House Repiping Northfield, MN

Here are seven clear signs it’s time to think about replacing your pipes:

Low Water Pressure

Good water pressure is critical to a working plumbing system. If the pressure is too high, it stresses your pipes and fixtures, leading to leaks and damage while reducing the lifespan of your appliances. On the other hand, low water pressure doesn’t give you enough flow for everyday tasks like showering or washing clothes.

As metal pipes age, they can develop sediment buildup or corrosion that narrows their walls, making it difficult for water to flow through. If you’ve noticed a steady drop in water pressure over time, it’s probably best to call a plumber.

Recurring Plumbing Leaks

One leak isn’t usually something to panic over. However, if you find yourself dealing with leaks repeatedly, that’s a clear sign that repairing them won’t cut it anymore. Over time, as water flows through metal pipes, their walls thin out due to wear and tear. This can speed up depending on the mineral content in the water and other factors. When they become too weak, tiny pinhole leaks or more significant breaks can occur, causing damage around your home. Multiple leaks mean it’s time for new pipes.

Noisy Pipes

Do you hear weird banging or squealing sounds when using your plumbing? Those “water hammer” noises shouldn’t be ignored. They might signal issues within your pipes. As internal problems worsen, those odd sounds could also increase when water flows through them. A professional plumber can help assess whether a whole-house repipe is necessary.

Visible Corrosion

Seeing any corrosion on your pipes is never good news. It indicates that pinhole leaks or bursts could be lurking around the corner. Look out for discoloration or flaky patches. These signs clearly show that your pipes are nearing the end of their lifespan and need replacing soon.

Discolored Water

Pipe corrosion isn’t just an outside issue. If the tap water appears yellowish or rusty brown, rust buildup inside the pipes could be the culprit. Pay attention to when this happens. If all taps consistently show discolored water, then it’s likely a pipe problem. If only hot water shows discoloration, then there may be rusting issues within your heater instead.

Bad Smelling/Tasting Water

A metallic or sulfur-like smell in your drinking water signals deteriorating pipes, releasing rusty flakes into what should be clean water. Since you need clean water for drinking and cooking (not to mention brushing your teeth), tackling this issue is very important.