FOR BREaAKING tNEWS VIhSIT WWWo.QNS.COmM e JANUARY 21, 2021 • THE QUEENS COURIER 39
Seven signs you might need new water pipes
While spending more time at home,
you’ve probably started noticing repairs
you need to make. You may have even
tackled a few home improvement projects.
However, there are some 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. But you can’t usually
tell something is wrong until they leak,
creating water damage costing thousands
of dollars.
Th ere 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.
Is your home over 50 years old?
If the original pipes weren’t replaced,
repiping might be a good 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.
Th ese 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 fl ow
into the house. By the time it aff ects your
water pressure, it’s the result of years of
buildup - a clear sign repiping is needed.
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, fl aking, 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.
Th e inspection
If any of these signs sound familiar,
contact a professional. Each house is different,
requiring a unique repiping solution.
Professionals like Uponor Pro Squad
experts are trained on multiple installation
confi gurations and considerations
that can arise in your home.
Th ese experts do a thorough site analysis
fi rst, checking your home for signs
of leaks, such as moisture, mildew, foundation
cracks and a running water meter.
Th ey also conduct a water-usage review.
Th eir inspection and recommendations
allow you to be proactive and prevent
problems before they occur.
Th e solution
Once the problem is identifi ed, it’s
vital to replace pipes with a more durable
material. One innovative solution
to repiping homes is using Uponor
AquaPEX, a fl exible polymer piping
material that resists corrosion, pitting
and scale buildup while also off ering
greater resiliency in freezing conditions.
Flexible crosslinked polyethylene (PEX)
pipe lasts longer and also makes repiping
less invasive. Th e pipe can bend
around corners and fi t into tight spaces
without having to cut large holes in
drywall.
Its benefi ts include:
• Highest industry rating for drinking
water safety
• Faster, safer, easier installation
• Flexible for fewer fi ttings 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 can give you peace
of mind by protecting your home and
family from future water disasters, costly
repairs and unsafe drinking water.
— Courtesy of BPT
/WWWo.QNS.COm
