Running hot and cold
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signs your water pipes are in trouble BRANDPOINT
hile spending more time at home, you’ve probably started noticing repairs you need to make. You may have even tackled a few projects to improve your home. However, there are some home improvements you might not consider, because they’re hidden until they reach their breaking point—like your home’s plumbing system. You rely on the pipes to bring safe water into your home for cleaning, laundry—and drinking—every day. Unfortunately, you can’t usually tell something is wrong until they leak, creating water damage costing thousands of dollars. The good news is, there are signs that indicate it’s time to repipe your home. And when you do it right, that one project can save thousands of dollars and lots of future headaches by preventing leaks, water damage—and unsafe drinking water. Here’s what to look for.
idea—before large-scale water damage occurs. Older homes typically used galvanized pipes prone to corrosion, leaking and bursting. If your house was built even earlier—around the 1920s—the pipes were probably made of polybutylene and/or lead. These materials are dangerous and should be replaced immediately. Polybutylene is highly prone to breaking and leaking, so it’s only a matter of time before a serious problem occurs. And lead seeps into drinking water, which can cause serious health problems for your family. DO YOU HAVE LOW WATER PRESSURE? When pipes contain rust or mineral buildup, it eventually restricts water flow into the house. By the time it affects your water pressure, it’s the result of years of buildup—a clear sign repiping is needed.
HAVE YOU HAD LEAKS? IS YOUR HOME OVER Bigger problems start small. 50 YEARS OLD? If you’ve welded or patched leaks If the original pipes weren’t in small sections of pipe, this can replaced, repiping is a good indicate your entire system is
10 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
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at risk.
a thorough site analysis first, checking your home for signs of leaks, such as moisture, mildew, foundation cracks and a running water meter. They also conduct a water-usage review. Their inspection and recommendations allow you to be proactive and prevent problems before they occur.
DO YOU SEE A PROBLEM? Stains, flaking, indentations or rust on the pipes signals corrosion. Corroding pipes may leak and should be replaced. Rusty pipes can also turn water reddish or brown, indicating the need to repipe to make your water healthy to drink. THE SOLUTION Once the problem is idenDOES YOUR WATER tified, it’s vital to replace pipes TASTE OR SMELL BAD? with a more durable material. An An unappealing smell or innovative solution to repiping taste may also mean your water homes is using Uponor Aquais unsafe, because of a break- PEX, a flexible polymer piping down of your pipes. It’s best to material that resists corrosion, have them inspected immedi- pitting and scale buildup while ately—and drink bottled water also offering greater resiliency in the meantime. in freezing conditions. Flexible crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) IS IT MAKING ODD NOISES? pipe, like Uponor AquaPEX, lasts If your plumbing rattles, longer and also makes repiping clanks or bangs, this is a sign of a less invasive. The pipe can bend larger problem. You should have around corners and fit into tight your pipes checked right away. spaces without having to cut large holes in drywall. DOES IT RUN HOT Its benefits include: AND COLD? • Highest industry rating for If your shower quickly drinking water safety switches from icy cold to burning • Faster, safer, easier installahot, corroded materials may have tion broken off inside the pipes and • Flexible for fewer fittings jammed the anti-scald device or and better system performance valve regulating your water tem• Resists corrosion, pitting and perature. scale buildup • Sustainably produced THE INSPECTION • Expands to minimize damIf any of these signs sound age from frozen water familiar, take action and get help. • Backed by a 25-year transferEach house is different, requir- able limited warranty ing a unique repiping solution. Repiping using PEX now Professionals like the Uponor gives you peace of mind by proPro Squad experts are exclu- tecting your home and family sively trained on the multiple from future water disasters, costly installation configurations and repairs and unsafe drinking water. considerations that can arise in Find a Pro Squad expert near your home. you at ConnectWithUponorThe Pro Squad experts do ProSquad.com. NOVEMBER 2020
