Your pipes work hard to bring fresh, clean water to your home every day. Keeping up with maintenance and tackling problems early will help extend the life of your plumbing. Over time, the pipes will experience some wear and tear and may eventually need to be replaced by a plumber. Check out the following signs that it's time to schedule an appointment. 

How to Tell When It's Time to Replace Your Pipes

1. Discolored Water

Colored water on occasion is usually nothing to worry about. Sporadic discoloration in water could be due to regular maintenance of your local area's water system.

If you notice more frequent discoloration, contact a plumber for a professional inspection. It could be a sign that your pipes are rusted or corroded, especially if the water has a red tint. If so, you should have them replaced right away.

2. Leaking

A telltale sign of a leak is dampness or staining on ceilings, walls, or floors. Leaks can sometimes be caused by improper connections between pipes, but they can also be a sign of damage.

Small leaks can often be patched, but a plumber may suggest pipe replacement if they notice a more significant problem. Since pipes are often hidden behind walls and under floors, watch out for low pressure, musty odors, and high water bills. 

3. Old Age

Pipes can be made of various materials, which all begin to deteriorate after a certain amount of time. Common materials for water lines include copper, brass, and pex. While copper and brass can last between 40 and 60 years with proper maintenance, pex has a life span of around 40 years. Sewer piping can be made of cast iron or PVC, Cast iron pipe will eventially deteriorate in time and start corrosion inside the pipe leading to rusting out, this would be the time to replace with PVC pipe so further damage will not take place. If you aren't sure what your pipes are made of, a plumber will be able to take a look for you.

When it's time for a pipe replacement, contact the experts at Baity Plumbing Co. in Thomasville, NC. Serving homes throughout Davidson, Guilford, and Randolph counties, these professionals will replace your pipes and have everything running smoothly again in no time. They'll work on your plumbing like it's their own. Visit their website for more information on their services, or call (336) 475-0921 for an estimate.