Why a Plumbing System Inspection Should be Part of Your Routine Home Maintenance Plan

If your house has galvanized pipes, it's only a matter of time before your plumbing system will need replacing. In the Houston area, many homes built before 1980 utilized galvanized pipes for the primary inline water supply system. We have seen houses built in the late 1990s with galvanized plumbing installed.

Why is this important?

Galvanized pipes are steel pipes coated in zinc to protect from rust. Over time this coating wears exposing the steel and steel rusts. The lifespan for galvanized pipes used for water supply lines in the Houston area is about 30-60 years, depending on use. If your home sports galvanized plumbing, they might be quickly approaching the end of their life cycle. Having your pipes assessed regularly could save thousands in unforeseen repair costs due to damage to your home. Most experts recommend replacing galvanized pipes because only the visible areas can be evaluated, and there is no guarantee that you do not have compromised pipes in hidden regions of your home.

If you are noticing rust-colored water from the faucet or in the washing machine, then you know your pipes are already beginning to rust. Eventually, these rust spots create a pinhole in the wall of the pipe allowing water to leak. Sometimes these leaks are in visible areas causing water rings on your drywall, and sometimes the leak goes unnoticed until it floods an area of your home. This type of water damage can result in wood rot, drywall damage, and electrical issues.

Noticing failing copper pipes is even more difficult for a homeowner because the signs can be subtle. The leaks may be in the slab presenting as a warm or hot floor with no actual leak detected by the naked eye.

To avoid these home repair nightmares, know where you stand with your plumbing system. Is your home using low-quality copper pipes or galvanized pipes to supply water?  Is it time to replace your plumbing system now? Do they have a little life left in them, but it’s time to start a replacement fund? Call the experts at We Do Repipes, 832-819-8337. We will come out and look at your plumbing system, give you a quote for replacement, whether you are ready to do it today or in 6 months.