When you purchase a home, you hope that it is going to do well and last for a long time. You may know ahead of time that there are some major issues that you will need to fix, or you may be surprised when you move in. Homeownership is amazing, but there are sometimes when it can get expensive. And one area where you need to be watchful about it is with the plumbing and your pipes in the home.
Nothing is meant to last forever. We know this and are aware of it, but we also don’t like the sounds of that when it comes to something as messy as the pipes inside of our homes. If you start to get a lot of leaks or have some older plumbing that you are going to need to worry about, then the cost of replacing it all can seem overwhelming for a lot of people.
The first thing to consider is whether a plumbing disaster is something that is a concern in the distant future or if it is imminent and you need to get on the phone with a plumber right now. replacing old pipes in a home of about 1500 square feet will cost between $4000 to $10,000 and will require that the plumber is able to open walls and get through some of the floors of your home. This can be a big expense that can also create a big mess in your home if you are not careful. Most homeowners would agree that it is easier to take care of the pipes rather than redo the whole thing.
How Long Do Pipes Last?
The big question to consider is how long the pipes are going to last. The type of pipe and plumbing that you have in your home will help give you a better idea of how long this can last for you. Of course, letting clogs build up and not handling repairs in a timely manner can make the pipes wear out faster than before.
If you are not certain what type of plumbing is in your home, then you can go to the home inspection report that you were given when you moved into the home. This should list the type of plumbing that is there. If you can’t find that home inspection report because it got lost in the move or it has been a long time, then ask a trusted plumber to come into the home and do an inspection for you.
When it comes to your supply pipes, which are going to be under a constant amount of pressure and are going to cause the most water damage if they do break, some of the lifespans to consider include:# Brass: This one can last between 80 to 100 years if taken care of.
# Copper: if you have this material for your plumbing, it will typically last for 70 to 80 years.
# Galvanized steel: This material is going to have a longer lifespan as well, usually somewhere between 80 to 100 years.
You then have to take a look at the materials that are found in the drain lines. These do not take as much pressure, so they can last longer. They also use different materials as well, so you will have to consider what is found in your home. Some lifespans to consider for the drain lines in your home include:
# Cast iron: if your drain pipes have cast iron in them, then they will last between 80 to 100 years.
# PVC: Some homes are starting to use PVC to help out with some of the plumbing because it is a flexible and more affordable option compared to some of the others. This material will typically last 25 to 40 years depending on the home.
Watching for Signs of Trouble
Of course, it is possible that you could have pipes that are getting close to the end of their lifespan and not have to look at replacing them because you took good care of them while living in the home. You can also look for some signs of trouble to help give you an idea of it is time to do something with the piping or if there is likely to be some plumbing problems soon.
If you live in a home that is more than 60 years old, it is time to start doing an annual check on any of your exposed pipes in the utility rooms, crawlspaces, and basements to see if it looks like pipes are having trouble. Some of the signs you will wat to look for here includes:
# Discoloration
# Stains
# Flaking and pimples
# Dimpling
These are all signs that some corrosion is going on with the pipes. If you see something that does concern you, then call in a plumber to do a better inspection and to help you figure out what the next steps should be.
Of course, you will want to look for some leaking around the pipes as well. Even smaller ones that are easily repaired, if they start happening more often, can indicate that it is time to look at a whole-house replacement. Usually this is a problem that will need to go on for a while, but bringing in a plumber will help you figure out what to do next.
When it comes to the safety and security of your home, you want to make sure that you work with the right professionals who will take care of you and make sure that you are getting the work done right the first time. Whether you have a plumbing problem that is giving you a headache or causing a mess or you have something wrong with your air conditioner and heater, our team at 1st Choice Plumbing, Heating & Air Solutions is here to help every step of the way. We have the right team to come in and help you with some of the common problems that you are having along the way with your home, making it safer and more comfortable to live in as well. Contact a member of our team today to learn more.
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