Understanding the Dangers of Old Plumbing Pipes at Home

Most Peoria homeowners don’t think about their piping system until a problem arises. However, old pipes can cause several issues to your home and plumbing system and can even be dangerous in certain situations. Unfortunately, most people don’t understand the dangers of old plumbing pipes or how they negatively impact their property.

That’s why Desert Water Plumbing and Rooter is here to explain the problem with old residential pipes in Peoria, AZ.

Desert Water Plumbing and Rooter is one of Peoria, AZ’s leading professional plumbing and repiping services. If you need experienced plumbing experts in Peoria, AZ, to fix, replace, or maintain your home’s piping system, contact Desert Water Plumbing and Rooter.

The Problem With Old Plumbing Pipes

Homes built before the 1960s have galvanized iron pipes that have an interior layer of zinc that protects them from damage and wear. However, the internal zinc layer erodes over time and often creates troublesome clogs and blockages deep within the pipes. The coating also contaminates your home’s water supply, significantly reducing its quality while increasing the chances of health issues.

Although most properties built after 1970 don’t have galvanized iron pipes, their piping systems can also adversely affect the water quality. Residential piping suffers extensive wear after a few decades and often experiences a drastic dip in efficiency. They are likely to rust and corrode, causing serious leaks that lead to severe water damage.

Replacing your property’s old plumbing pipes with modern variations can vastly enhance your system’s operations and can even improve your home’s water quality. Newer pipes are also more robust than older models, decreasing the chances of repairs. If you live in an old house and believe your plumbing system is overdue for a replacement, consider installing new pipes as soon as possible.

Three Additional Issues With Outdated Piping

Old residential pipes aren’t just prone to leaks and corrosion. They also increase the likelihood of several other issues. Below are a few additional problems with old residential piping in Peoria, AZ.

1. Decreased Water Pressure

Most older pipes can’t maintain adequate water pressure and struggle to push water through your fixture at a favorable speed. The decreased water pressure can stem from various problems, with clogging being the primary cause. 

Sediment and minerals within water accumulate inside your pipes and create stubborn clogs that hinder your property’s water pressure. As time goes on, the buildup grows and can lead to burst pipes and other significant issues that often demand a small fortune to fix. 

Replacing your old pipes with newer models will dramatically improve your water pressure and ensure your plumbing fixtures meet your needs.

2. Hard Water Build Up

The minerals and sediment buildup within your pipes can also taint your water supply and increase your water hardness. Hard water often tastes strange and appears discolored. It can also make your clothes feel stiff after a wash cycle and leave behind an unsightly residue on your dishes. 

Additionally, hard water increases the sacrificial anode rod (a mechanism within your water heater) deterioration, causing your water heater to give out prematurely. While installing a water softener might improve your home’s water quality, it’s often best to replace your pipes if they're the primary cause of the hardening. 

Replacing your pipes will considerably increase your water’s quality while reducing sediment buildup, giving you tasty soft water on demand.

3. Adverse Health Impacts

Galvanized iron pipes contain lead that seeps into your water supply once the internal zinc layer corrodes. Ingesting lead can cause several health problems and even life-long cognitive issues, especially in developing children. These health issues include but aren’t limited to:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Diminished cognitive abilities
• Reproductive issues

If you believe you or a loved one has lead poisoning, contact a medical professional right away. You also want to replace your pipes as soon as possible if they caused the poisoning. 

Contact Desert Water Plumbing and Rooter for Professional Plumbing Services in Peoria, Arizona

If your home’s pipes are past their prime and require professional replacement services, contact Desert Water Plumbing and Rooter. Our team will install top-quality residential piping on your property at a rate that won’t stress your budget. Whether you need to replace your old plumbing pipes or want a professional plumbing inspection, Desert Water Plumbing and Rooter is here to help.

Give Desert Water Plumbing and Rooter a call at (602) 922-1834 and schedule your appointment in Peoria, Arizona, today! Learn more now.