pipe replacement is to check the temperature of the water coming from your faucets. If the water is either too hot or too cold, then it could mean that there is a problem with the pipes. If you notice that the water is too hot, then you should contact a professional plumber right away. If the water is very cold, then you should try to find out what is causing the issue. There could be a leak somewhere in the home, which could cause the water to get colder than normal.
Serving San Diego and San Diego County for over 30 years with water pipe replacement and great service. We also service these cities – El Cajon, La Mesa, Lakeside, Poway, Ramona, Santee, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, University City, Tierrasanta, Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Leucadia, Sorrento Valley, Miramar, Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Vista, Carlsbad, San Marcos, Fairbanks Ranch, 4S Ranch, and Sabre Springs.
