Common Signs the Home Needs Repiping

How To Tell When It’s Time to Repipe the Home’s Water Supply System

A home’s water supply lines are generally expected to last several decades, depending on their material, environment, and maintenance. Eventually, homeowners should repipe the home as age and general wear and tear wear down the old pipes. 

Of course, repiping a home is no small matter (and comes at no small cost), so it’s only natural for homeowners to put it off until necessary. But waiting too long can cost more and create a headache in the long run. So this article will explain some signs it’s time to consider repiping and its benefits sooner rather than later!

Frequent Water Leaks

Water leaks will occur from time to time over the years—they’re inevitable. But if leaks are becoming a regular occurrence throughout the home, it’s time to start looking at the underlying cause. In many cases, older pipes can develop pinhole leaks due to corrosion, joints, and fittings can become loose, and the stress of expansion and contraction can lead to tiny fractures. 

Sure, each leak can be fixed as it arises, but shelling out for leak repair every month or so can get expensive very quickly. If something is affecting the entire water supply network, it’s best to address it all at once. After all, water leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water yearly (which drives up utility costs) and cause highly destructive water damage or mold growth. 

Homeowners may not even notice some leaks until mold starts sprouting up inside the walls, the foundation cracks, or a ceiling caves in from water damage. So if leaks are becoming a problem, or if homeowners notice signs of a hidden water leak (low water pressure, the sound of running water when no fixtures are on, visible water damage) they should immediately call a pro for leak detection.

Corroded Piping

The water pipes in most modern homes are made from copper. Although it’s a resilient and long-lasting material, copper can erode over time, especially in humid areas or regions with hard water. Signs of water pipe corrosion include:

• Discolored water
• The water smells or tastes strange
• Low water pressure
• Discoloration or mineral scale on fixtures
• Unusually noisy pipes (caused by pitting and deterioration of the pipe wall)

Water line corrosion can lead to pinhole leaks or even burst pipes as the corrosion eats through the pipe walls. However, it can also cause pipe clogs as rust breaks off and builds up around valves and fixtures. In areas with hard water (and no water softener), mineral scale buildup can clog pipes and contribute to corrosion. If these issues take hold, repairing the damage can become impossible, and repiping will likely be necessary.

Key Benefits of Repiping the Home

Naturally, it’s best to repipe the home before corrosion or leaks get out of hand and cause clogs or water damage. Homeowners can avoid these issues by getting professional plumbing maintenance and inspections every year or two – or simply by keeping a close watch for any of the warning signs listed above.

Some may repipe the home due to excessive leaks or corrosion-related plumbing issues, while others may take a more proactive approach and replace the water pipes before these issues become serious. In either case, repiping can help save money on leaks (and leak repairs), prevent water damage, improve water pressure (new, undamaged pipes will have a wider diameter and no rust to clog them), and protect the home’s fixtures from corrosion.

Of course, whole-home repiping is a big and intensive job, so homeowners should always hire qualified repiping specialists to ensure the job gets done right the first time!

About The Bosworth Company Kerrville

The Bosworth Company Kerrville has proudly served Kerrville and the Texas Hill Country since 1949. Their friendly, punctual technicians are all certified, background-checked, and drug-tested for every customer’s safety and peace of mind. As a family-owned business with an A+ BBB rating, they offer 24/7 live response and back all of their work with a complete satisfaction guarantee – so homeowners know they’re in great hands when they call The Bosworth Company Kerrville for water line repiping in Kerrville, TX!

• 
  +