Water Pipe Plumbing and Installation
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Water Pipe Plumbing and Installation - New Westminster, B.C.
Over the years, several types of pipes have been used to supply fresh water and drain wastewater. Some of those options have proven to be quite reliable, while others have been problematic. However, even the highest-quality pipes will deteriorate with time. If you’re experiencing leaks or notice signs of corrosion on existing pipes, it’s time to contact New Westminster plumbing services to inspect your home’s plumbing system.
Our plumbing experts know the pros and cons of each type of pipe and are good at spotting existing problems or signs of developing issues. Each type of plumbing exhibits unique traits that our specialists consider during an inspection. When common (or not-so-common) problems are identified, New Westminster plumbing experts consider the scope of the problem and make repair or replacement recommendations based on the conditions in the home.
5 Common Signs of Leaking Pipes
- Stained or damaged ceiling or wall. Might look very small at first and be very difficult to spot but there is certainly water damage that will need to be examined.
- Mold on walls, floors, or ceiling which is abnormal and generally caused from a leaking pipe.
- Higher water bills. Water bills tend to be higher during the hot summer months if you have a lawn or a garden; however, an unusually higher water bill is a sign to look into.
- Foul odor like the smell of sewage which needs to be dealt with immediately.
- Your meter runs even after you turn everything off including all appliances, faucets and fixtures.
Different types of plumbing lines
There are several types of plumbing lines New West plumbers see in area homes. It’s important to understand what they are.
- Galvanized water lines were common in older homes. Older homes constructed prior to the mid 1950s were likely to have galvanized water supply lines. Most galvanized pipes have already been replaced, but there are still many homes with at least some of those older pipes in place. Galvanized pipes corrode from the inside out, which means they are in serious need of replacement well before most property owners note a problem. If your home still has any galvanized pipes, it would be a good idea to contact a plumbing expert and discuss replacing them now.
- Copper pipe has been used for many years, and it’s proven to be a good option. However, even copper has some issues. First, pitting corrosion is quite common. The chemicals naturally present in local water supplies can cause corrosion, which will eventually create leaks. Issue with copper is its inability to expand and contract as easily as some newer materials, which means it’s more susceptible to bursting during freezing and thawing cycles.
- PVC pipes have been in use for many years but were not commonly used in homes until about 1970. PVC is inexpensive, durable, easy to install, and uncomplicated to repair. However, there are still problems to look for. First, PVC gets brittle as it ages, which means it becomes more susceptible to blunt-force damage. The earliest PVC pipes generally last somewhere between 25 and 40 years, depending on the conditions. That means if your home’s PVC plumbing was installed over 25 years ago, it’s time to have one of the New Westminster plumbing team of expert plumbers take a look at it. Manufacturing defects and installation errors can also impact that average expected lifespan.
- PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, was originally introduced in the 1960s but was not commonly installed until the 1980s or 1990s, depending on its use. As with PVC, PEX is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. However, there have been some issues reported with its use. First, installation problems are common, as not everyone is trained to install PEX correctly. Chlorine in the water is also known to cause deterioration. Being exposed to direct sunlight, especially before its installation, is also a problem. As with other plastics, PEX will tend to become brittle over time.
- Cast iron was also commonly used in the past. In most cases, it was used to for drain lines. Like other similar metals, cast iron is subject to corrosion. If your home still has cast iron piping in place, it’s likely to time to discuss replacing it. While drain lines are not pressurized, they can still develop leaks that create a significant amount of damage. In addition, leaks in drain lines moving wastewater out of the home can lead to health hazards.
Stainless steel is also used for some plumbing, but it’s not used for many purposes in homes, so we’ll ignore it here. If your home has stainless steel lines installed, we can discuss potential issues with you.
If your home needs either water supply or drain lines replaced, the first step will be to determine which types of pipes to use for the project. Since both the labor and material costs vary significantly, it’s often a decision that homeowners make after exploring the pros and cons of the different options. Remember, local codes can also impact which types of pipes can be used for new construction or updating older plumbing systems.
Do you see any signs of a pipe leak? Don’ t wait until further damage. Give your local New West plumbing a call today!