Tuckers Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing Blog

How to Tell You Need Water Line Replacement

The water line of your home runs from the municipal water supply to the appliances and fixtures in your house. These pipes should stay in good condition for many years, but, eventually, you will need to replace the water line to ensure your water supply is safe. But these pipes are buried deep under the ground, and it may be difficult to determine the right time for water line replacement.

In general, you don’t want to wait for a major repair need to flood your yard or basement before scheduling replacement. While you should ultimately trust an expert’s advice, here are some of the ways you may be able to tell you need water line replacement in Bethesda.

  • Frequent Leaks: Leaks may occur from time to time, but if you feel you’ve repaired your pipes over and over again, it simply makes more sense to replace. Most likely, your pipes are corroding and will continue to corrode until you’ve amassed quite a few repair bills. Scheduling replacement means a one-time service charge and peace of mind knowing leaks will not occur for some time. Not sure if you have a leak? Low water pressure throughout the home is a good indicator.
  • Older Pipes: If your pipes are leaking too often, it may be a sign of old age. Pipes built before the 1970s were made from galvanized steel, a material which can easily be home to rust and other major plumbing problems. These days, most pipes are made from copper or plastic. It’s important to replace pipes made from galvanized steel, even if you don’t notice any problems, in order to protect your potable water supply.
  • Mineral Buildup: Low water pressure may be a sign that minerals have built up along the insides of your pipes and that the problem is too serious for repairs. Have a professional install a water softener to keep this from becoming a problem, but a plumber may recommend total water line replacement.

Choosing a dependable professional plumber like one of the experts at Tuckers Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing can help you decide whether you’re ready for water line replacement in Bethesda. Give us a call!