Home Improvement

Repair Or Replace: Which Is Better For Old Plumbing?

If you’re living in an old home, it’s more likely your plumbing system requires a tender touch. With time, the plumbing system experiences damage due to constant element exposure. As a result, the plumbing might corrode, break, or rust. Fortunately, damaged pipes don’t go unnoticed. You’ll likely see leakage or water discoloration if a pipe is damaged. 

After determining your plumbing system is experiencing issues, the big question arises. Should you repair or replace the system? While this question might be tricky to answer, there are things you should consider before making a decision.

For example, it might help if you consider the state, material, and age of your plumbing system. A reputable plumber from leading companies such as Dan’s Plumbing can also help you determine whether to repair or replace your plumbing. You can also check out their Insta page to understand other services you can expect from them. Continue reading to learn the best ways to determine whether to change or replace your old plumbing.

Understand Your Pipes

Understanding your pipes is the first step toward determining whether or not to repair or replace them. Each pipe material has a lifespan, which helps a homeowner understand how long it’s supposed to last. Suppose you’re torn between replacing and repairing your plumbing. In that case, it’s advisable to refer to the plumbing lifespan to make a better decision.

For starters, you can review your home’s plumbing report to know how long it should last and which materials the pipes are made of. You can also ask a reputable plumber to perform a plumbing inspection to be sure.

Supply pipes are either made of brass, galvanized steel, or copper since they’re always under constant pressure and are prone to damage. If your supply pipes are made of brass, they should last for 80 to 100 years, after which you should replace them. The typical lifespan of galvanized steel is between 80 and 100 years. As for copper water supply pipes, they should last anywhere between 70 to 80 years.

After the plumbing inspection, your plumber will inform you which material your supply pipes are made of. They’ll also disclose if the lines have hit their lifespan and condition. If the pipes are still in good condition even after their lifespan, there might be no good reason to replace them. Generally, well-maintained pipes can last longer. Nevertheless, if the pipes seem problematic, the only effective solution might be replacing them.

On the other hand, drain lines are commonly made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or cast iron. PVC lifespan is 25 to 40 years, while cast iron can last from 80 to 100 years.

Get Rid Of Polybutylene And Lead Pipes

Homes built in 1990 and beyond are likely to have lead pipes. These pipes should be replaced since they’re a health hazard. While lead pipes can last up to 100 years, they can contaminate water with lead elements, putting you and your family’s health at risk. On the other hand, polybutylene pipes, which have a lifespan of 20 years, are prone to breakage. As a result, they can cause severe water damage and should be replaced before that.

Other Considerations When Determining Whether To Repair Or Replace Old Plumbing

Besides lifespan and the material, there are other things to consider when determining whether or not to replace or repair old plumbing. As earlier stated, well-maintained old plumbing can reach its intended lifespan. On the other hand, newly-installed plumbing can fail if it isn’t well-maintained. For this reason, it’s important to consider the following when making a decision:

How Severe Is The Leakage?

The first sign of plumbing failure is leakage. However, not all leakages call for pipe replacement. For example, if it’s just a minor leak and can be corrected by a professional plumber, there might be no reason to replace the entire pipe. Instead, hire a reputable plumber to perform necessary repairs.

However, if the pipes are broken, leading to severe water leakage, replacing them is advisable to prevent the problem from reoccurring and dealing with costly water damage.

How Often Do You Repair The Plumbing?

Hiring a plumber to fix a leakage is one thing, and calling them now and then is another. It’s, therefore, vital to consider how often you hire a plumber to do repairs. Suppose you call a plumber several times a month. It means there’s an issue with your plumbing that might need extra attention besides typical maintenance. Instead of paying a plumber for regular repairs, consider replacing your plumbing. While replacing a plumbing system might be costly, it’ll be cost-effective in the long run, considering the amount you spend on frequent repairs.

How Long Will The Plumbing Last?

How long will your plumbing last after the repair? Is it months or a year? If the plumbing is already old and has almost reached its intended lifespan, then it’s best to opt for a replacement instead.

Conclusion

Deciding whether or not to change or replace your plumbing depends on several factors. For example, if a plumbing system is in bad condition, it requires replacement whether or not it’s old. However, if it performs well and was well-maintained over the years, it might not require replacement even if it’s old. Therefore, your decision should be based on the state of the plumbing system and how it functions.

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