Plumbing Maintenance 101: Why Your Aging Piping Systems Must Be Checked Only by Plumbing Experts

Older homes that were built decades ago did not have the high-quality building materials and pipe systems available today. Old residential plumbing typically consisted of galvanised water pipe systems and sewer lines that were coated in a layer of zinc.

Zinc was used to extend the lifespan of steel pipes by preventing them from rusting, however, later it was discovered that galvanised piping can cause problems in homes and buildings, as well as negatively affecting the health of people. Because of the problems associated with older plumbing, aging piping systems must be checked only by plumbing experts, here are some of the reasons why:

Negative health effects – as old galvanised pipes deteriorate they will start to release lead that can seriously pose a health concern if water that flows through these make it into a home’s drinking water. When much lead is ingested into the body it can result in lead poisoning, which can result in many unpleasant symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, constipation, abdominal pain, and even reproduction problems, to mention a few.

While lead poisoning can become a serious health concern, for children exposed to high doses of lead it can dangerous, resulting in life-long side effects that can hinder brain development. This is one of the main reasons why aging piping systems must be checked only by plumbing experts, to ensure that there are no galvanised pipes being used to deliver a home’s fresh water.

If you suspect that anyone in your family has lead poisoning, then seek medical attention and call a professional plumber to inspect your home’s piping system.

Low water pressure – as the walls of older galvanised pipes erode on the inside, it causes water passing through them to slow down and can even block water flow because of the accumulation of rust and iron deposits. Accumulation of rust and iron deposits can result in lower water pressure, which can be an indication to a plumber that older pipes are eroding. Another sign to lookout for is red discolouration of water from your shower or faucet which indicates rust in the water.

Under constant pressure, if left unchecked, old eroding pipes can rupture and cause serious water damage to a home, which is another reason why aging piping systems must be checked only by plumbing experts to ensure the safety of your home.

To schedule basic plumbing maintenance, and to check the condition of aging piping systems, contact the plumbing experts at G. Brand & Sons Plumbers today.

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