Saturday 11 April 2015

When to Upgrade Your Plumbing

In 2011, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development American Housing Survey, the median age of homes in the United States was 35 years. Homes in the northeast are the oldest, with a median age of 51-60 years. Over time, all of the systems of your home will begin to age. No one likes to think about having to replace your plumbing, but you should know the signs of older plumbing so that you can make upgrades before the whole system fails and you are left without water.

Look for these signs of older pipes:
  • Low water pressure which is caused by mineral buildup
  • Sediment in the bathtub or shower after running water
  • Sagging or leaking pipes
  • Corroded or dimpled pipes
  • Rust, brown, or yellow colored water

Shut-off Valves

Valves that were used 20 to 30 years ago are now vintage. Make sure your shut-off valves are quarter-turn ball valves not gate valves. It’s more efficient to turn off the water to your entire home with a quarter-turn ball valve. Replacing these valves is much less expensive that cleaning up a water mess in your basement.

The best way to stay on top of your plumbing is to do preventative maintenance. Make a budget to replace older fixtures one at a time, before they fall apart. When you do a bathroom or kitchen remodel, have a plumber determine if your pipes are ready for replacement. You don’t want to open your walls again in a few years to replace the pipes. To learn more about plumbing in San Marcos, please visit this website.

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