It’s 2025! What year was your home built? Was it this decade? Was it this century? It’s crazy to think that even homes built in the ‘90s were built last century! Here on the Space Coast, we have a lot of older homes built in the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. If your home is one of these, then this new year might be a good time for you to get new pipes!
Homes built prior to 1980 often have cast iron pipes. Cast iron is corrosive, difficult to repair, and clogs easily. Replacing your cast iron pipes with PVC pipes is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and long-lasting.
In this article, we will discuss why it might be time for you to get new pipes this year. We will look at which pipes are best, and why you should choose Sun Plumbing to replace your pipes. We know the thought of re-plumbing your home may give you a headache, but Sun Plumbing is here to take the headache out of this home project and provide you with quality pipes and excellent customer service.
How Old Is Your Home?
The age of your home helps determine the type of pipes that were used, although our skilled plumbers will know by looking at them. Older homes often have cast iron pipes. Cast iron pipes were mainly used until the 1970s. Does your home fit in that timeframe? If so, it may be time to re-plumb before a major plumbing issue arises. It is essentially a matter of not if but when.
Replacing your pipes before a major leak occurs can save you money in the long run. How? Busted pipes can leak for a while before you notice them since they are not visible while you are going about your business in your home. Meanwhile, they can cause damage to your home requiring major repairs, such as new drywall, paint, and flooring. Additionally, if a leak is left too long, it is possible to develop a dangerous mold issue. If the leak is in a sewage pipe, it could be hazardous, leaking sewage into your yard or home. Let’s not dwell on that thought too long!
How Do You Know If You Have A Leak?
There will be signs if you have a pipe leak. Here’s what you can look for:
- Increase in your water bill – A leak means constantly flowing water from a pipe, so your water bill will increase. The bigger the leak, the bigger your bill will be. You may be able to apply to your water company (City of Melbourne if you are a local resident) for a nominal credit on your water bill when you notify them of the leak. They will not reimburse the full amount of the increase, but anything helps!
- The sound of running water – When all your faucets, showers, hose spigots, etc. are all turned off and you still hear running water, you have a leak. Don’t start tearing holes in your wall to get to the leaky pipe! It may sound like it’s coming from one area when the actual broken pipe is located elsewhere. For example, it may sound like there is water running in your shower wall when the broken pipe is under the concrete slab in your master closet. (Yes, that has happened!) Always have a professional plumber use leak detection to determine the source of the leak.
- Discoloration or peeling paint – If you see a discolored area on your ceiling or wall or notice paint peeling in your house, you probably have a leak. Water takes the easiest route and heads to the lowest point. So, again, where you hear water may not the be source of the leak. Consult a professional plumber.
- Moist areas in your yard – If it hasn’t rained and your sprinklers haven’t been on, but your yard has a moist or puddled area, you have a problem. It may be a water pipe or sewage pipe leaking. Without going into detail, you can tell by the smell. Call us ASAP!
What’s The Problem With Cast Iron Pipes?
If you have an older home that was plumbed with cast iron pipes, you may be wondering why that is a problem. Cast iron was the gold standard decades ago, but nothing lasts forever. Cast iron pipes are known for corroding on the inside. Cast iron is difficult to repair which is why replacement is the best option. They often cause clogged or slow drains, and sewage can back up into your home. Cast iron pipes did their jobs for many years, but they are now aged and need to be replaced. There are better options for pipe material now.
What Will Replace My Cast Iron Pipes?
Your cast iron pipes will be replaced with PVC pipes. PVC has many advantages over cast iron. PVC is long-lasting and flexible. Flexibility is important because they won’t crack as easily as cast iron pipes. Additionally, PVC doesn’t corrode making it safer for your family and the environment. PVC pipes are more cost-effective than cast iron pipes which benefits your bank account!
Why Should You Choose Sun Plumbing?
At Sun Plumbing we understand how distressing a leaking pipe is. We also understand that the thought of a major plumbing project like replumbing your house can be overwhelming. The professionals of Sun Plumbing will do everything we can to make your plumbing project run efficiently. We know your time is valuable and your pipes are necessary for everyday living! With quality workmanship and outstanding customer service, we know you will be happy that you chose us.
Replacing your cast iron pipes with PVC pipes is cost-effective and long-lasting. You should never need to replace your pipes again with the longevity and durability of PVC. With 50 years of experience serving Melbourne, FL, and the surrounding areas, Sun Plumbing aims to be your first choice in plumbing services!
