As with most components in the home, plumbing fixtures and pipes will eventually deteriorate to the point that they are at risk of failure and need replacement. One of the main factors in determining whether repiping is necessary is the age and type of pipe material. For supply lines, these pipe materials include:
- Copper 70-80 year lifespan
- Brass 80-100 year lifespan
- Galvanized Steel 80-100 year lifespan
Drain lines are usually made of one of the following materials:
- Cast iron 80-100 year lifespan
- PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) 24-40 year lifespan
The symptoms of damaged or deteriorating pipes include:
- Leaks (higher than usual water bills can be a sign of a water leak)
- Low or inconsistent water pressure
- Rust colored water
- Water hammer (banging pipes) or other plumbing noises
To determine if repiping is necessary Grand Lake Plumbing can inspect the supply and drain lines to determine what materials are used, the age of the pipes and the presence of any leaks or defects. For drain lines, a video camera is often used to get a more complete look at the condition of the pipes.
Have plumbing questions? Give Grand Lake Plumbing and Heating a call, we can help solve all your plumbing problems.
