Your plumbing pipes do most of the heavy lifting in your plumbing system. They transport clean water to your sinks, toilets, dishwasher, washing machine, and other fixtures and appliances. They also remove wastewater after your fixtures and appliances have done their job.
If a plumbing pipe springs a leak or breaks down, you can have a big mess on your hands. Some older plumbing pipes simply aren’t as efficient as they could be.
The most challenging part of replacing a rusty plumbing pipe is that it's usually hidden inside a wall or buried in concrete. But if you're doing remodeling work or if you have exposed plumbing work and notice a rusty plumbing pipe, you should take advantage of the opportunity and update your plumbing pipes.
Let's taking a closer look at why it's a good idea to replace your rusty plumbing pipes in Springfield Missouri whenever you have the chance.
They’re At The End Of Their Lifespan
The average lifespan of a plumbing pipe is around 50 years. If your pipes haven’t been replaced for half a century, then it's probably time to take that step. Getting them replaced when they are exposed before they break down can save you a lot of time and money in the future from having to deal with pipe leaks and breakdowns.
They’re Galvanized
Galvanized pipes were used extensively decades ago. But they’re becoming less and less common as more robust, efficient materials, like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or copper, take their place. Galvanized pipes are susceptible to rust and corrosion and have a shorter lifespan than modern pipes. Some can last a mere 20 years.
They’re Made Of Lead
Lead pipes are another type of pipe that has gone by the wayside, and for good reason. When lead pipes corrode, bits of the lead can mix in with your drinking water. Ingesting lead may result in muscle fatigue, headaches, kidney damage, high blood pressure, or numerous other serious health problems.
Lead was typically used in pipes through the mid-1980s, so if you haven’t replaced your pipes since then, consider doing so.
They’re Inefficient
The number one reason our customers request a re-piping job is because they want increased water pressure and proper drainage. Certain types of pipes are better suited for higher water pressure, while others allow more efficient drainage.
To determine what kind of pipe might work best for you, call a professional plumber in Springfield, Missouri to inspect your pipes and find out for sure.
The importance of healthy, efficient plumbing pipes can’t be overstated. If you need help determining whether your plumbing pipes should be repaired or replaced or need a hand in the re-piping process, the plumbing pros at United Plumbing are the ones to call.