When Should You Replace Old Pipes?
We can help determine when your home’s plumbing needs an overhaul.
The North Fork and East End of Long Island contain a variety of residences. In a few square miles, you’ll find homes built in the last few years near homes that are 100 years old or more.
Burt’s Reliable has been serving the families of this region for over a century. In addition to heating oil delivery and HVAC service, we offer a range of plumbing services. That means we handle our share of cracked pipes, leaking fixtures and kitchen and bath installations. Sometimes, our licensed plumbers need to tackle a plumbing upgrade where they replace old pipes.
If you have an older home, you may occasionally see an exposed pipe that looks past its prime and wonder if it needs replacing. Let us provide some guidance on when old pipes need to retire.
Reasons to Replace an Old Pipe
As with a home appliance, the shingles on your roof or any other part of your home that you rely on, a pipe should be replaced if it’s causing regular trouble. This would include:
- Leaking pipes
- Pipes that are visibly deteriorating or damaged
- Pipes with mold
- Pipes that deliver discolored, weak or smelly water.
- Pipes that frequently become clogged
You should also consider the age of your plumbing when deciding if pipes require replacement.
The Lifespan of a Pipe in Your Home
Pipes can last anywhere from 30 years to a century. That’s a pretty big window, we know. Consider these guidelines:
- If your home was built in the last 20 years, you probably don’t need to worry about the condition of your pipes. Their material is likely safe and durable. That said, if you notice leaking from a relatively new copper pipe, it can be a pitting corrosion, which a professional plumber should address.
- In homes built between the 1970s and 1990s, you should check if you have lead and polybutylene pipes. Lead pipes pose safety hazards for young children, and polybutylene pipes can wear out rapidly. It is best to replace these pipes.
- If your home is older than 50 years, you might have galvanized steel, brass or iron pipes. These are typically quite durable, lasting many decades. However, galvanized steel pipes are sometimes lined with a material that can leech lead into your water. It would help if you had them looked at to make sure they are safe.
Burt’s Reliable is your year-round plumbing partner.
We’re entering the colder months in Suffolk County, and many families are leaving their summer homes. You don’t want to return to find a burst pipe or another plumbing emergency. The friendly experts at Burt’s can winterize your vacation home, ensuring you have sufficient fuel for the winter and safeguarding your plumbing — no matter how freezing it gets. We’ll treat your home with respect and care.
Connect with us today to discuss how we can help keep your home’s plumbing in top condition.