When Should I Replace My Old Plumbing?

 

We know you’ve all heard the saying, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” But is the old plumbing in your home still working the best it could be? The answer, most likely, is no. While you may not have had any real plumbing issues or leaks, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider replacing old plumbing. You may ask, “How old is old when it comes to plumbing?” Well, here are a few signs that it is time to replace the old plumbing in your home.

1. You notice the water stops being clear.

Water is supposed to be clear. So when you turn on your faucet to discover water that is discolored or cloudy, this is cause for concern. Water that has a darker brown tint usually indicates that you have some kind of pipe corrosion. Not only is this water not good to use, but rusting pipes are prone to sediment and mineral deposit buildup. This can increase your chances of having clogs and bursting pipes in the near future.

2. You notice the water starts to smell.

If you notice that water has a foul odor, know that this is not normal. Water with any sort of smell is a sign that there is a buildup of bacteria within your pipes. One distinct smell many people notice right away is that their water smells like eggs.

3. You notice mold or water damage.

Some leaks can be hidden behind walls, so you may not notice them. The only way you become aware is when you see the tell-tale giant brown water stain with mold. Once you notice this, you should call Eastern Plumbing immediately. The longer leaky pipes sit, the more damage your home will sustain.

Plumbing doesn’t age like fine wine – often times it’s more likely to age like milk. So if you’re noticing issues with the old plumbing in your home, it may be time to replace. Waiting to replace can cause serious and costly damage. Give the experts at Eastern Plumbing a call. We have been setting the standard in quality service around Greenville and New Bern North Carolina for over 15 years. Once you replace your plumbing remember that regular maintenance is key to keeping your plumbing in top-notch shape for as long as possible.

Detecting Plumbing Leaks in Your Home

 

In many cases the water line running to your home is metered for accountability and billing purposes. This means that a leak in your line, no matter how small, can be very costly. You can find, even a small leak, by trying these few simple techniques that can save you from a nasty surprise on your water bill.

1. Check your toilets.

If you hear any running or hissing near any of your toilets, try to locate where the noise is coming from. If nothing is noticeable, try adding a few drops of food coloring in the tank (not the bowl). Wait several minutes. If you have coloring in the bowl, this may mean that you have leak that is allowing water to seep through the flapper at the bottom of the tank. Be sure to repeat this process with all of your toilets to be certain you don’t have more than one problem.

2. Check your outside spigots.

Another way to determine if you have a leak in your home is by checking your spigots (the pipes that you hook your hoses to, in case you were unsure). Usually the average home has one in the front and one in the back.

3. Check for any drips or puddles.

If you hear or see any signs of drips or puddles around the base of your faucets, this probably means a leak is nearby. Listen closely in frequently used rooms and check regularly in rooms you don’t use as much to uncover possible hidden plumbing leaks.

4. Check for moldy or rotten smells.

Another sign that you may have a leak in your home is a moldy or rotten smell in your kitchen, bathroom or laundry room.

But, did you know your water meter can help you determine if you have a leak in your home? This is actually the best way to determine if there is a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. The experts at Eastern Plumbing can check your water meter to determine if you have any leaks in your home. This can give you peace of mind and ensure that you aren’t paying for water you aren’t using in your monthly bill.

If you found a leak, notify the professionals at Eastern Plumbing in Greenville or New Bern. Our professionals have been trusted for over 15 years throughout eastern North Carolina. We provide quality service you can count on.