Out With The Old... And in With The New Piping System!
August 21st is World Senior Citizens Day when we celebrate the beauty in aging and wisdom... but that only applies to people. Our homes don’t age as gracefully, especially when it comes to plumbing.
While you may not think about it often, you depend on your plumbing for just about every aspect of your daily life. It isn't until something goes wrong that you realize the predicament you’re in. Let us explain why you should never allow your home pipe system to get too old.
Changes in Water Pressure
If your home is more than 30 years old, chances are the pipes have never been changed and are already out of code. If you notice that your water pressure has changed over time, or if you bought a new (old) home and believe the water pressure is simply not up to par, several things can be happening:
Sediment Buildup - The piping in older homes used to be made of galvanized steel and iron because it was believed to be durable. Turns out, they corrode over time and release rust and lead into the water. These particles tend to build up in other parts of the piping, restricting water flow.- Tree Root Intrusion - Sometimes tree roots will grow in and around your pipes, breaking them. But pipes have also been known to rupture due to settling homes or earthquakes.
- Pipe Leakage - If there’s a ruptured pipe somewhere, the water pressure will decrease. A large change in water pressure is cause for immediate action to be taken to repair or replace the busted pipe.
- Clogging - Food, hair, and paper waste are the most common things that clog pipes. Aim for disposing of said things in the trash rather than letting it all going down the drain.
How Plumbing Affects Your Health
Drinking, bathing, and using dirty water can negatively affect your health, especially with long-term exposure. As we mentioned before, old pipes can release lead, rust, and other pollutants into our consumable water due to corrosion.
A common and oftentimes fatal, occurrence with the ingestion of ‘dirty’ water is lead poisoning. Lead was banned in the 1980s from construction materials and even paint. It was found to cause digestive issues, migraines, reproductive trouble, and reduced brain functionality, particularly in growing children.
Contaminated water can cause all kinds of aversive effects to your overall well being, from nausea to cancer. It’s important to invest in a new water filtration system or newer pipes in order to limit the number of chemicals in your water.
Dealing With Constant Clogs
If you find that your home’s pipes clog constantly, Drano or similar unclogging chemicals might not be enough to solve your issues. In fact, pouring drain cleaners can sometimes worsen or destroy old pipes due to harsh chemicals that can eat through brittle, old metal.
These constant breakdowns can be a burden on the pocket, especially since they become more frequent as the years go by. Try to maintain your appliances by adding drain stoppers to prevent large waste from going through and creating a blockage, but over time it might not be enough.
A large clog can lead to a rupture, which can lead to a leak, and so on. Not fun stuff. Unlike fine wine, our pipes do not age for the better. As hot water and heavy pressure flow through your pipe system, it is constantly breaking down the material from which they are made. If you’re experiencing any of the following problems, give us a call today at (773) 840-7800 and we’ll send a plumber over that can determine the quality of your home’s pipe system, and if you are in need of repiping services ASAP.
