[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 5px 0px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”2/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h4″ accent=”false”]Understand what material your water pipes are made of[/x_custom_headline][cs_text class=”cs-ta-left”]Understanding what type of plumbing system you have in your home is just as important as making sure you have milk in the fridge! The reason being, is because the lifespan of your home plumbing system will depend on what type of pipes you have.[/cs_text][cs_text class=”cs-ta-left”]Over the next few decades, the United States of America is projected to spend as much as 1 trillion dollars in distribution pipe supply repairs. The age of water pipes only grow older, and the rate of pipe replacement will rise until 2035, due to the national investment of water mains that peaked in the boom years after World War II. The lifespan of those pipes are projected to be 75-100 years. However, age is only one factor of a potential pipe burst: deterioration of any particular pipe depends on the pressure. Each type of materials tend to have a different lifespan, some are more corrosive than others, and cycles of freezing can weaken pipes.[/cs_text][cs_text class=”cs-ta-left”]It is everyone’s nightmare to have a pipe leaking in your home. No one wants to deal with a leaking problem in their house, because it takes time and money to fix the problem! Here is a chart below, to determine what your home’s plumbing lifespan is, and help prevent leaks:[/cs_text][x_accordion][x_accordion_item title=”Supply Pipes (under constant pressure, most likely to cause water damage)” open=”true”]Brass: 40-70+ years
Copper: 50+ years
Galvanized Steel: 20-50 years[/x_accordion_item][x_accordion_item title=”Drain Lines” open=”true”]Cast Iron: 75-100 years
Polyvinyl Chloride(known as PVC): Indefinitely
[/x_accordion_item][/x_accordion][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”false” class=”cs-ta-left”]Polybutylene Pipes[/x_custom_headline][cs_text class=”cs-ta-left”]Polybutylene is in a category of its own. Polybutylene is a gray, plastic plumbing material that was used between the 1970’s-1990’s. They are easy to break, and it’s commonly found in homes around the Mid-Atlantic states. If your home has polybutylene pipes, have a plumber inspect the system immediately! Chlorinated water causes these pipes to deteriorate from the inside out, which will ultimately result in the pipes to fail without notice.[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”false” class=”cs-ta-left”]Lead Pipes[/x_custom_headline][cs_text class=”cs-ta-left”]Lead pipes were used in the early 1900’s, and they have a life expectancy of around 100 years. Unfortunately, they can leach lead into your drinking water which obviously is a health hazard! The lead pipes typically have a dull gray exterior, and the surface of the pipe can easily be scratched with a knife. If you believe your home has a lead pipe system, make sure you get the water tested. If the results show that the lead content is at 15 parts per billion (15 ppb) or more, call in a professional plumber to replace your pipe system![/cs_text][cs_text class=”cs-ta-left”]A good thing to do, is to review the home inspection report you received when you bought your home-this will help you see what kind of pipes you have. It is always recommended to bring in a professional to do an inspection of your plumbing system. You can set an appointment with HEP Is On The Way, and we will send out a plumbing service expert to do an inspection for you![/cs_text][cs_text class=”cs-ta-left”][cs_text class=”cs-ta-left”][cs_text class=”cs-ta-left”][cs_text class=”cs-ta-left”][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/3″ style=”padding: 10px;”][x_widget_area sidebar=”sidebar-main” ][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]