How do homeowners know when it is time to replace the pipes in their home? That is the question. 

Pipes are typically designed to last around a couple of decades, which is both a good thing and a bad thing. The great part is that once homeowners get their pipes replaced, they generally don’t have to worry about them for a while. The problem is that when people feel like they don’t have to worry about something, they may neglect to notice a potential problem that is developing before it is too late. 

Most laypeople don’t have the specialized knowledge to pinpoint potential issues like a trained specialist in plumbing services in Loveland, but knowing and understanding some of the common red flags will help homeowners know when it is time to enlist the services of a company that specializes in pipes and sewer line replacement in Loveland before it is too late. 

1. Cracking

When it comes to pinpointing the need for pipe and sewer line repair in Loveland, some warning signs are more obvious than others. Thankfully, visible cracks are generally not difficult to catch and are a clear red flag warning that it is time to call in a professional who can update that plumbing in Loveland as soon as possible. 

While the cracks themselves might be more or less visible, it is usually pretty easy to catch the moisture leakage that comes with them. Remember to be wary of areas where the pipe might be hidden from view under floorboards and walls. These are the types of areas that are more susceptible to more serious moisture damage since cracks can be harder to catch until the water leakage really starts showing up.

That said, keeping an eye on any visible attached pipe surfaces that were installed at the same time can help homeowners identify hidden signs of wear and tear before they cause any serious problems. 

2. Leakage

Keeping this warning about cracking in mind, it should go without saying that any areas where moisture or wetness tends to manifest for seemingly unexplained reasons should never be ignored. Pipes do not need to be visibly damaged or cracked to leak, and when homeowners can’t visibly identify the source of a problem, they tend to ignore it until it is too late.

It is not uncommon for leaks to be caused by something as minor as a loose connection, but the foundational water damage that they will eventually lead to can be incredibly costly if the issue is not addressed properly and promptly. In addition, the longer a small leak is left to its own devices, the more likely it is to lead to a burst pipe or more catastrophic damage later down the line.

Always call up professional plumbing services in Loveland to address any leakage issues, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Left ignored, mold and water damage can lead to much more serious and costly problems in the future. The sooner these types of problems are dealt with, the greater the chances that a full pipe or sewer line replacement in Loveland will not be necessary, and even if it is, it is definitely a better option than dealing with water damage. 

3. Corrosion

Most people will assume that when pipes are clogging, there is stuff going down the drain that shouldn’t be going down the drain. However, many don’t understand that clogs might also be a direct result of internal corrosion within the structure of the pipes themselves. 

While it is certainly a must to be conscientious about what is going down those pipes and to use appropriate drain filters whenever possible, it is important for homeowners to understand that if they are experiencing repeated clogs, they should always call up somebody who specializes in plumbing in Loveland who can pinpoint the source of the problem. 

Liquid pipe unclogging products are made with harmful chemicals that are not only downright unhealthy for the world’s waterways, but will also prematurely wear and age pipes and make a corrosion problem all that much worse. Some pipes, like galvanized steel varieties, are much more prone to corrosion, but all pipes will tend to corrode once they become old, so always call up a professional in pipe and sewer line repair in Loveland rather than trying to find a do-it-yourself solution for clogged pipes. 

4. Discoloration

Discolored, murky, or rusty looking water is a problem that no homeowner should tolerate, and not just for the obvious health and safety reasons. Water discoloration is a red flag that pipes might be over the hill and leaking harmful corroded material into the water supply. 

The other option is that the problem lies in the contamination of the water supply itself, but regardless, it is always a good idea to call up a specialist in plumbing in Loveland after a couple of days if the watercolor or texture is anything less than crystal clear. Never drink water that appears off. Obtain the water from alternative sources in the meantime. 

5. Reduced Water Pressure

There are a lot of potential reasons why homeowners might notice a reduction in their water pressure, and damaged or outdated pipes is one of them. Keep in mind that sometimes these types of issues can be related to the water main itself, but if a water pressure problem persists for more than a week, it is a good idea to call up a local specialist in plumbing in Loveland, pronto. 

Keep in mind that even if those pipes aren’t dangerously outdated, they might not be equipped to provide for the needs of the home. If this is the case, pipe and sewer line replacement in Loveland might be an ideal solution. 

The Takeaway

As a general rule, it is a good idea to get pipes replaced every 20 years or so, regardless of whether evidence of damage is physically manifesting or not. 

That said, it can be tricky to track the age of pipes, and anybody who isn’t sure if their pipes are still ship-shape should be sure to call up a local plumber who specializes in pipe and sewer line replacement in Loveland to find out more.