A sudden pipe failure in your home can lead to nightmare scenarios like severe flooding and costly structural damage. The good news is you can avoid those awful extremes by knowing when it’s time to repair or replace your pipes, which isn’t always clear-cut. Let’s look at some common pipe problems so you can figure out the best approach for your home. If you need expert advice, don’t hesitate to give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing a call. We’re always here to help.
Common pipe problems
Many pipe problems can be repaired — up to a certain point. Here’s an overview of what you should know.
- Leaks: If you see signs of water damage in your home, such as damp walls, mysterious puddles, and mold, there’s likely a leak somewhere. You might also hear dripping or rushing water sounds when your faucets are turned off. A plumber can pinpoint the source of hidden leaks with tools like moisture meters and pressure tests. In minor cases, the leaks can be repaired by tightening joints or applying pipe sealant. But if the damage is more extensive, you may need to replace a section of the pipe.
- Clogs: Signs of clogs include slow drainage, gurgling sounds in the pipes, and water backup. In cases where the source of the clog isn’t obvious, plumbers can use video inspection cameras to pinpoint the problem. Repair methods include clearing the clog with a drain snake, hydro-jetting, or chemical drain cleaners. Severe clogs might require replacing sections of pipe.
- Corrosion: Do you see rust on your home’s pipes or rust-colored water coming from your taps? Perhaps you’ve noticed your water tastes metallic. These are all signs of corrosion. While a visual inspection is often enough to spot the issue, pressure tests can confirm if the pipes are still strong. Minor corrosion can be patched, but if it’s severe, replacing the pipes is usually the best option.
- Low water pressure: Have you been noticing weak or inconsistent water flow? This could be caused by clogs, mineral buildup, or hidden leaks. It may be possible to repair the problem pipes by cleaning out the blockages, but when there is a severe buildup of mineral deposits, the best solution is usually to replace those pipes.
- Burst pipes: If a pipe bursts, you’ll know it fast — water damage will be immediate, and you might hear a loud bang followed by a sudden drop in water pressure. Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for this. The damaged pipe will need to be replaced as soon as possible.
- Outdated, unsafe pipe materials: Pipes made from hazardous materials like lead should be replaced immediately due to the health risks they pose. Lead pipes are often present in homes built prior to 1986. They have a dull gray appearance and are easily scratched with a key or coin. Polybutylene pipes are commonly found in homes built between 1978 and 1996. These pipes are prone to degradation and catastrophic failure due to chlorine exposure and should be replaced with pipes made from more durable materials before it’s too late. If you’re unsure about the materials in your home’s pipes, give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing a call for more information and a professional assessment.
The 50% rule
Are you still unsure whether to repair or replace your home’s pipes? Here’s a helpful guideline: If the cost of repairing the pipes is more than 50% of the cost of replacing them, it’s typically better to go for a full replacement. That rule especially applies when your pipes are near the end of their lifespan. Pipes made from brass, galvanized steel, and cast iron can last for as long as 100 years, and copper pipes have a lifespan of 80 years. PVC pipes provide between 25 to 40 years of use before needing replacement. So, if your pipes are approaching these age milestones, it might be time to start planning for a replacement.
The bottom line
When it comes to your home’s pipes, some issues can be fixed with simple repairs, whereas others call for full replacement. If your pipes are made from outdated or hazardous materials like lead or polybutylene, replacement is a must to protect both your health and your home. Pipes that are severely corroded, cracked, or leaking beyond repair — or those that have simply reached the end of their lifespan — should also be replaced. Do you need a second opinion or professional advice? Reach out to the experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. We’re here to help you keep your plumbing in top shape.