Many older homes have outdated
plumbing which can create a variety of issues that include poor water quality and the inability to run the dishwasher and shower at the same time. When doing a home remodel it is the perfect time to have it updated in order to support new rooms and features.
At Jay Young Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning we are experts at replacing and updating plumbing without disturbing the rest of the home. This is a unique skill that takes time and experience to develop. Many plumbers can install
plumbing when a home is being built but replacing it is another story. It is difficult to get into the plumbing without completely destroying the surrounding area or creating a larger mess. Fortunately, we are experts and are available to help.
There are several things we look for that indicates the plumbing should be replaced. This includes:
- Galvanized pipes. Homes that were built in the 1960s or prior will often have galvanized pipes unless they have already been replaced. They typically go bad and start to create issues with water pressure. One way to test this is to run the hot water and if the pressure is low it is a sign that the pipes have become plugged or corroded. There can be additional problems with galvanized pipes but this is the most common one. We recommend replacing all galvanized pipes, but we can start by replacing corroded sections if the entire job is out of the budget range.
- Two types of metals. If the plumbing inside of your house is part galvanized pipes and part copper pipes, the two metals touching can create problems. If a professional plumber did the job, they probably used dielectric coupling where the two metals meet. If the homeowner did the plumbing this is unlikely and the area is probably now corroded.
- Damaged sewer lines. A house that is on a sewer system is not completely maintained by the city. Homeowners are responsible for everything from the street to the house itself. Problems can arise in the sewer lines which can be difficult to identify. One way to do so is to turn off the water inside of the house. If the meter is still running, it is a sign of a leak somewhere in the system. This can increase your water bill and may create low-water pressure. A professional plumber can analyze the problem.
- Lead pipes. If your home was built in the early 1900s it might still have lead pipes. These are dangerous to the health of you and your family so the plumbing should be replaced immediately. If you are buying an older home make sure that identifying the piping material is part of the home inspection.
At Jay Young Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, we are the experts at replacing and installing
plumbing. We can inspect your home and provide a variety of solutions for making your plumbing run as smoothly as possible. Call us today to learn more.
