We all want to save money — and sometimes the best way to save it, over the long run, is to spend it. Repiping the plumbing in your home is an excellent example of how an investment can pay off by preventing future problems that could cost a lot more to repair than your initial investment. Here are a few reasons you should consider repiping your home plumbing.
You’ve Had a Plumbing Leak
When your pipes leak, the immediate solution is usually to repair the leak. While this can be a useful short-term strategy to get your life back to normal as soon as possible, it may be more cost-effective to replace the plumbing instead.
However, if your pipes leak in one spot, there’s a good chance that the plumbing throughout your home has begun to fail, too — and water damage can be extensive and expensive before you even realize there’s a problem. Pipes with slow leaks can even cause biological growth contamination within your walls, which is a serious health hazard for your family.
You’re Renovating a Room
Renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or other area is the ideal time to replace your plumbing. Not only is it often easier to access the plumbing during this process, but it also helps to protect your investment. After all, you’re spending a lot of money on those new cabinets, counters, and flooring. The last thing you want to happen is for a pipe to fail and damage them. Call a plumber and ask for an inspection before installing your new items.
Your Home Is Over 20 Years Old
Most people think of water pipes as a permanent fixture within a building. While it’s true that pipes can potentially last 100 years or even more, it’s far more likely that they have a limited lifespan. Over time, pipes can degrade — galvanized steel pipes rust or corrode, and plastic pipes become brittle. You may also have concerns about lead pipes, which are found in buildings constructed through the 1950s. Even homes built through the 1980s can have lead solder on copper pipes.
Your Water Is Discolored
Have you ever returned from a vacation trip and noticed that the first bit of water coming from your taps is darker than normal? The discoloration is from rust, and it’s more noticeable after the water has been sitting in the pipes for some time. While a bit of rust in your water is not a serious health concern, it may be a sign that your galvanized steel piping is beginning to degrade.
The best strategy for any homeowner is to be proactive about their plumbing. Have your pipes inspected regularly by a licensed plumber to check for signs of damage or corrosion, both in exposed areas and (where possible) within the walls. Remember that having a problem in an area where plumbing is exposed can be a strong indicator of the same problem where it’s hidden. Maintaining, and possibly replacing, your plumbing can save you lots of money in the future.
