Nothing lasts forever, and that includes your home’s plumbing system. While you often can’t see the pipes that run around your home, over time, they will inevitably deteriorate and need replacing. Corrosion, rust, and decays are common with older plumbing systems, and unless you get it looked at, you could risk costly leaks and permanent damage to your home. Here are a few reasons to replace your plumbing and how to do it while making minimal disruption to the home.
Plumbing Pipes can corrode over time
It’s important that you know the age of your home, what type of piping you have, and whether your plumbing system has been replaced before. If your supply pipes are made of brass, these can last between 40 to 70 years. Galvanized steel pipes will last between 20-50 years, while Polyvinyl lines (PVC) will last indefinitely. If you live in an area where the water has high mineral content, this may cause your pipes to corrode sooner.
If your pipes are made from Polybutylene piping, a grey plastic piping material that was commonly used in plumbing between the 1970s and 1990s, it’s important that you get your system checked immediately as we are finding that these are very brittle and prone to breakage. If your pipes are made from lead, consider getting your water tested as lead can seep into your drinking water and can potentially be harmful to your health.
Older boilers are less efficient
If your boiler is over 8 years old, it may be worth looking into a replacement. Boiler life expectancy varies depending on the type of boiler that you have. Gas boilers can last between 10 and 15 years, electrical boilers can last between 8 and 10 years, while high-quality superior boilers can last up to 20 years. Your boilers lifespan also depends on how frequently you get it serviced. Generally, older boilers are less efficient, plus, corrosion can occur over time, which will reduce your boiler’s ability to perform. A more efficient boiler will mean lower heating bills, plus you’ll consume less energy, which is better for the environment.
If you’re wondering whether it’s time to replace your plumbing, get in touch with us today for advice from the experts.
