Pipes can last for a long time, depending on their composition. For instance, brass can work for up to 40 years while copper can serve you for more than 70 years. It’s a long time, but nothing really lasts forever. You will have to replace your bathroom piping at least once in your life. Just the constant use of water for baths, showers, and toilet flushes can eventually wear down the pipes. The age of your pipes, therefore, becomes a concern. But, most often the gunk from beauty products, soaps, lotions, and pastes impedes your bathroom drainage. If gunk doesn’t block the pipes, some of the chemical-laden solutions can gnaw away at them.
The reasons for re-plumbing your bathroom piping can vary. Regardless, it is first important to learn and notice the signs that portend pipe replacement.
Glaring Water Problems
Leaks and drips shouldn’t be ignored. These are obvious signs that your pipes suffer some problems. For instance, water dribbling out around the sink tap or other fixtures means the hardware lacks proper sealing. The same goes for water pooling around the tub when in use.
Slow-draining water also spells trouble. It means that the drain is being blocked. You can use a plunger to deal with it, but if the clog persists even after you and your plumber. in Saskatoon have tried other options, pipe replacement might be the answer.
Low Water Volume
Water should be coming out “full blast” from your shower. Otherwise, corrosion might be damaging the pipes. This is common in galvanized steel pipes when they start to corrode and degrade. Their decreased diameter lowers the water volume. Aside from the shower, your sink, tub, and toilet can suffer the same syndrome. Again, a pipe replacement may be the only solution.
Poor Water Quality
The smell of your water can say a lot about the condition of the pipes. A foul scent can mean that the water heater is collecting “sacrificial anodes,” which pertain to the steel cores wrapped in zinc, aluminum, or magnesium. These anodes attract bacterial and corrosive elements. Though these elements don’t enter the pipes, the anodes can wear out over time, resulting in rusty, smelly water.
The bathroom is one of the most crucial parts of your home. It meets your basic needs while serving as a relaxing, refreshing place for you and your family. If the plumbing in the bathroom fails, it can significantly affect your living condition. Once you spot any problems, don’t ignore them. Call your trusted plumber immediately.
Sources:
5 Signs You Need New Bathroom Plumbing, Angieslist.com
Types of Plumbing Pipes and Their Lifespans, Houselogic.com