Plumbing
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2021-05-14

Replace or Repair: What Kind of Plumbing Service Do You Need?

Your house's life expectancy depends on how well you and your contractors maintain it. It is highly dependent on the household's awareness of issues involving their property. When one crucial aspect of a home has problems homeowners are unaware of, it could worsen over time. Not addressing these problems immediately could lead to expensive repairs down the line.

For example, piping is one of the most crucial parts of the house. If this fails, it could lead to slow draining, sewage gas odours, moulds, flooding, water damage, furniture damage, and more. The last thing you want is for your house to get drenched and damaged.

More than regular maintenance and checkups, it would help if the people living in it have an idea of their plumbing's lifespan and condition. Here are some facts that could help you:

Getting to Know Your Pipes

Besides being one of the most critical parts of the home, the pipes are also hidden from view, making it hard for people to notice and check. Knowing the lifespan of your pipes could help you assess their quality over time.

Step 1: Check what your pipes are made of and see here how long their life expectancy is:

- Galvanized steel can last 20 to 50 years.
- Brass can last 40 to 45 years.
- Copper can last more than 50 years.
- Cast iron pipes can last from 75 to one hundred years.
- PVC piping can last indefinitely.

Step 2: Check the other components, such as pipe joints, fittings, and connections between the pipe and your household fixtures. Identify their materials and how long you have been using them to know how much longer they might last.

Knowing the Signs of Failing Plumbing

There are many different signs that could indicate you need to call your plumber right away, such as:

- There are cracks on your pipes.
- Your water is at an unexpectedly low-pressure level.
- The drain moves slower than usual.
- There is corrosion on your pipes.
- Your pipes are leaking.
- Your baseboard (often found in the back area of the sink or the dishwasher) is almost always wet.
- Your floor is warped from flowing water.
- There are water stains without any idea where they come from.
- You hear a gurgling sound from your pipes. It is an indication of trapped air due to a blockage inside.
- The presence of moulds could tell you that there is excess moisture in your room.

Identifying the Next Steps

Upon seeing any of the signs, you need to know what kind of help you need from a plumber. Can you repair the issue yourself, or do you need your plumber's help to replace them entirely? Your trusted contractor can help you identify the next steps, but developing your own understanding can help you find your right option.

For Repair: These are the things that you can do yourself (unless you are not confident in your skills enough to do them)

- Removing the material blocking your pipes

- Replacing faulty fixtures and pipe connectors

- Replacing faulty exposed pipes

For Replacement: These are the things that would require professional service. Do not attempt to repair them yourself.

- Changing the piping due to room renovations
- Replacing hidden pipes and joints

Conclusion

You should always keep an eye on your plumbing. One faulty pipe could bring a disaster to the whole residence. As soon as you notice any signs of plumbing issues, do not hesitate to call your plumber for an immediate consultation or fix.

Should you need an emergency plumber in St. Albert, Soul Mechanical is here to help. We are your Edmonton Alberta Mechanical Company that employs qualified Journeyman plumbers and stays updated with current industry standards. We can effectively diagnose, repair, maintain, and replace your plumbing system. Contact us at (780) 994-7685 or service@soulmechanical.ca.

Your house's life expectancy depends on how well you and your contractors maintain it. It is highly dependent on the household's awareness of issues involving their property. When one crucial aspect of a home has problems homeowners are unaware of, it could worsen over time. Not addressing these problems immediately could lead to expensive repairs down the line.

For example, piping is one of the most crucial parts of the house. If this fails, it could lead to slow draining, sewage gas odours, moulds, flooding, water damage, furniture damage, and more. The last thing you want is for your house to get drenched and damaged.

More than regular maintenance and checkups, it would help if the people living in it have an idea of their plumbing's lifespan and condition. Here are some facts that could help you:

Getting to Know Your Pipes

Besides being one of the most critical parts of the home, the pipes are also hidden from view, making it hard for people to notice and check. Knowing the lifespan of your pipes could help you assess their quality over time.

Step 1: Check what your pipes are made of and see here how long their life expectancy is:

- Galvanized steel can last 20 to 50 years.
- Brass can last 40 to 45 years.
- Copper can last more than 50 years.
- Cast iron pipes can last from 75 to one hundred years.
- PVC piping can last indefinitely.

Step 2: Check the other components, such as pipe joints, fittings, and connections between the pipe and your household fixtures. Identify their materials and how long you have been using them to know how much longer they might last.

Knowing the Signs of Failing Plumbing

There are many different signs that could indicate you need to call your plumber right away, such as:

- There are cracks on your pipes.
- Your water is at an unexpectedly low-pressure level.
- The drain moves slower than usual.
- There is corrosion on your pipes.
- Your pipes are leaking.
- Your baseboard (often found in the back area of the sink or the dishwasher) is almost always wet.
- Your floor is warped from flowing water.
- There are water stains without any idea where they come from.
- You hear a gurgling sound from your pipes. It is an indication of trapped air due to a blockage inside.
- The presence of moulds could tell you that there is excess moisture in your room.

Identifying the Next Steps

Upon seeing any of the signs, you need to know what kind of help you need from a plumber. Can you repair the issue yourself, or do you need your plumber's help to replace them entirely? Your trusted contractor can help you identify the next steps, but developing your own understanding can help you find your right option.

For Repair: These are the things that you can do yourself (unless you are not confident in your skills enough to do them)

- Removing the material blocking your pipes

- Replacing faulty fixtures and pipe connectors

- Replacing faulty exposed pipes

For Replacement: These are the things that would require professional service. Do not attempt to repair them yourself.

- Changing the piping due to room renovations
- Replacing hidden pipes and joints

Conclusion

You should always keep an eye on your plumbing. One faulty pipe could bring a disaster to the whole residence. As soon as you notice any signs of plumbing issues, do not hesitate to call your plumber for an immediate consultation or fix.

Should you need an emergency plumber in St. Albert, Soul Mechanical is here to help. We are your Edmonton Alberta Mechanical Company that employs qualified Journeyman plumbers and stays updated with current industry standards. We can effectively diagnose, repair, maintain, and replace your plumbing system. Contact us at (780) 994-7685 or service@soulmechanical.ca.