One of the biggest mistakes that people make when renovating is forgetting to take a good look at the “bone structure” of their house. The foundation, the insulation, the air ducts and, most of all, the plumbing pipes, often don’t receive the attention they should until it’s too late and damage already starts showing. Your pipes, for example, are well-hidden in the walls of your home, so if something happens to them, you might not notice right away. But before contacting a plumber, take a look at the tips below to see if your pipes need replacement. 

Check the expiration date

While pipes don’t necessarily come with an expiration date stamped on, you can easily approximate their life expectancy based on the material. The period when your house was built plays an important role in figuring out the type of materials used for the pipes. For example, before the 60s, pipes were made out of galvanized steel pipes, which protected the steel from corrosion for a certain period of time. The most common materials are:

• Galvanized steel: 20-50 years
• Brass: 40-45 years
• Copper: 50 years
• Cast iron: 75-100 years
• PVC: If installed and used correctly, they can last endlessly

Look for signs of corrosion

Metal corrodes and, unfortunately, there is not much you can do about it once rust finds its way inside your pipes. Once they start corroding, it is only a matter of time until your pipes are going to wear away and leave you with some damaging leaks.

When pipes start to corrode, they do give away some signs that, if you pay attention to, can help you avoid a big issue. Pay attention to rust flakes that can show up in your water, which are a significant warning that your pipes need replacement. If the water changes color to a brownish or reddish hue, it can also mean that your pipes need investigation. 

Check for leaks

Sometimes leakage can happen inside the walls and, depending on the size of the crack, you might not be able to notice it until your walls are already damaged. Even the smallest of leaks, although not visible, can damage your house. Leaks provide humid environments inside the walls or under the floors, where mold can develop and seriously deteriorate the structure of the house. 

If you start seeing a decrease in water pressure, it might be sign of a leak, so start investigating. At the same time, if you see stains or discoloration on your walls, it may mean that a leak is present. 

Watch the water pressure

Low water pressure can be another sign that your pipes need to be cleaned or replaced. Most of the time, if the water is running slow, it means that, somewhere down the pipes, there is a buildup that does not allow water to pass through. Clogged pipes can usually be cleaned with the help of a plumber, but sometimes it may not be enough and you may need to replace them for the sake of your house’s safety.