Melbourne plumber explains: WHEN YOU SHOULD update your old plumbing?

If you’ve been living in your current home for more than a few years without having any plumbing maintenance or replacements done, there’s a good chance that your plumbing system is outdated.

Despite advancements in the strength of the materials we use for manufacturing more durable pipes, they simply aren’t designed to last forever. Pipes rust, corrode, crack and deteriorate due to external factors like tree roots, blockages, extreme weather conditions and time.

The best thing you can do is replace your old plumbing before it deteriorates to a point where it has a negative impact on your household or business. But how do you know when it’s time to replace old water pipes? Here are four tell-tale signs.

Discolouration in your water

If your pipes have corroded, rust will flake off into the water and you’ll notice a brown or dark tinge to the water that comes out of your taps. Aside from the health concerns of drinking water that contains rust, this will also cause an accumulation of mineral deposits in your pipes, which will clog and build pressure over time. Eventually, your pipes will burst and then you have a serious problem on your hands, which can be extremely tedious and costly to resolve.

Poor quality materials used for your piping

Over the decades, plumbing systems have evolved to use more efficient and reliable materials. While more modern plumbing installations will be made from brass, copper or polyvinyl chloride, it used to be standard practice to install pipes that were made with cast iron, lead or galvanised steel.

Even though modern piping materials are generally more durable, each one of the materials mentioned above still has a lifespan. By knowing how old your pipes are and researching the typical lifespan of the material they’re made from, you can pinpoint exactly when it might be a good time to replace your plumbing.

Copper piping will usually last between 70 and 80 years, while cast iron, brass and galvanised steel pipes can last up to a century. Polyvinyl chloride piping, on the other hand, will only serve its purpose for 25-45 years.

If your house was only built in the last few years, the material of your pipes shouldn’t be an issue. However, if you live in an old house, it might be time to replumb your system with newer pipes.

Low water pressure from your taps and showerheads

If you find that you’re getting low water pressure from your sinks, basins and shower, there’s a chance it could be because your pipes have deteriorated. There could be other reasons of course, like a blockage in a section of the piping.

Either way, you’ll need to have your pipes inspected with CCTV technology, to determine what’s causing the low water pressure. Cracked or broken pipes can cause water to leak out and rot wood underneath your house, foster the growth of mould and ultimately damage the foundations and framing of your home.

Visible deterioration on your exposed pipes

This tip is obviously only helpful if your house has exposed piping somewhere (the basement is usually your best bet). Have a look at your pipes, and inspect them for:

• Flaking
• Discolouration
• Bumps
• Dimples
• Moist patches or pools of water
• Any other irregularities in the texture of your piping

Please note that if you do come across any of these things, you might not necessarily need to completely replumb your entire house – some old sections of pipe might just need replacing.

Don’t delay replacing old plumbing in your house

It’s very easy to put off replacing your old water pipes, but leaving it too late is a far more tedious and costly exercise. If you suspect it might be time to replumb your house, Simoes Plumbing can help.

We have years of experience replacing old plumbing in houses and businesses right across Melbourne, with all parts and labour fully guaranteed. One of our friendly experts will inspect and evaluate the condition of your house’s plumbing, before providing informed advice on how to proceed.

Call 0423 698 884 for a free quote and consultation, and we’ll be happy to arrange a piping inspection at a time and date that best suits you. We also provide exceptional gas fitting services and hot water service repairs .