Signs Your Pipes May Need Replacement

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Drainlayer Worker Pipes RetroThe pipes in your home are used constantly on a daily basis.  However, as they are largely out of your view, they are usually not an item you think too much about until a plumbing issue occurs.  While many plumbing issues can be resolved with repairs, there are times when you may need to consider replacing the piping altogether.

First, if your residence was built prior to 1986, the possibility exists that your pipes could cause lead poisoning.  This is a very serious matter, as lead poisoning can result in impeded development in children, and high blood pressure and kidney damage in adults.  If you live in an older home, contact a licensed plumbing professional as soon as possible to have your pipes inspected for lead. [Read more…]

Prepare Your Pipes for the Winter

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winterizationThe cold temperatures, ice, and snow that accompany winter weather can cause some major inconveniences, not the least of which is the potential for plumbing issues in your home.  Below are some ways your household can be better prepared for the winter season.

  • Inspect your pipes and have any leaks repaired as soon as possible. Any water that is trapped in a pipe has the potential to turn to ice, which is surprisingly strong enough to burst the toughest of metal pipes.  To this end, you should also wrap pipes located in colder areas of your home with heat tape or pipe insulation to help keep them warm.  Burst pipes are the number one plumbing issue stemming from winter weather.
  • The fall months are the perfect time to handle any servicing needs your home has. Make sure your furnace is professionally inspected and ready to keep your house warm, and that your water heater has been drained and maintained by a licensed plumber.
  • Be sure not to neglect your outdoor plumbing and its related accessories. Detach your hoses from the spigots, completely drain them, and store them away before the first overnight freeze. You should also shut off the water supply to your outdoor faucets.  If you have sprinklers, use a can of compressed air to blow the water out of them, taking care to make sure they are completely dry before you store them.
  • Clean out your gutters. If water cannot move through them freely, the water is likely to freeze, leading to possible roof damage and unwanted water in your home.

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