Every new year is an opportunity for a fresh new start or a chance to make some big changes or improvements. It is very exciting to get to work on new projects like home renovation projects or upgrades because these simple changes can make home life a lot more comfortable and can save you a lot of time on your daily projects.

While you are considering all the different home upgrades you can do, you will probably wonder it is time to redo your plumbing. The plumbing is something that likely hasn’t been checked in a great many years and can have a pretty big impact on your household.

If you are wondering if 2022 is the right year to redo your plumbing then you should read on because, in this blog, we are going to share some advice or show you the signs that will tell you whether you do need to start saving up for this project or not.

How Long Does Plumbing Typically Last?

The life expectancy of plumbing fixtures and pipes can depend on two things; the type of water you have, and the type of materials the pipelines are made of.

Homes with hard water tend to require plumbing replacements much sooner than homes with soft water systems because hard water contains plenty of minerals that tend to build up inside the pipelines. Over time, the build-up can clog up your pipes which can affect your drains and the water pressure levels in your home.

Certain plumbing pipe materials also last a lot longer than others. Here is a quick look at the typical lifespan of different plumbing materials.

01. Brass pipelines – Typically last 80 – 100 years

02. Copper pipes – Typically last 70 – 80 years

03. Galvanized steel pipes – Typically last 80 – 100 years

04. Cast iron pipes – Typically last 80 – 100 years

05. Polyvinyl chloride pipes (PVC) – Typically last 25 – 40 years.

Signs That You Need To Redo Your Plumbing

The general lifespan of pipeline materials is a good indicator to tell you when you should be replacing your plumbing but there are still some aspects that could cause your plumbing to give out prematurely. Here are the signs that it might be time to replace your home’s water and sewage pipelines.

Low water pressure

If your water pressure suddenly decreases, there is likely a problem with your heater. But a general decrease in water pressure is usually caused by clogged up pipes. It is just about impossible to clear out sediments from clogged pipes because these materials can be so hard and resilient. If your pipelines are clogged up then it is better to get them replaced with new ones and to consider a water softener system for your home.

Leaks

Leaky pipes are sometimes pretty tough to detect. You may notice water spots on the floors, walls, or ceiling of your home because pipelines are usually hidden away inside walls. The worst thing about leaky pipes is that they are usually undetectable until there is extreme water damage.

Pipes can start to leak if they are very old or if they were fitted through poor craftsmanship. The leaks can also occur in homes with extremely high water pressure levels.

Discoloured water

If you turn open a tap and see copper or red coloured water rushing from your tap then it might be time to get some new water lines. The metal pipes in your home are likely filled with rust and consuming this rust is hardly healthy for your body.

Slow or clogged drains

If the old drain systems in your home are constantly blocking then you can also consider some new sewage lines or drains. The clogs usually result from ingrowing tree roots and often result in pipe leaks as well.

If it is time to get your plumbing redone then there is no better company to trust than Locality Plumbing. With these professionals, your home’s plumbing will be sorted out in no time at all so you can start focusing on all of those other things you might want to do in 2022.