Many functioning homes in city and suburbia alike were built many decades ago. These homes were often supplied with piping that has worn out its welcome through the rigors of time, poor material for the purpose it was meant to serve and so on. The likelihood that substantial plumbing repair has been conducted on these homes is very real. For those fortunate enough to not have had to deal with such headaches, it may just be a matter of time. All Ways Drains has been serving the greater Maplewood area for over 15 years, providing reliable service and efficient repair.
Common age-related plumbing pipe issues in older homes that call for frequent plumbing repair:
Outdated pipes—Using galvanized pipes as an example, turn on your hot water. If you experience low pressure, it is likely that you have corroded, with at least partially blocked galvanized pipes. Your options include replacing all galvanized piping or partial replacement. Being that the bulk of your piping lies behind walls, it is often difficult to determine the extent to which galvanized piping exists within your home, without an extensive plumbing repair.
Sewer line—what is considered “your plumbing” runs all the way from your house out to the street. Should your home be on a sewer line, it also runs house to street. Tree roots or simple weight of earth above it may have broken or crack the pipes outside of your home running to the street. Your water meter should have a gauge that illustrates flow. If you turn off all of the water in your home and this gauge still illustrates movement, you may have a leak.
Life expectancy of plumbing pipe types:
Water Supply piping:
- Copper – 60 to 80 years
- Galvanized Steel – 40 to 50 years
- CPVC and PVC – 40 to 50 years
- PEX – 40 years
Drain piping:
- Cast Iron – 50 to 65 years
- Galvanized Steel – 40 to 60 years
- Copper – 60 to 80 years
- PVC – 50 to 70 years
Plumbing fixtures:
- Water Heaters – 10 to 20 years
- Faucets – 15 to 25 years
- Sinks, Tubs, Toilets – 40 to 80 years
- Shut-off Valves – 20 years
Old pipes are a very common problem in homes across the country. This type of plumbing repair is costly and may well involve a large portion of your yard having to be dug up to have sewer or water piping replaced. Before you buy an older home, be sure to investigate the plumbing pipes.
Would you like more information on plumbing repair in Maplewood or any of the surrounding areas? Call All Ways Drains at 612-922-9422, or you can contact us and get a Free Estimate.