Most homeowners have to deal with the occasional plumbing issue. Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, the top plumbers in Jenks, OK, handle calls from frantic customers dealing with leaks, clogs, and backups every day, fixing the issue and restoring reliable water service.
Sometimes, though, frequent or ongoing home plumbing issues need much more than a quick fix. If it feels like you spend as much time with your local plumber as you do with your family, it’s time for some plumbing upgrades to save hassles, money, and your home from damage.
Is It Time To Replace Your Jenks Home Plumbing System?
Repiping, or plumbing pipe replacement, is a big project. However, it’s worth the time and expense when you consider the importance of a reliable and safe water system. Instead of waiting for a disaster to force you into plumbing upgrades for your Jenks home, watch for these hints that it’s time to be proactive.
1. Old Pipes
Do you know the age of the plumbing pipes running through your walls? Have you lived in Jenks for decades and never replaced them? If so, it might be past time to invest in some plumbing upgrades.
Brass, steel, copper, or galvanized metal pipes can last between 80 to 100 years, so you might not need immediate replacement if your home isn’t that old. However, PVC pipes typically have a lifespan of 25 to 50 years, so even if your house isn’t necessarily “old,” the plumbing might be.
The one type of pipe that you need to upgrade immediately, regardless of age, is lead. It’s unlikely that your home has these pipes, and the city of Jenks has taken precautions to reduce exposure to this toxic metal, but if you have concerns, have a plumber inspect your system.
2. Visible Pipe Damage or Corrosion
Identifying problems within your plumbing that indicate it’s time for pipe replacement can be tricky since much of the system is hidden under the slab and behind walls. However, the exposed pipes can provide some obvious clues to the condition of the rest of the system. Check the visible pipes for signs of corrosion and deterioration like stains, rust, and bumps or divots. If the plumbing you can see has problems, you can only imagine what’s going on in less accessible spots.
3. Frequent Clogs and Leaks
The occasional clog or leak is normal, and most Jenks homeowners have to deal with these issues at some point. However, if it seems like nothing can clear a stubborn clog or you have multiple leaks, there’s a bigger problem lurking in the pipes. Pipe corrosion can occur due to age and wear and tear, but there could also be mineral buildup, damage, or a stubborn blockage wreaking havoc.
4. Poor Water Quality
Jenks purchases its water from the city of Tulsa, and it goes through a water treatment facility before reaching your home. Although it meets the state and federal standards for water quality, your plumbing system can release contaminants that affect its color, taste, and smell, indicating the need for plumbing upgrades.
If the water coming from your taps is brown or rust-colored, there’s cause for concern. This usually signals pipe corrosion, and the color comes from the rust particles that get into the water as it flows past. Eventually, rust accumulation can narrow the pipe, affecting water pressure and even causing it to burst.
An unusual smell or taste from your water supply can also spell trouble. The most common issue is sulfur, which smells like rotten eggs. You might need a filtration system to handle bacteria and gases in the water, which, while not harmful to your health, are unpleasant.
6. Inconsistent Water Pressure
If the water coming from your shower and taps is barely more than a trickle, something’s wrong with the plumbing and needs attention. The problem can be anything from a hidden leak or clog to mineral or debris accumulation inside the pipes. Ultimately, water pressure issues can cause the pipes to burst, resulting in extensive water damage, so it’s best to address the problem as soon as you notice it.
Talk to Jenks’ Trusted Plumbing Professionals About a Home Plumbing Overhaul
Since its founding in 1905, the town of Jenks has undergone many changes, but many of the homes date back many decades. Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric specializes in old home plumbing problems, and if it’s time for plumbing upgrades to address issues related to outdated pipes, we’re here to help. Request a plumbing inspection and evaluation of your system, and take care of the pipes before they cause problems.
