The Signs Your Dallas Home Needs Pipe Replacement

According to a recent study, 0.8% of installed pipes are replaced every year. This may not seem like a large percentage, but it is. You should also consider the fact that some piping isn't replaced when it actually should be replaced.

Because we can't see every inch of piping in our homes, knowing when to replace piping can be nearly impossible. However, there are some ways that you can identify that it's time to change your home's piping.

Keep reading to learn the major signs that your Dallas home may need a pipe replacement. Our expert Dallas Plumbers provided everything you need to know about when to replace the pipes in your house. We'll also let you know what happens if you don't replace a pipe in time and who to call for all of your piping needs.

What Are the Signs That I Need to Replace a Pipe in My Dallas Home?

There are several signs that your home needs new piping. Even though you can't visibly see your pipes, various warning signs will pop up throughout your home when you have old pipes.

In Dallas, it's important that you recognize when to change your pipes so that you can get ahead of any mishaps that may occur. We'll talk about those possibilities later.

Here are several signs that you need to look out for as a homeowner. Keep an eye out for these.

Aging Pipes

On average, the typical pipe in your home lasts for 50 years. However, there are various events that can cause that number to fluctuate.

Regardless, we always say that a 50-year-old pipe needs replacing. You never want to gamble with missing an old pipe that could later wreak havoc on your Dallas home.

Make sure that you know how old your home's current pipes are so that you can get them replaced when that 50-year mark hits. Just as with any appliance in your home, you want to know when it was last replaced.

Your pipes are an important part of maintaining your home. It may seem troublesome to keep up with replacing them, but it will save you more money in the long run.

Keep in mind that it's only every 50 years, so you may not even have to worry about replacing them when you're in the home. Just be aware of the pipe year so that you can let the next homeowner know.

Unsafe Pipes

There are several kinds of pipes that you may have throughout your home. Some materials are safer than others.

When you're buying a new home (or investigating the one you currently own), you should ask what material the piping is made out of. This could save you a big headache down the road.

If you run into one of these unsafe piping materials, you may want to reconsider buying (or hire a plumber as soon as possible).

Lead Pipes

One of these unsafe materials is lead. Lead pipes should be removed. If you find out that your home has lead piping, change them as soon as possible.

Lead piping is dangerous because of the contact that your pipes make with your water supply. If you're drinking water that comes from lead pipes, you could be poisoning yourself without knowing it.

Because of erosion and corrosion over time, lead will poison your water supply. This is especially true if the water in your area is high in acidity or low in material content.

Polybutylene Pipes

Another material you should watch out for is polybutylene pipes. While this material isn't necessarily dangerous, you should still double-check that your piping isn't made of this material.

Polybutylene pipes leak easily and can cause wreckage way faster than any other piping material. Your 50-year period of changing pipes will quickly turn into just every few years with this piping material.

You may choose to keep this kind of piping. As we said, this material isn't dangerous.

However, you should have regular inspections every few years. You'll want a professional plumber to take a look at polybutylene pipes to ensure that they haven't been leaking.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

If your home was built in the 1970s, you may want to check for galvanized steel pipes. If your home hasn't been updated, it would still likely have this original piping.

The problem with galvanized steel piping is that it has a higher chance of eroding. As we explained with lead piping, erosion is horrible for your water supply.

You do not want your water to be poisoned by your piping material. To avoid this, you want to remove and replace this old piping.

Technically, galvanized steel pipes aren't dangerous until they've started corroding. However, you want to get a head-start on fixing this potential issue as soon as possible.

Replacing galvanized steel pipes before they corrode is like turning off the stove before it starts a fire in your house. Prevention is key.

Rattling Pipes

One of the most prevalent ways of telling that your pipes need to be replaced is by the noise that your pipes make. Some report that they hear rattling and clunking sounds when something is wrong with their pipes.

If you start hearing strange noises coming from your pipes, it's time to get a plumber to your Dallas home now. You never know when a creaking pipe may turn into a bursting pipe.

As we've mentioned, you always want to get ahead of the problem. Make sure that you're getting problems in your home fixed before they become expensive and perhaps even unfixable.

We should note here that some homes have pipes that make noise normally. If you've just moved into your current home, you may want to ask the previous homeowner about any pipe racket you are experiencing.

