When to Consider Replacing Plumbing Pipes

by | Nov 4, 2022 | Plumber, Plumber Service, Residential Plumbing, Water Pipe Repair

When to Consider Replacing Plumbing Pipes | The Importance Of Routine Plumbing InspectionsThink of the plumbing pipes running through your home as blood vessels and arteries. Just as the body requires the proper flow of blood throughout, to function properly, so your home needs proper inflow and outflow of water sources to function properly. There are few things that the average person can do in a home where plumbing is not involved. As the body can present hidden damages, so can your home. Pipes may be partially clogged in places that could restrict the flow of water into or out of the home. Without proper inspections, these could become larger problems.

How to tell when pipes need replacing

There are a few signs the average homeowner should be on the lookout for, as a sign that it may be time to replace plumbing pipes.

  • Low water pressure. Loss in water pressure could be a result of a malfunctioning water heater, but a slow decrease in pressure, over time, can indicate a leak in the pipes.
  • Leaks. A leak can occur anywhere along the pipeline. While it may be on the surface, and obvious, realize that the leaks can occur behind the walls or within the floors and ceilings. If you notice paint that is lifting, wallpaper curling, or brown spots on the walls or ceilings, these are all indications of hidden leaks.
  • Discolored water. Water that is brackish with any of several colors (other than clear) is a sure sign that something is going on within your pipe structure. Orange-brown colors are most often associated with rust within the pipes, while a bluish-green tint indicates the presence of brass or copper elements in the water. It’s important to have the water tested or looked at by a plumber.
  • Clogged/slow drains. Any time you notice a sink or shower is slow to drain, it could indicate a blockage within the drainpipes. Could be an easy fix. Could be a sign of something more significant going on.

The life expectancy of pipes

Unfortunately, there is no hard-set way to determine when pipes will fail, but there is an age that, depending on the material and the location of that material, that pipes should be considered for replacement:

  • Copper supply line piping: 70-80 years
  • Galvanized steel supply line piping: 80-100 years
  • Brass supply line pipes: 80-100 years
  • PVC drainpipes: 25-40 years
  • Cast iron drainpipes: 80-100 years

Plumbing in older homes (pre-1986)

Homes that were constructed before 1986 typically contained lead, either the pipe itself was lead pipe, or the soldering was made of lead. Over time, there was a rise of lead poisoning that led to the adoption of the Clean Water Act. This Act banned the use of lead piping in new construction but did nothing to remove it from existing structures. This means that millions of homes and businesses still contain lead piping throughout. This type of piping is not made for the long haul and begins to break down, leading to leaks and seepage. This means you may need to replace these pipes sooner than later, to avoid the risk of lead poisoning.

To have your plumbing pipes inspected by a professional plumber with years of experience, call Dan’s Plumbing and Septic at (763) 434-6814 today.

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"I have been a loyal customer of Dans Sewer Service for nearly two decades for the simple reason of extraordinary customer service. I call and the response is immediate, professional, and geared to accommodate my schedule. Dan handles all the paperwork for the mandatory inspection required by the State every three years, is respectful of my lawn and landscape when providing pumping services, and is friendly and courteous. I do not even think of calling someone else when I need assistance or services for my septic system."


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2020-05-22T11:30:10-05:00
"I have been a loyal customer of Dans Sewer Service for nearly two decades for the simple reason of extraordinary customer service. I call and the response is immediate, professional, and geared to accommodate my schedule. Dan handles all the paperwork for the mandatory inspection required by the State every three years, is respectful of my lawn and landscape when providing pumping services, and is friendly and courteous. I do not even think of calling someone else when I need assistance or services for my septic system." — Nyle, Blaine, MN

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"Dans Sewer Service has always been knowledgeable and prompt when dealing with our maintenance and emergency issues, both in our commercial and residential operations." — Mark and Wendy, Ham Lake, MN

"I’ve used Dans Sewer Service since we bought our property (20 years ago). He is reliable, fast, and pleasant. I’m completely satisfied with the service."


— Ellen, Ramsey, MN

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2020-05-22T18:14:43-05:00
"I’ve used Dans Sewer Service since we bought our property (20 years ago). He is reliable, fast, and pleasant. I’m completely satisfied with the service." — Ellen, Ramsey, MN

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— Lynn, Ham Lake, MN

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2020-05-22T18:15:02-05:00
"Dans Sewer Service is great! Scheduling is easy and the truck is always on time. The service call is quick and the technician is efficient and always friendly! Thanks Dans!" — Lynn, Ham Lake, MN

"I have managed a mobile home park since 1988 in Anoka County. Dans Sewer Service was one of the first companies I ordered after I found how unreliable the past service was. Dans has been under contract with me ever since and has pumped our sludge tank, repaired sewer lines, cleaned out manholes, maintained sewer stacks on empty lots and has always found the time to "come when called". I highly recommend Dans Sewer Service to any commercial or private property."


— Jim, East Bethel, MN

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2020-05-22T18:15:18-05:00
"I have managed a mobile home park since 1988 in Anoka County. Dans Sewer Service was one of the first companies I ordered after I found how unreliable the past service was. Dans has been under contract with me ever since and has pumped our sludge tank, repaired sewer lines, cleaned out manholes, maintained sewer stacks on empty lots and has always found the time to "come when called". I highly recommend Dans Sewer Service to any commercial or private property." — Jim, East Bethel, MN

"Twenty years ago we were referred to Dans Sewer Service and first met Jerry. We were new homeowners with a new septic system. Not only did Jerry teach us how to best maintain our system, but he responded to septic emergencies over the years quickly and efficiently. We feel a friendship has developed over the years based on trust, dependability and fine service. Thank you, Jerry of Dans Sewer Service!"


— Tim and Cherie, North Oaks, MN

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2020-05-22T18:15:36-05:00
"Twenty years ago we were referred to Dans Sewer Service and first met Jerry. We were new homeowners with a new septic system. Not only did Jerry teach us how to best maintain our system, but he responded to septic emergencies over the years quickly and efficiently. We feel a friendship has developed over the years based on trust, dependability and fine service. Thank you, Jerry of Dans Sewer Service!" — Tim and Cherie, North Oaks, MN

"This letter is to thank you for your continued service. I am so relieved that I can call Dans Sewer Service whenever there is a problem. Dans Sewer Service is always willing to come as soon as possible. Dans Sewer Service does an excellent job at keeping our septic in working order. I recommend Dans Sewer Service to anyone who asks if I know a good septic pumper. Thank you again for being so professional and considerate."


— Betty, Anoka, MN

Dans Plumbing & Septic
2020-05-22T18:15:55-05:00
"This letter is to thank you for your continued service. I am so relieved that I can call Dans Sewer Service whenever there is a problem. Dans Sewer Service is always willing to come as soon as possible. Dans Sewer Service does an excellent job at keeping our septic in working order. I recommend Dans Sewer Service to anyone who asks if I know a good septic pumper. Thank you again for being so professional and considerate." — Betty, Anoka, MN
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