Old Pipes, New Problems: The Unexpected Results of Aging Pipework

The unassuming pipes that course through your home and workplace—silently carrying water to the faucets and waste from your premises—are often out of sight, out of mind. But as they age, these silent workhorses can transform into ticking time bombs, leading to unexpected, often serious issues.

This blog post will unravel the hidden intricacies of aging pipework and the surprising challenges this problem presents.

Common Water Quality Issues

In the earlier stages of a pipe's lifecycle, the robust materials it's constructed from, typically metals like iron and copper, efficiently carry water without significant contamination. However, as time progresses, the pipe material starts to corrode due to prolonged exposure to water and various components present in it, like minerals and salts.

Natural processes such as corrosion and oxidation start to take a toll, leading to the buildup of rust, sediment, and other particulates in the pipework.

The continuous leaching of the pipe's constituent metals into the water it carries causes a noticeable change in taste and odor and, in some cases, even discoloration. This deterioration can also affect the quality of the water supply, making it unsafe for consumption.

The situation further escalates as the pipes continue to slowly deteriorate. Small fissures and cracks may begin to form due to the constant water pressure and the weakening structure of the pipes. These openings become gateways for groundwater and soil contaminants to infiltrate the water supply, introducing bacteria, viruses, and even harmful chemicals.

Additionally, the buildup of sediments and biofilms on the pipes' inner surface can compromise water clarity and promote microbial growth. This further compromises the quality of the water that reaches your faucets. This cumulative effect of aging pipework manifests as a severe challenge if your goal is to maintain safe and clean water supply systems.

Reduced Water Pressure

Aging pipework is often responsible for a noticeable decline in water pressure, a problem that can significantly impact day-to-day life. As time passes, the pipes' internal diameter begins to diminish due to the accumulation of sediment, rust, and other particulates. This effectively narrows the pathway through which water can flow, making it harder for the water to pass through.

When the pipes are new and unobstructed, the water can move quickly with ease. But as the buildup gets worse, the water flow gets increasingly hindered, leading to a general slowdown in your water supply.

The reduction in water pressure doesn't happen overnight, but it's a gradual process that worsens over time. This decline in water flow is especially noticeable during peak hours when the water demand is higher.

In extreme cases, small cracks and fissures will also develop due to a combination of water pressure buildup, corrosion, and rust. Even the smallest of cracks can cause water to leak out from the pipes, reducing the overall pressure of the water that finally reaches the faucets.

Aging Pipework Solutions

No matter how well you maintain your plumbing system, pipes inevitably deteriorate over time. The joints may become loose, and the pipes can crack due to pressure from water usage. These small leaks can lead to large-scale water damage, which can be expensive to repair.

But there are steps you can take to mitigate the effects and prevent unexpected issues. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a qualified plumber can uncover potential problems before they escalate, which leaves room for timely replacements or repairs.

Additionally, updating old pipes with newer materials like PVC, PEX, or copper can improve water quality and reduce the chances of leaks and bursts. While this might seem like a huge upfront investment, you'll be one step closer to a safer, more reliable water supply system.

Give us a call at  O'Fallon Sewer Service  to discuss your plumbing concerns and see how we can help you avoid the unexpected results of aging pipework. Our team of experts is equipped with the knowledge and experience to identify, diagnose, and solve any issues related to your pipework.