5 Signs It's Time to Upgrade Plumbing In Your Home | DIY Home Comfort

You have probably seen this scenario play out during a home renovation show.

During another job, someone discovers that the pipes need replacing. Suddenly, they have to do a big plumbing job on top of everything else.

Here is how you can check to see if your plumbing needs an update.

With older properties, there is the risk that they still have lead pipes. Recently, lead pipes have been illegal due to the potential risk to drinking water.

However, some homes may still have these (and you may not be aware of them) and need to be replaced.

You can check this by scraping a pipe with a screwdriver. If it turns shiny, then it is very likely that you will need to replace the current house's lead pipes with plastic or copper.

If you have brown or dark water (and you don't have a well or live in a rural area), this could indicate that you have corrosion in your pipes.

This should be addressed as soon as possible, as corrosion could result in mineral deposits clogging the pipes.

This, in turn, creates more pressure on the pipes, finally resulting in burst pipes and a lot of expensive damage.

As well as replacing older materials, pipe materials tend to have a limited lifespan.

For example, PVC pipes will last between 24 to 45 years, while metals such as brass and galvanized steel can last up to 100 years.

If unsure, it is worth getting a professional to inspect your home to see if your pipes need to be replaced. This is better than the pipes becoming damaged or bursting and flooding your basement.

Low pressure when you use your shower or sink can result from clogs or leaks.

Before calling a professional, it may be a case of removing any obstructions (such as hair or trapped food) or using a drain cleaning product.

If this doesn't work, a professional may be needed to ascertain the exact issue and address it as necessary.

If your home is over 60 years old, it will likely have exposed pipes.

This can be useful as any exposed pipes can clearly show indications of discoloration, flaking, or any other indication of issues with your home's plumbing.

Another potential symptom of issues with your plumbing is pools of water around pipes or pipes that have accumulated water.

This can be an indication that the pipes haven't been properly sealed.

Sometimes, it may simply mean the pipes need to be tightened. In more extreme cases, signs of leakage may mean the pipes must be upgraded.

If you live in an older house or have recently moved into an older property, you should get the plumbing inspected as soon as possible.

Addressing this issue can prevent health issues caused by condensation, mold, and mildew, so it is worth making a little extra investment to get your plumbing in its best condition.

Scott Harding

Scott is the main author of DIY Home Comfort. He's also an experienced HVAC technician that enjoys home renovation and spending time with his family. You can find out more about him here.