If your home is on the older side, it’s a safe bet that your plumbing system is ancient. While old plumbing pipes can keep on working just fine for many years, leaving them there too long is not without risks for your Pontotoc home.
Below, learn all you need to know about the dangers of old plumbing pipes. Ready for pipe replacement? Call our trusted plumbers in Pontotoc, MS.
Top Dangers of Old Plumbing Pipes for Your Pontotoc, MS, Household
Back in the old days, pipes were built to last. You could expect a plumbing system lifespan spanning 50 years or even more than 100 years. That’s impressive, but it’s still not forever. Old plumbing pipes carry a number of risks that can cost you big time, including these five common old pipe hazards:
1. Health Dangers
Before the 1980s, many of Pontotoc County’s home plumbing systems were made of lead, thanks to this material’s durability. Unfortunately, over time, lead can flake off and end up in the water, causing numerous health problems.
Lead is colorless and odorless, so you can’t tell if your home has a lead problem by looking at the water. Lead can cause cognitive problems, cardiovascular issues, organ damage, and poor fertility. The metal affects young children even more severely than adults.
Think you’re safe because you don’t have lead pipes? Think again. If your old pipes are made of copper or galvanized steel, they may contain lead solder.
2. Leaks and Burst Pipes
The older your property’s pipes get, the more prone to leaks they become. Pipe walls can break down and crack due to clogs, tree roots, physical damage, and corrosion. In the worst-case scenario, your pipes may burst, causing serious water damage to anything they manage to saturate.
Your deteriorating pipes could be leaking behind the walls without you ever knowing it. If you see mold growth or feel damp walls, you may want to schedule a pipe replacement in Pontotoc, MS.
3. Poor Water Pressure
If your home in the Land of Hanging Grapes has hard water, mineral deposits of calcium and magnesium can build up inside your property’s old plumbing pipes. This is called limescale, and too much of it can affect the water pressure. If your plumbing’s water pressure becomes too low, you might notice reduced flow from your sinks and showers or struggle to wash dishes and launder clothing properly.
Limescale buildup also causes serious water pipe deterioration. It’s best to replace the pipes before they burst.
4. Smelly, Bad-Tasting Water
Does your water smell or taste like soil, rust, or sewage? Blame your old plumbing pipes’ corrosion, cracks, and limescale buildup.
Your home’s water may develop a foul odor or taste and, with corroded pipes, turn brown or yellow. Brown water isn’t always unsafe to drink, but why risk it when pipe replacement will solve the problem?
5. Higher Utility Bills
Aging plumbing pipes are often poorly insulated. Your old water heater needs to work harder to do its job, especially when winter comes to Pontotoc. If a professional doesn’t intervene, that may mean sky-high energy bills and more frequent water heater repairs (or even a replacement).
Modern pipes come with proper insulation, saving big on your energy bills and protecting the pipes themselves.
Old Plumbing Pipes? Call Our Experts for Pipe Replacement in Pontotoc
If you’re ready to upgrade old plumbing pipes for peace of mind, why not reach out to Happy Pipes Plumbing, Water Heaters, and Septic Services? Call today to schedule a replacement, start choosing professional plumbing services, or get answers to your plumbing questions in Pontotoc!
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to learn more about replacing old plumbing pipes? Find some answers here.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Old Pipes?
The cost to replace old pipes ranges from $150 to $250 per linear square foot, on average. Call us for pipe replacement to get a custom quote.
How Invasive Is Repiping a House?
Repiping a house is not very invasive when the experts do it properly. Plumbers strategically cut holes in drywall to access the sections of pipe that need replacing. They damage as little as possible, making it easy to repair the drywall when the work is done.
How Long Does It Take To Repipe an Entire House?
The time it takes to repipe a house depends on the size of your property. Small homes may take a couple of days to repipe, while larger ones can take a week or more. Contact us about replacing your old plumbing pipes for a more accurate timeline.
