Seven signs your water pipes are in trouble

Running hot and cold 7

signs your water pipes are in trouble

BRANDPOINT

While spending more time at home, you’ve probably started noticidea—before large-scale water damage occurs. Older homes typically used galvanized pipes ing repairs you need to make. prone to corrosion, leaking You may have even tackled a few and bursting. projects to improve your home. If your house was built even However, there are some home earlier—around the 1920s—the improvements you might not pipes were probably made of consider, because they’re hidden polybutylene and/or lead. These until they reach their breaking materials are dangerous and point—like your home’s plumb- should be replaced immediately. ing system. Polybutylene is highly prone to

You rely on the pipes to bring breaking and leaking, so it’s only safe water into your home for a matter of time before a serious cleaning, laundry—and drink- problem occurs. And lead seeps ing—every day. Unfortunately, into drinking water, which can you can’t usually tell something cause serious health problems for is wrong until they leak, creating your family. water damage costing thousands of dollars. DO YOU HAVE LOW

The good news is, there are WATER PRESSURE? signs that indicate it’s time to When pipes contain rust or repipe your home. And when you mineral buildup, it eventually do it right, that one project can restricts water flow into the save thousands of dollars and lots house. By the time it affects your of future headaches by preventing water pressure, it’s the result of leaks, water damage—and unsafe years of buildup—a clear sign drinking water. repiping is needed.

Here’s what to look for.

IS YOUR HOME OVER 50 YEARS OLD?

If the original pipes weren’t replaced, repiping is a good

HAVE YOU HAD LEAKS?

Bigger problems start small. If you’ve welded or patched leaks in small sections of pipe, this can indicate your entire system is at risk.

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.

DOES YOUR WATER TASTE OR SMELL BAD?

An unappealing smell or taste may also mean your water is unsafe, because of a breakdown of your pipes. It’s best to have them inspected immediately—and drink bottled water in the meantime.

IS IT MAKING ODD NOISES?

If your plumbing rattles, clanks or bangs, this is a sign of a larger problem. You should have your pipes checked right away.

DOES IT RUN HOT AND COLD?

If your shower quickly switches from icy cold to burning hot, corroded materials may have broken off inside the pipes and jammed the anti-scald device or valve regulating your water temperature.

THE INSPECTION

If any of these signs sound familiar, take action and get help. Each house is different, requiring a unique repiping solution. Professionals like the Uponor Pro Squad experts are exclusively trained on the multiple installation configurations and considerations that can arise in your home.

The Pro Squad experts do

Brandpoint

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.

THE SOLUTION

Once the problem is identified, it’s vital to replace pipes with a more durable material. An innovative solution to repiping homes is using Uponor AquaPEX, a flexible polymer piping material that resists corrosion, pitting and scale buildup while also offering greater resiliency in freezing conditions. Flexible crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pipe, like Uponor AquaPEX, lasts longer and also makes repiping less invasive. The pipe can bend around corners and fit into tight spaces without having to cut large holes in drywall.

Its benefits include: • Highest industry rating for drinking water safety • Faster, safer, easier installation • Flexible for fewer fittings and better system performance • Resists corrosion, pitting and scale buildup • Sustainably produced • Expands to minimize damage from frozen water • Backed by a 25-year transferable limited warranty

Repiping using PEX now gives you peace of mind by protecting your home and family from future water disasters, costly repairs and unsafe drinking water.

Find a Pro Squad expert near you at ConnectWithUponorProSquad.com.