We are constantly using our plumbing system- that is, toilet flushes, baths, turning sinks and showers on and off, and so on. This constant use leads to substantial damage and wear that causes the plumbing system to break down. We owe a lot of plumbing; without it, we wouldn’t have to clean, drinkable water, or wouldn’t have been able to drain our wastewater. With a good maintenance routine, you will be able to expand its lifespan; however, at some point, you will have to replace the system or do major repairs for it to work properly and efficiently.

So, when exactly do we need to take these steps, and what are the signs that will give this away?

Discolored Water

It’s not news that water is colorless. So, opening the faucet to get discolored water isn’t the norm. While minor and infrequent discoloration isn’t something to be worried about, sometimes, this is caused by the city when it works on the main water lines. Also, you shouldn’t worry about white milky discoloration, as this is caused by trapped air bubbles. However, if the discoloration can be easily noticed and consistent, then there is something up with your plumbing services. If it’s orange, yellow, or reddish, then your pipes need to be changed. This is caused by rust and pipe corrosion that leads to wear and tear, which results in these particles flowing into the water supply.

Clogged and Slow Drains

If you notice a backed-up sink or a clogged drain that leads to emptying the water inefficiently, then you might need to consider changing your pipes. However, there are some quick fixes and DIY solutions that you can try first before you contact a specialist. Try pouring hot boiling water down the clogged drains, followed by baking soda, vinegar, and water solution. After covering the drain for a few minutes, it should work properly. Or, you can buy some cleaning products for that purpose and use your plunger in case there is something that is blocking your drains. If these solutions worked for a while or didn’t work at all and you are still struggling with clogged drains and sinks, then you should call a specialist to inspect the pipes and advise you whether they need to be changed or not. The right plumbing services will be able to find the root of the problem. This will help in finding the best solution, whether it’s changing the plumbing pipes or something else.

Old and Aged Pipes

Older houses foundations have galvanized pipes that must be removed according to your area building code. This should be taken care of, especially if you are trying to sell your house. New houses, on the other hand, might also suffer from old and rusty pipes. Yet, since most homes have the pipes buried underneath the foundation, there is no room for noticing visible rust and corrosion. But, if you have exposed pipes that might be in the basement, you can inspect the pipes to look for wear and tear. If you have found these signs in the exposed pipes, then chances are, the hidden ones are just like them. If, on the other hand, there is no way of knowing whether you have old and weary pipes, you can always seek help from pros to inspect the piping system and give you advice on whether it needs to be replaced or not.

Frequent Leaks

This is one of the most common household issues and one of the most dangerous ones. A leaky piping system doesn’t only affect the quality of your plumbing system, but it leads to other serious issues. Frequent leaks lead to mold, which can cause several health issues such as headaches, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms. If you and your family members are subjected to damp walls and mold for a long time, this might start affecting lung functions and might lead to asthma attacks. These problems need instant intervention from pros to assess the size of the problem. Sometimes, leaks are fixed by being patched or repaired if they are small. Yet, larger leaks that are caused by deeper pipes issues need to be fixed by replacing the pipes.

There is nothing wrong with looking for quick fixes and easy solutions; in our busy daily lives, it is even expected. However, there are some issues that you need to look out for, as they might be signs for deeper issues with your plumbing system. Some issues, such as frequent leaks, should never be ignored as they will not only affect the quality of your water but also affect you and your family’s health.