If your pipes normally make noise and you've had a professional plumber tell you that your pipes are good, you are completely okay. Just keep an ear out to make sure that there isn't an abnormal noise. If you hear a different noise than you normally hear, it's time to call that plumber back for another inspection.

Corroding Pipes

Some pipes in your home are visible to the naked eye while others are hidden behind walls. For the pipes that you can see, you should be conducting regular, quick checks for any signs of corrosion.

Corroding pipes may appear under various disguises. You may see that your pipe is flaking, rusting, staining, breaking off, or becoming discolored.

If you notice any of these changes to your piping, you should be alarmed. Pipes that are corroded can cause leaking throughout your home. The sooner you notice the problem, the faster you can prevent a bigger problem.

Call your trusted plumber if you see any of these signs of corrosion. It is generally a good rule of thumb to contact your plumber if you spot noticeable changes in any of your plumbing.

Low Pressure

Another sign that it's time to change your pipes is not well known. That sign is low water pressure.

Low water pressure may not be a personal problem for you, but it could indicate that something is going wrong with the pipes in your home.

There are a multitude of problems that could cause your home to experience low water pressure. Typically, low water pressure is caused by corrosion or sedimentation in your pipes. Both of these events block water from passing through your home's piping.

If your home's water cannot pass clearly through your piping, you need to get that piping replaced. This is because blocked water can cause a backup and result in higher pressure.

High water pressure could cause a leak or a burst in your home's piping. This will be a more expensive problem that you don't want to have.

So, you need to call a plumber if you're noticing that your sinks, showers, or other water sources aren't running as quickly as they normally are.

Discolored Water

If you see that the water coming from your tap is a different color than it normally is, it may be time to replace your pipes. Most have reported seeing a yellow, red, or brown tint when the problem has been linked to their piping.

These colors indicate that there is sediment building up in your home's piping. As we discussed before, this can be a problem when it starts to block the flow of water through your home's pipes.

Discolored water usually becomes a problem when the water in your home hasn't been used for a long time. The sediment may build up while you've been gone.

Bad Water

If it's not enough for your water to look different, it could also smell and taste different. You should be able to take a clean shower and smell nice or drink your own water and not want to get sick.

If you can't trust your own home's water, you need to call a plumber.

You may smell a fishy or other unpleasant odor coming from your drains. You may also taste a bitter or metallic taste in your water.

If your water seems off, it's time to call a plumber. Keep in mind that the city where your home is located may have a weird taste to its water to begin with. As recommended above, consult earlier homeowners or perhaps neighbors concerning your home's water.

Inconsistent Temperature

If your water isn't staying at a consistent temperature, you may need to replace your pipes. This tip is delicate so be sure to read carefully.

If you're experiencing your water going from hot to cold very fast, you may be experiencing a problem with your water heater. However, you may want to get your pipes checked if your water heater has already been evaluated and checked off.

If you're experiencing your water going from cold to hot very fast, you may have a piping problem. This could be due to a jammed regurgitation valve. This basically means that heated water isn't getting to you adequately.

Either of these problems could lead to larger issues if they aren't addressed in a timely fashion. Make sure that you're staying on top of these various issues.

Inconsistent water temperature is definitely inconvenient when you're trying to take a nice shower. But, it is more inconvenient when you realize that a pipe is now completely broken and you have to pay a higher bill.

What Happens If I Don't Replace a Pipe in My Dallas Home in Time?

The simplest answer to this question is that your problem will only get worse. There are also cases of piping disasters that are simply beyond any repair work.

If you wait too long to have your pipes fixed or replaced, you could be looking at several outcomes.

Your pipes could burst and cause a flood. Your pipes could leak and cost you more money. Your pipes could erode and poison your water supply.

Your pipes may also build up with sediment and burst from the water pressure. They may also turn your water a different color and a different taste.

The point is that there is no good scenario that comes from not getting your pipes checked. You need to make sure that you're having a professional check your home's piping from time to time.

If you don't replace your pipes in time, you're looking at an even bigger problem.

Who Can I Call for a Pipe Replacement?

If you find that you may need a pipe replacement in your home, look no further than Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We have a variety of residential services which includes plumbing replacement and installation.

Make sure that you call us before unneeded damage is done. However, if you do happen to call us later than you should've, we'll still be there to help you with all of your plumbing needs.

Feel free to call us today. We can also provide you with a free estimate before we start our work.