Older pipes rarely fail all at once. Instead, they tend to leak here and there, clog more often, and cause frustrating problems that seem to never fully go away. If you own a home in Kansas City, you may reach a point where repeated repairs start costing more than they’re worth, especially if many repairs start piling up in a short period of time. At that stage, replacing aging pipes can be a smarter long-term investment than throwing significant amounts of money at patching the same issues repeatedly. A professional plumbing inspection can help you determine whether pipe repair is still a practical way to go about things or if replacement is the better option.
Pipes Constantly Leaking
A typical home often goes years without a major water leak. You may have an occasional small leak, but it’s usually nothing to worry about. After the repair, several years may pass without another leak. But repeated water leaks are a warning sign of a larger problem. Older pipes weaken over time and may fail in multiple areas. You repair one leak, and then another springs up a few days or months later.
Even if the actual leak isn’t visible, you may see signs. Puddles on your basement floor may mean there’s a leak nearby. Wall stains and dark marks on the ceiling often mean a leak is hiding. Pipes last a long time, but they don’t last forever. Aging materials may crack at joints and along pipe walls. Replacement solves the entire problem of dealing with old and unreliable pipes.
Galvanized Steel Pipes
Builders drastically reduced galvanized pipe use after the 1960s. Some continued using galvanized pipes into the 1980s, but copper and plastic became the standard. Galvanized steel pipes fell out of favor over the years due to internal corrosion, reduced water pressure, and water-quality concerns as the pipes aged.
Kansas City homes built before the 1980s may still have galvanized pipes. Replacing old pipes with ones made of PEX, copper, or PVC is worth considering. Corrosion weakens galvanized pipes from the inside out. The thin pipe walls may crack even under normal pressure. Modern pipes are healthier and more efficient than old galvanized pipes.
Constant Low Water Pressure
Constant low water pressure takes the joy out of some daily routines. Showers feel weak and unsatisfying, and it takes forever to fill a bathtub. Low water pressure also contributes to mineral buildup. It doesn’t cause buildup, but it worsens the problem because minerals settle inside pipes. That buildup narrows the pipes, which further reduces pressure.
Corrosion is also a cause of low water pressure. When rust forms inside a pipe, it creates a flaky buildup along the pipe walls. The buildup makes it harder for water to pass, which lowers your water pressure. Repairs don’t remove heavy buildup from inside a pipe. New pipes are clean and restore normal water pressure.
Colorful Faucet Water
Faucet water shouldn’t look like a rainbow. Heavy pipe corrosion turns water brown, red, or orange. The water may also appear green, blue, or yellow. If the water is black or dark gray, that may indicate severe corrosion. Short-term discoloration from a hydrant flush or main break is usually nothing to worry about. But long-term discoloration that never goes away is cause for concern.
Drinking water from corroded pipes may expose you to lead. This is especially harmful to children, as it might cause learning issues and developmental delays. If there’s a high level of copper in the water, you may feel nauseous or have stomach cramps. Black or dark gray water isn’t safe to drink under any circumstances.
Bad Taste or Smell
Sediment and rust reduce water quality. It may cause water to taste metallic or some other odd taste. The smell might remind you of rotten eggs, sewage, or bleach. No one wants to drink or cook with this water. Many homeowners switch to bottled water, but that carries long-term costs. Replacing old pipes is the safest way to remove contamination sources.
Pipe Replacement vs. Repair
The choice between replacement or repair depends on the condition of your pipes. Your home’s plumbing pipe lifespan can range from 50 to 100 years, depending on the material used. For example, PEX piping typically lasts longer than polybutylene piping.
Set Your Home Plumbing Up for Success Today
Reddi Services provides Kansas City residents with professional plumbing services. We help homeowners compare the benefits of pipe replacement over repair. We will replace or repair your pipes depending on what’s best for your home. Sump pump, drain cleaning, slab leak detection, and septic tank services are also available. Call Reddi Services now to schedule an appointment.
