Nothing lasts forever, least of all the plumbing in your Las Vegas, NV, home. The plumbing system can last for decades with regular maintenance and tune-ups. But there comes a time when the best way to avoid all manner of problems like leaks and pipe bursts is a complete overhaul of the plumbing system.
Knowing when to replace your plumbing. Luckily that’s what Craig’s Plumbing is here for – to help you recognize when you need new plumbing and what to do when you’ve decided it’s time. Contacting us is as easy as performing a “plumber near me in” Las Vegas” Google search.
Know Your Pipes
Different types of plumbing pipes have different lifespans. Here is a quick rundown on the most common varieties.
- Copper pipes are corrosion-resistant and can last for 80 years. However, they are more fragile than most of their counterparts.
- Brass pipes and cast iron pipes last for 80-100 years but often succumb to corrosion and rust.
- PVC pipes last for 20-40 years and are highly resistant to heat and chemical degradation.
The home inspection report you got when purchasing your Las Vegas, NV home can tell what kind of plumbing pipes you have. Alternatively, perform a Google search to find a trusted technician who can inspect your plumbing system.
Remove Polybutylene and Lead Pipes
Regardless of how old your supply lines are, immediate replacement should be a priority if they are made of lead or polybutylene. Lead pipes have a life expectancy of 100 years and were popular in the early 1900s. However, they pose a serious health hazard because they leach lead into the drinking water.
Polybutylene pipes were standard from the 1970s through the 1990s. Unfortunately, they are extremely susceptible to breakage. A quick “plumber near me in Vegas” Google search can help you locate an experienced professional who can replace the supply pipes.
Watch Out for Signs of Trouble
A manual checkup to inspect exposed pipes in the utility rooms, crawlspaces and basement for any signs of damage is crucial, especially if your home is more than 60 years old. You can contact a professional by performing a “plumber near me in Nevada” Google search. Once in your home, a plumber can check for telltale signs of trouble such as tubing discolouration, flaking, and stains.
You must also contact a professional if you notice the following signs of plumbing problems.
Cracks
Cracks in plumbing pipes are easy to spot, especially since you can see water leaking out of them. Even if the cracked pipe is underneath the floor or behind a wall, it’s only a matter of time before the water seeps through and causes damage. You can contact Craig’s Plumbing by performing a quick “plumber near me in Nevada” Google search if you notice any wet spots in your home.
Discolored Water
You want the water coming from the faucets and showerheads to be clear. Yellowish or brown water that looks like it might have sediment floating around can signify a problem with the local water supply or corroded pipes. If the discoloration doesn’t clear up in a day or two, contact a professional by conducting a quick “plumber near me in neighborhood” Google search.
Low Water Pressure
It’s not always easy to pinpoint the reason for low water pressure in the shower or when using the sink. The culprit could be a clog or pin holes in the plumbing that are causing leaks and reducing water pressure. If it’s the latter, letting the problem fester can lead to foundation problems and water damage. Repairing the problems requires the attention of a trained professional, and you can contact one through a quick “plumber near me in Vegas” Google search.
Corrosion
If it feels like the plumbing is always clogging up, it might be due to putting the wrong things down the drain. It could also be because the plumbing pipes are rusting from the inside out. In particular, galvanized steel and brass pipes are susceptible to this problem. Once corrosion sets in, it’s only a matter of time before a complete overhaul is necessary. Contact a professional at Craig’s Plumbing by performing a quick “plumber near me in neighborhood” Google search.
Noisy Pipes
Noisy pipes are a telltale sign of compromised plumbing. The culprit could be damaged pipe joints or expanding pipes. The latter is common when hot water passes through copper pipes, causing them to rub against your home’s water systems noisily. Replacing the piping with PVC pipes can solve the issue. You can contact a trained plumber through a quick “plumber near me in Nevada” Google search.
Take Advantage of the Best Opportunities for Plumbing Replacement
Ultimately, you should rely on a trained plumber to advise you when it’s time to replace the plumbing. However, there are ways you can mitigate the cost and hassle that comes with this kind of project.
Replace What’s Exposed
If your home has features like plaster walls and wood paneling that make it difficult to access the plumbing, at least consider replacing what’s already exposed. Getting to pipes in the crawlspace, basement, and utility rooms is straightforward. The professional you hired through your “plumber near me in my neighborhood” Google search findings may also be able to get to most of the system depending on your home’s layout.
Replace When You Renovate
Whether you are renovating a single room or the entire house, a remodel is always an excellent opportunity to inspect and, if need be, replace the plumbing. You can have a trained plumber look at the kitchen, bathrooms, or basement plumbing. They can assess the pipes feeding upstairs bathrooms and recommend repairs or replacements.
Schedule Plumbing Pipe Replacement With Craig’s Plumbing
If leaks are wreaking havoc on your Las Vegas, NV, home, or you suspect that your plumbing is corroded on the inside, contact Craig’s Plumbing immediately. We analyze your plumbing system as a whole, determine what kind of condition it’s in, and recommend the best possible repair or replacement options.
