Guide to Plumbing System Replacement

Know If Your Plumbing System Needs Replacement

Plumbing systems have a typical lifespan of 15 years. If you have a unit that is over two decades old, your first consideration should be whether or not it should be replaced. The life cycle of plumbing varies depending on the type of unit and the environment in which it is installed. However, there are several signs to look for when determining if your system needs replacing:

Leaks

Leaking from the base of a tankless water heater can indicate that sediment build-up has progressed as far as clogging up the vents that allow gases to escape from within the tank. In this case, there’s no way around it – you need to replace the tankless system before continuing to use it.

Rust

If you notice rust on your plumbing fixtures (faucets), this indicates that the metal components are corroding due to constant exposure to moisture. If this is the case, your best bet is to invest in faucets with all-metal bodies.

Strange Noises

A toilet that gurgles may be caused by a displaced rubber flapper inside of the tank. If this is so, try adjusting the rubber flapper so that it’s centered and then test to see if the noise has abated.

 

Picking A New Plumbing System For Your Home

Having your home plumbed is a serious business and should be taken seriously.  This article will give you some important guidelines to keep in mind when selecting the best system for your new home.  The most important thing to remember is that if you employ an expert, they can help you make the right choices.

There are several different options available today, including traditional metal pipe fittings and fixtures. The more popular types of pipes used in homes today include PEX tubing and copper piping, which tend to cost a little more but have their own benefits over the former options. Make sure that if you’re going with this type of plumbing system that it’s code-compliant where you live before final your decision.

Finally, a tankless water heater is a popular choice as well and maybe just the thing you need to conserve water- if that’s important to you. If you have a large family or use a lot of hot water at home, it may be something to consider as well as they can save on energy costs.

Should You Repair Your Plumbing System?

You’re in the market for a new bathroom when you find an amazing deal on one that looks exactly like what you want.

Before jumping to sign the contract, however, inspect your current plumbing to see if it’s in bad shape before having it replaced. While there are times when replacement is necessary, the repair is often the better option when choosing bathroom remodeling options.

Repairing vs Replacing Your Plumbing System

Although homeowners usually look at bathroom remodeling as an opportunity to build something new or different, repairing your existing system can work just as well for many people. Here are some reasons why:

  • Repair costs less than replacement; especially if the parts aren’t difficult to find and install.
  • It’s a less disruptive process, as the existing bathroom floor won’t have to be torn up or other parts of the house damaged by construction.
  • You might not have to plan extensively for how to use your new bathroom space since many designs are simple enough for current appliances and plumbing fixtures to fit in.