6 Revealing Signs of Timeworn Pipes

1. Dirty or Rusty Water Flowing From Tap

You'll often find galvanised iron pipes in homes built in the 1970s or before. These pipes may have rusted over time and can cause dirty or muddy water to flow from several taps inside and outside your home. Rusting pipes indicate corrosion, which you may not be able to detect on your own. A professional plumber will help to identify the pipe issue and help you avoid major repair costs through timely intervention so you can go back to consuming clean water.

2. Reduced Water Pressure Compared to Before

When you take a shower or wash the dishes, you want sufficient water pressure for a comfortable experience. But corroded or timeworn pipes usually have a build-up of gunk inside, which means that water cannot flow through these pipes as easily as cleaner, newer versions. If you notice a sudden water pressure drop, another issue is likely the cause. But a gradual drop in water pressure indicates your pipes are wearing out and need replacement.

3. Clogs Get More Frequent in Your Kitchen and Bathroom

No matter how often you plunge your drainpipes or take care to avoid putting food particles or even hair down the drain, you always seem to be dealing with a clog. These clogs occur even when you run your taps for a short while and happen much more often than before. Minerals and dirt will ultimately build up inside pipe walls and will cause corrosion.

4. Drain Clogs Don't Clear as Easily as Before

Older pipes don't clear out clogs as easily as newer pipes, which means that you may struggle even after plunging several times or pouring down heaps of drain cleaners. This occurs because gunk inside the pipe is deep-rooted or the corrosion is severe enough to cause blockages. If you've tried professional drain cleaning and the clogs still don't clear as easily, old pipes are most likely the cause and need replacement.

5. Walls and Floors Appear Damp or Wet

Your property's pipes are usually always used. Someone flushes the toilet, washes the dishes or takes a shower. This means that water constantly flows through them. This flow puts pressure on the inside walls of the pipe over time, which starts to wear out the material. Older pipes may corrode faster and are susceptible to cracks, which may cause your walls and floors to appear damp. Rectify this quickly to prevent major damage to your property.

6. Pipes Start to Leak More Often Than Usual

The minute you notice your pipes starting to spring more leaks than usual, you may need to look at the overall system. Timeworn pipes leak more often and will push up your water costs significantly because of the amount of water you'll end up losing. A leaking pipe can cause you to lose several litres of water every day, pushing up your bills without your knowledge. Quick detection will help to prevent a large repair bill later.

You probably don't even want to think about your pipes until something drastic happens. But a plumbing emergency can be far more expensive than preventive maintenance in the first place. S.P.K. Plumbing & Civil are local plumbing specialists who can help you identify and fix issues related to timeworn pipes in your home. Give us a call for help with your old pipes.