Important Reasons for Home Repiping

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Important Reasons for Home Repiping

Posted on August 1, 2014 by Melbourne Plumber

Dripping Faucet Plumbing DesignHome repiping is important for many reasons, and the issue of replacing them should be addressed if you experience any of the problems below. If your pipes are old, especially if they were installed prior to 1970, they may be made out of lead. Lead is a health concern, especially in children five years old and younger, and can lead to serious problems. When lead is in the pipes it can get into the drinking water which is harmful to anyone’s health. Although it’s hard for water to pick up any lead as it travels through the pipes, the water absorbs the lead as it sits in the pipes not moving. So when you first turn on the water, there is a higher likelihood of lead in the water.

Another reason for considering home repiping is if the pipes are old and have excess rust clogging them. Slowly, the rust will start appearing in the water, giving it a brown or rust looking color and tremendously affecting the taste of it. This can be an indication of pipes in the advanced stages of decomposition, and no amount of repair will help them, they need to be replaced.

Certain areas of the country have water that has a high mineral content, resulting in hard water. For homes or businesses not using a water softener, this can show up on the pipes looking like a hard, whitish substance and it can be difficult to remove. Even if a water softener is installed, the caking of the minerals will still be present. This can result in slowing down the flow of water, which causes the shower and sink faucets to flow slowly.

The Damaging Result of Leaky Pipes

Older pipes can also leak, causing expensive damage to walls and the concrete structure holding up a building. Sometimes it’s easy to see when this is happening because you can start to notice breaks or cracks in the concrete or in any bricks that are attached to the building. The cement or bricks may start to crumble and leave a mess. However, there aren’t always external signs, so if you think you may have leaks, it’s best to call in a professional. Leaking pipes that drain behind walls and other areas you can’t see can also cause black mold, which is dangerous for anyone to breathe, and can cause a host of health problems. People who have been exposed to black mold can exhibit breathing problems, coughing and/or sneezing, problems with memory, frequent headaches or fatigue, immune system problems, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and even nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Although black mold is something you can usually notice because of the smell, it can happen underneath boards or drywall where it goes unnoticed for years. Some black mold can be seen, and where it might be seen there may be more underneath that isn’t readily visible. Due to this, it’s important you have proper pipes that don’t leak, as it can cause more damaging problems than just a slow running shower or faucet.

There are a variety of reasons you might want to consider home repiping. When you do, be sure to call a qualified licensed plumber who can help exchange out the old pipes so you’re home is in peak working condition.

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