If your home is old and the pipes have never been replaced, it may be time to consider doing so. Pipes that are more than 50 years old should be replaced as soon as the first signs of leakage appear. If your plumber informs you that the house has lead or polybutylene pipes, it is essential to replace them immediately. These types of pipes are particularly prone to leaks and can cause serious health problems if water from them is consumed.
Even condensation on hot water pipes can be a sign of a potential problem. A simple repair may be enough to fix the issue, but more costly repairs could be necessary. Taking the time to check the line conditions now can save you money in the long run. If you find yourself in a cycle of doing one repair after another, you could end up spending a lot of money without actually solving the problem.
The age of the pipes is one of the strongest indicators for determining whether or not a home needs to be replumbed. If your home was built before 1970, it is wise to ask a plumber to investigate the pipes and see if they need to be replaced. It is likely that they have suffered numerous leaks and other problems, and replacing them throughout the entire house is probably the best solution for the future health of both the pipes and the house.
