Buying an old home full of charm and character is a privilege, but with such privilege comes responsibility. You may have to replace the pipes sooner rather than later, especially if the pipes are exceptionally old or made out of materials that are no longer used for safety concerns, like lead.

The top-notch plumbers in Drexel Hill, PA, at MVP Plumbing, can inspect your pipes and replace them if needed. Call us today if you want expert plumbers to thoroughly inspect your home. Keep reading to learn why you may need to replace your old plumbing pipes.

Outdated Plumbing in Drexel Hill, PA

You’re pretty much guaranteed to replace old pipes at some point because of the concerns they raise today. There’s a reason why certain materials are banned and why most pipes aren’t guaranteed to last forever. Have a plumber inspect your pipes to determine how much longer they should last.

Old Pipes

The materials pipes used to be made out of back in the day can’t compare to the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes we use today, estimated to last at least one hundred years in most cases. Other materials have shorter lifespans:

  • Galvanized steel: Up to 50 years
  • Copper: At least 50 years
  • Brass: Up to 70 years
  • Cast iron: Up to 100 years

These estimates don’t consider fittings and fixtures, so while your pipes may have a solid 20 years left in them, the fittings holding them together may need replacing more often than that.

Harmful Materials

Lead used to be the preferred material to make pipes with, until we learned how harmful lead poisoning is to children and adults. It can cause serious health problems and developmental issues, so if you have an older home, call a plumber to test for lead pipes as soon as possible.

If you discover that your pipes are made of lead or contain it, schedule to have them replaced quickly, and don’t drink or cook with the water. Avoid using it as much as possible until you have new pipes and the water no longer tests positive for lead.

Cracked and Leaking Pipes

Plumbing leaks and cracks may lead to expensive repairs if they aren’t dealt with immediately. Leaks are often caused by loose fittings that connect pipes together. They drip slowly and don’t create large puddles or water damage until they’ve leaked for a while.

Cracks, on the other hand, are noticed almost immediately because more water than just a drip can get out, and you’ll end up with wet floors and walls pretty quickly.

You may not need to repair the entire plumbing system unless the cracks and leaks are due to deteriorating old plumbing pipes.

Pipe Corrosion

If your old plumbing pipes clog often, it may be due to corrosion caused by rust buildup within the pipes. Old galvanized steel pipes are more prone to developing rust stains and eventually corroding until they develop holes. If your old pipes clog often, have your plumber check for rust to determine if that’s the issue. Though rust is the most common problem, other sediment buildup is possible, such as limescale.

Water Discoloration

Discolored water is a sign that it’s time to get new pipes, though it could be relatively normal for your area if your local officials mandated boiling water before using it. Yellow or brownish water indicates a mineral build-up like rust or other sediment. If you notice discolored water coming out of your pipes, call a plumber right away, and don’t drink the water until you’ve been cleared to do so.

Bad Smells

You shouldn’t smell bad smells coming from your pipes. It could mean there are microbes in the pipes like bacteria or mold. This could be dangerous, so avoid drinking or bathing in your water until you’ve been told it’s safe to do so.

Call MVP Plumbing to Replace Old Plumbing Pipes in Drexel Hill

If you suspect it’s time to replace old plumbing pipes in your home in Drexel Hill, give MVP Plumbing a call today. We’ll inspect your home thoroughly to determine how old your pipes are, what material they’re made of, and if it’s safe to use them for the remainder of their lifespan.

Call us to schedule an appointment for old plumbing pipes replacement, gas line repair, or any other plumbing needs. We offer emergency services at any time, so don’t hesitate to give us a call. Get help now.