7 questions homeowners should ask about their abode’s water pipes

Families rely on pipes to bring safe water into their homes for cleaning, laundry and drinking every day. Unfortunately, homeowners cannot usually tell something is wrong with their pipes until they leak, creating water damage that can cost thousands of dollars to repair.

The good news is, there are signs that indicate it is time to repipe a home. When repiping is done right, that one project can save thousands of dollars and lots of future headaches by preventing leaks, water damage and unsafe drinking water.

Here are some questions to ask when it comes to assessing a home’s plumbing system.

1 Is the home more than 50 years old? If the original pipes have not been replaced, repiping is a good idea — before large-scale water damage occurs. Older homes typically used galvanized pipes that are prone to corrosion, leaking and bursting.

If the house was built even earlier — around the 1920s — the pipes could be made of polybutylene and/or lead. These materials are dangerous and should be replaced immediately. Polybutylene is highly prone to breaking and leaking, so it is only a matter of time before a serious problem occurs. And lead seeps into drinking water, which can cause serious health problems for your family.

2 Do the faucets have low water pressure? When pipes contain rust or mineral buildup, it eventually restricts water flow into the house. When the water pressure is affected, it is the result of years of buildup — a clear sign that repiping is needed.

3 Have there been leaks? Bigger problems start small. Those who have welded or patched leaks in small sections of pipe should know that small leaks can indicate that the entire system is at risk.

4 Is there a visible problem? Stains, flaking, indentations or rust on the pipes signals corrosion. Corroding pipes may leak and should be replaced. Rusty pipes can also turn water reddish or brown, indicating the need to repipe the home to make the water healthy to drink.

5 Does the water taste or smell bad? An unappealing smell or taste may also mean the water is unsafe because of a breakdown of the home’s pipes. It is best to have them inspected immediately, and the family should drink bottled water in the meantime.

6 Are the pipes making odd noises? If plumbing rattles, clanks or bangs, this is a sign of a larger problem. Homeowners who hear such noises should have their pipes checked right away.

7 Does the water run hot and cold? If the water in the shower quickly switches from icy cold to burning hot, corroded materials may have broken off inside the pipes and jammed the anti-scald device or valve regulating the water temperature.

If any of these signs sound familiar, take action and get help. Each house is different, requiring a unique repiping solution. Plumbing experts are exclusively trained on the multiple installation configurations and considerations that can arise in your home.

Such experts do a thorough site analysis first, checking the home for signs of leaks, such as moisture, mildew, foundation cracks and a running water meter. They also conduct a water-usage review. Their inspection and recommendations allow homeowners to be proactive and prevent problems before they occur.

Once the problem is identified, it is vital to replace pipes with a more durable material. An innovative solution to repiping homes is using a flexible polymer piping material that resists corrosion, pitting and scale buildup, while also offering greater resiliency in freezing conditions. Flexible crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pipe, such as Uponor AquaPEX, lasts longer than traditional materials and makes repiping less invasive. The pipe can bend around corners and fit into tight spaces without plumbers having to cut large holes in drywall.

PEX pipe also offers a high industry rating for drinking-water safety; faster, safer and easier installation than other materials; fewer fittings and better system performance; resistance to corrosion, pitting and scale buildup; sustainable production methods; and minimized damage from frozen water.

Homeowners need not wait until major problems occur to repipe their homes. Repiping a house in a timely manner can prevent unsafe drinking water and expensive repairs to water-damaged areas.