Plumbing is one of those things that we tend to forget we have. We’ve grown so used to always having running water, a functional shower, and a toilet that we only remember how important they are when they stop working. Instead of waiting for your plumbing to stop working, the experts at POM Plumbing encourage you to replace outdated plumbing before it breaks. If you aren’t sure this applies to you, take a look at the following.
How Old is Your Plumbing?
Wondering if you need to replace outdated plumbing? The first step is to figure out how old your plumbing is. Plumbing is set to last somewhere between 70 and 100 years. It’s around the 60 year mark that major problems begin cropping up. The kind of problems that come from outdated plumbing are not just simple clogs and bad water pressure, though those are on the list. Outdated plumbing can lead to pipe bursts, flooding, mold problems, and an overall decline in your home’s interior and value.
Many people live in older houses and forget that the plumbing won’t last forever. New homes don’t pose much risk with their plumbing. However, if you live in a home you bought used, you should check into what year it was built in. A lot of people think of an old home as something that was built in the 19th century. However, for a home to have outdated pipes, it only has to have been built around 1950. If your plumbing is nearing 70 years old, it’s time to replace it.
Younger Outdated Pipes
The truth is, some pipes that were put in even more recently – say, in the 80s – can also be outdated despite only being 40 years old. Plumbing standards and regulations have changed a lot over the years. That can mean that your plumbing is not functional in the way it should be even if they’re more recent.
For instance, a common issue is that drain pipes put in in the 20th century were made for a lower water volume. They may have been efficient when they were installed, but can’t keep up with modern water volumes. This can lead to water pooling in the tub or shower while you use it. It can lead to toilets not flushing properly or backing up. Even though your 40-year-old pipes may not be breaking from age, they are no longer doing their job.
Replace Outdated Plumbing
If your plumbing is no longer doing its job, it’s time to call in the professionals. Call us today if you need a professional plumber to come check out your plumbing. We can give you a quote on plumbing replacement and then get to work as soon as you need. We look forward to serving you and bringing your home back to its full, functional potential.