Pipework replacement in London

Piping and pipe connections can sometimes fail as a result of a lack of maintenance, low-quality installations, age, or faulty parts. When any portion of your home plumbing, including piping, fail, they occur almost immediately and can lead to property damage, as well as the loss of your home furnishings.

However, because almost all home pipework are concealed behind walls, it is essential to know the expected life span of your pipework, as well as other various tips that can help you know when it is time for a new pipework replacement in your home.

At Mr Emergency Plumber, you can be sure that all of your pipework replacement can be done by some of the industry’s finest professionals to improve your home plumbing.

Common types of pipe materials and their life span

Plumbing pipes come in various kinds of metal and plastic pipes. However, choosing a particular plumbing pipe has some pros and cons and usages in your home. That said, understanding the type of plumping pipes available to you is a crucial step when considering replacing or fixing a large piping project in your home.

Copper pipes

What you should know
Can last for over 50 years if properly maintained
Copper pipes are not easily prone to leakages
When fitted, they stay tight and sturdy
They are Heat tolerant
Are hygienic, and can barely pollute your drinking water.
Regardless of the above listed, they are sometimes expensive.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes

What you should know
Can last for over 100 years
Can barely handle hot water
They are straightforward to work with
They are cost-effective
Are specifically useful for home sinks, toilet and vent stacks.
Effective at carrying high water pressure.
Brass pipes
What you should know
Can stay for as long as 40 to 45 years
Heavy walls
Less strenuous to install
Are quite resistant against corrosion
Resistant to the minerals or peaty soils found in water
Cast iron pipes
What you should know
They are cheap and economical
Cast iron pipes are durable and can last for more than 80 years of age
They are widely used for city water distribution because of its high resistance to corrosion.
Galvanized steel
What you should know
They are made of mild steel sheet
They are ideal for supplying water, gas and any other liquid inside your home
The average age of a galvanized pipe may range between 20 to 50 years of age
Galvanised pipes are light weighted and cheap to use
Acidic and alkaline waters can affect this type of pipe negatively
Although the long life span of these pipes may appear impressive, if they are not properly maintained, they become easily worn out. More so, faulty and compromised fittings can also affect the durability of these pipes, through leakages and water backups. Pipework replacement is very important when it comes to bathroom refurbishment and installation.

Whichever type of pipe you decide to use in your house; our plumbers would be glad to help in replacing your pipework.

Signs that you may need a pipework replacement
Here are a few signs that your plumbing work needs professional attention:

Odd sounds from your faucets: if you hear strange screeching sounds from your drains, whenever they are turned on, it might just be a sign of failing plumbing work. When sounds come from your pipes, it generally indicates the presence of air in them, which means something, is wrong with your plumbing work.
Unpleasant smells from your drains: when nasty smells emanate from your plumbing, it could be a sign for replacement. For example, if this disgusting scent is within the kitchen sink, it could be a sign of food build-up in the drainpipe. The smell of a rotten egg, on the other hand, indicates a blocked drain vent that allows sewer gas to back up into your pipes and enter your home. Since these problems may vary in terms of severity and how often they occur, not all will require pipework replacement. Regardless, it is essential to reach out to a professional plumber for ideal solutions and action.

Low water pressure: low water pressure is a prevalent issue, especially when the home is old. Generally, low water pressure is often caused by leakages and blockages in your pipes. However, while this may be very common, it is usually challenging to detect the root cause. A professional plumber should be called when you notice this symptom, to avoid unnecessary confusion.
Sluggish drain: when your drains are slower than usual, it may be a sign of blockages in the pipe. You can try cleaning the drain yourself with a cleaning solution or a drain snake. Notwithstanding, if you have tried the above solutions, and you still can’t seem, to fix the problem, you may need to seek the advise and help of a professional plumber.
Other signs include:
Pipe Leaks
Pipe cracks
Wet baseboards
Stained or warped flooring and wall
Although the above-listed symptoms may sound like the usual plumbing issues you often experience regularly, care should be taken to avoid neglecting significant plumbing problems.

Take the necessary action
If you have noticed any of these problems in your home, it is crucial you get an experienced plumber who can diagnose and proffer suitable solutions to the problem. You may just be surprised to find out that the seeming pipework you feel should be replaced, might need a few touches from an expert.