When thinking about your home’s plumbing, it can be a little daunting. Those pipes are lurking within the home, and some of them could be very old. You hope they hold up, because if they do not it could mean a disaster. If you need an expert opinion on whether your pipes need to be replaced, NYC plumbing contractors can give you the advice you need to make an informed decision.
The first thing a plumber is going to look at is the type of pipes you have in your home. There is one type of pipe that a homeowner should replace as soon as possible, and that is lead. Used in the early 1900’s, we now know that the lead can leach into the drinking water, causing health issues. Developmental delays in children, headaches, anemia, and irritability are just a few issues caused by exposure to lead. It is also important to evaluate other pipe material, especially copper because at one-time lead solder was used for pipe connections.
Another type of plumbing that is concerning is polybutylene pipes. These are not that old and were widely installed in the 80’s and 90’s. Despite the belief that they were a great product at the time, they have proven to be an unreliable material prone to breakage. Some consider them a ticking time bomb, and homeowners should strongly consider replacing them.
In other homes, pipes could be made of copper, brass, galvanized steel, or PVC. Many of these materials are safe and have a long lifespan. Whether they should be replaced depends on if they are showing any signs of wear, or if there are any leaks.
Plumbing can be a bit of a mystery for homeowners, and sometimes it is difficult to know what needs to be updated. If you are uncertain what type of pipe is in your home, and whether it is safe or reliable, contact Kew Forest Plumbing.
