With August 21st being World Senior Day, it is a time to celebrate getting older. That said, for many people, this is an opportunity to take a moment to learn about something whose aging we should not celebrate: old plumbing. Old plumbing can be a silent problem within the home, causing unseen issues and lurking with potential to cause large scale problems.
Learning about the problems caused by old plumbing can help you prevent your system from getting too old in the first place. When it comes to old plumbing, there are three major effects to be on the lookout for – water pressure, health issues, and constant clogs.
Aging Pipes Drop in Pressure
Most old plumbing systems are made of galvanized pipes. Over time, these pipes corrode and release sediment into the piping. This sediment settles and begins to accumulate, eventually forming blockages in your plumbing.
These buildups can affect the flow of water through the pipe, reducing the water pressure in the process. Low water pressure is not something you are looking forward to inviting into your home.
Not only can low water pressure be annoying, since you’re not getting the amount of water you need in your home, but eventually it will put a large enough strain on your plumbing, that you may be dealing with a burst pipe.
Pipes Can Cause Health Concerns
Those same galvanized pipes often contain lead impurities that can be released into the water. Exposure to lead can lead to an array of health issues, including fatigue, headaches, nausea, insomnia, and decreased cognitive abilities.
Lead exposure can cause especially dangerous health issues for children. If you have an old plumbing system, you and your family could be at greater risk.
Additionally, the same corrosion that releases lead impurities into the water can also cause rust. Left unchecked, the water coming from a rusted pipe will become unsafe to use.
Don’t Ignore Frequent Clogs
The third most common effect of old plumbing is also the most visible. Constant clogs could be a sign that your system is old and needs to be updated. As mentioned earlier, clogs can be the result of sediment buildup from impurities being released from the pipes.
Oftentimes though, clogs are just a natural occurrence of prolonged use of a plumbing system. Over time, all the materials we wash down the drain, such as sewage, soap scum, hair, and dirt, get trapped and build up.
If you have an old plumbing system, you likely have more dirt and grime built up in your pipes. Eventually, these buildups lead to clogs. By getting ahead of your old plumbing, and making necessary upgrades in advance, you can avoid major clogs that could cause pipes to blow out in your home.
As we approach August 21 and World Senior Day, it’s important to remember that old plumbing is not the same as fine wine or our beloved elders; it does not get better with age! It’s a matter of fact, that as plumbing systems age they become more likely to experience problems with things like water pressure, clogs, and health issues.
In order to prevent these problems from becoming plumbing emergencies in your home, it’s important to stay ahead of them. If you have questions about the age of your plumbing system, contact our contractors at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. We can find the ideal solution to your home plumbing needs.
