If you live in a lovely old Queenslander home in Brisbane’s inner suburbs, you probably enjoy the unique characteristics of your house, but it is likely that you also deal with ageing infrastructure. Here are six of the plumbing problems that you should watch out for, that could signal the need for pipe replacement.
Galvanised Steel Pipes
Many different materials have been used in plumbing systems over the years. Copper pipes have a lifespan of around 50 years, while PVC and brass pipes are estimated to last between 40 and 70 years. But galvanised steel may wear out after as little as 20 years.
If you suspect your pipes are ageing due to the factors listed below, hire a local Ashgrove plumber like Faulkner Plumbers to identify the material your pipes are made of. If they are galvanized steel, it may be time to replace them.
Discoloured Water
Clean water is clear. If the water from the tap appears brown, yellow, or green, this could mean sediment, minerals, or rust is leaching into your drinking water. Cloudy water may indicate excess air within the pipes.
If the city’s pipes are to blame, you can install a whole-house water filtration system to remove rust, sediment, and other contaminants. But if your home’s pipes are failing, you may need to replace them.
Corroded Pipes
Every so often, examine your home’s exposed pipes for signs of corrosion, which include visible rust or flaking metal. If you can see these problems on the outside of the pipe, imagine what’s happening on the inside.
Water Stains On The Wall Or Ceiling
Don’t ignore peeling paint, bubbling wallpaper, or discolored spots on the wall or ceiling—these are signs that a leaking roof or plumbing system is causing water damage. Contact a plumber right away to investigate the cause.
Permanent Soggy Spots In The Yard
Without special equipment, it can be difficult to know when something is wrong with your underground sewer pipes. A persistent soggy spot in the yard or a patch of especially green grass is a surefire sign of a sewer leak.
Invasive tree roots might be to blame, or your pipes may simply be degrading. Either way, have a plumber perform an inspection so you can begin the repair process to prevent further damage.
Rising Water Bills
Even if your utilities are paid automatically, always look over your bill when it arrives each month. A sudden, unexplained spike could be caused by a hidden leak. To find out, go outside and read your water meter. Then, refrain from using any water for two hours. If the water meter reading changes in that time, a pipe could be leaking somewhere in your home. A plumber can detect the leak for you and provide options for performing a repair.
The goal is to repair or replace your ageing pipes before they fail catastrophically. So don’t wait for an emergency—contact Barry Faulkner Plumbers today at 0412 678 261 to schedule a plumbing inspection, repair, or replacement in The Gap and neighbouring suburbs.
