When Should I Replace My Plumbing?

As the saying goes, "nothing lasts forever." This includes the pipes inside your house. Over the decades, the tubing gradually corrodes, rusts, and decays. Unless you replace plumbing, you're eventually going to get leaks and possibly a flood of water or sewage into your home. This can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your property and belongings. To help prevent that type of plumbing disaster, below are a few tips on when to replace your home's plumbing and fittings.

Watch For Signs Of Trouble

If your house is more than 60 years old, make it an annual ritual to look at any exposed pipes in basements, crawlspaces, and utility rooms for telltale signs of trouble. Check the tubing for discoloration, stains, dimpling, bumps, or flaking, which are all indications of corrosion. If you find irregularities, call us to do an inspection.

You'll want to keep a watch for leaks too, of course. Even small ones that are easily repaired may be indicators that the time for whole-house replacement is approaching. After all, the rest of the pipes in your home are the same vintage, they're made of the same material, and they've been subjected to the same water supply and usage patterns.

Fixture Updates

It is recommended that faucets should be replaced at least every 30 years, as a majority of the time, the finish will have worn off and the interior ring that allows the water to be forced up will have worn. Replacing the faucet handles is an easy and relatively inexpensive project that can completely change the look of the entire room. Consider switching from brass to pewter or brushed nickel, or changing from clear, round handles to sleek, modern styles. Our plumbers can recommend brands that will save you money while still achieving the style you want.

Contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 for assistance in deciding when to update your home's pipes and fixtures.

Plumbing Tips For Fall

Chilly fall temperatures serve as a polite reminder that winter is on its way. There are steps homeowners can take to prepare for the plumbing troubles associated with Illinois' coldest months.

• Make sure outside faucets aren't dripping or leaking. If you do have a leak, call us before temperatures teeter around freezing. Be aware that when pipes freeze, water pressure builds, resulting in cracks - no matter if the pipe is made of plastic, copper or steel. Even a tiny crack can unleash more than 250 gallons of water in a single day.
• Disconnect outside water hoses. If left connected, water in the hoses can freeze and expand causing faucets and connecting pipes inside your home to freeze and break.
• If your home is equipped with an interior shut-off valve leading to outside faucets, close them and drain water from lines.
• Cover outside faucets using a faucet insulation kit.
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as garages or crawl spaces. Apply heat tape or thermostat controlled heat cables around pipes that are exposed and prone to freezing.
• Your water heater works harder during winter months. Flush it out and remove sediment buildup which causes corrosion, shortens its life span, and reduces heating efficiency. Drain several gallons from the faucet near the bottom of the tank. Connect a hose to the faucet and direct water into a nearby drain.
• Carefully test the water heater's pressure relief valve (Danger: water is very hot) by lifting up on the lever and letting it snap back. The valve should allow a burst of hot water into the drainpipe. If not, call us to have a new valve installed.

If you need any assistance winterizing your pipes, contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 today.