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How to Tell If Your Home Needs New Plumbing

There comes a time in every homeowner’s life when they’ll need to replace the plumbing in their home. While it may seem as if plumbing pipes last forever — sadly, they do not; and failure to notice that they need to be “swapped out” can result in a pretty dangerous situation.

The experts at Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. explain some of the signs that it might be time for a re-pipe of your home.

Signs it’s Time to Re-Pipe Your Home

Corrosion Forming on the Inside

While this one may be a little tricky to discover, there is a workaround to see if your pipes are corroded (i.e., galvanized steel pipes can corrode from the inside). One way to tell is if your pipes are prone to clogging more often than they should; there’s a stronger possibility of debris buildup (from the corrosion) when they’re close to retirement.

On the visible side of things, another way to tell is if the water in your home has a brown tint (or strange odor) to it or if you spot any visible rust signs on the outside of the pipes. Contrary to popular belief, plumbing pipes should never be rusty — if they are, you’ll need to consider your pipe repair options.

Your Pipes Celebrated a Milestone Birthday

Just like a car or appliance, when pipes celebrate a milestone birthday, the new age bracket they fall into may signify that they’ll need to retire, and you’ll need to have them replaced.

Based on the material they’re made of, here are some of the life expectancies of popular pipe material:

  • Galvanized steel lasts approximately 20 to 50 years

  • Copper lasts upward of 50 years

  • Brass lasts between 40 and 45 years

Should I Repair or Replace My Pipes?

Luckily, you do not need to re-pipe your entire home very often. For example, if you have a blocked pipe on your hands or a faulty pipe that needs to be replaced, these are typically simple fixes that do not require your entire home’s “veins” to be swapped out.

However, if your pipes are giving you constant trouble (such as leaks) or have visible signs of wear and tear (such as cracks of any size), you may want to give your trusted plumber a call to discuss if re-piping will be the best solution for your home.

Residential Re-Piping Services in Knoxville, TN

If you run into a problem with your home’s plumbing, heating, or cooling, and prefer to forgo the DIY route, our technicians are here to help! Visit our website to learn more about the services that we offer here at Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. or call (865) 583-3957 to speak with a representative directly.

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We are proud to continue our decades-long tradition of serving our neighbors throughout the area.

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Our exceptional leadership focuses on customer service and reliable results for all your plumbing and HVAC needs.

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Locally Owned & Operated

We are proud to continue our decades-long tradition of serving our neighbors throughout the area.

Female Led

Our exceptional leadership focuses on customer service and reliable results for all your plumbing and HVAC needs.

Trusted Plumbing & HVAC Expertise

As active members of Nexstar Network, our team receives cutting-edge training in the latest industry practices.

Same-Day Service Guaranteed

Don’t wait until tomorrow. With our same-day service, we’ll be there when you need us.

Finest Products & Materials Available in the Industry

We deliver unmatched craftsmanship and products for solutions you can depend on for years to come.

Commitment to Community

As a proud member of the Knoxville community, we are invested in the comfort and well-being of our residential and commercial neighbors.