You probably don’t think about your drains every day until they start acting up. Maybe your sink is slow, or your tub takes forever to drain. Sometimes, it’s just a clog, but at other times, it’s a sign that your old pipes are wearing out. Over the years, pipes can rust, crack, or corrode, and those small issues can lead to big plumbing problems.
Our experts at TYCO Plumbing in Brighton, CO can help you figure out if it’s time to swap out those aging pipes for something more reliable. Taking care of it early means you can avoid messy backups and get back to enjoying your home worry-free.
Slow Drains That Won’t Get Better
You know that feeling when you brush your teeth, and the sink starts to fill up like a tiny swimming pool? Or maybe you’re standing in the shower, and water creeps up around your ankles like you’re in a bath you didn’t ask for. Sometimes, a quick plunge or a little drain cleaner gets things moving again. But when you find yourself dealing with slow drains over and over, it’s usually a sign of a bigger problem hiding deeper in your pipes.
Old plumbing can build up layers of gunk inside over the years — soap scum, grease, hair, and all the other stuff that finds its way down the drain. It doesn’t just go away. It sticks to the walls of the pipes, narrowing the space for water to pass through. You might not notice it at first, but one day, things start slowing down. You clear it, and it seems fine, but a few weeks later, it’s slow again. That’s because you’re only fixing the top layer of the problem. Underneath, the inside of your pipes might look like an artery clogged with cholesterol.
If you live in an older home, your pipes might also be corroding. Rust can flake off inside and mix with buildup, creating rough patches that grab onto whatever flows by. Even if you’re careful about what goes down the drain, your pipes could be working against you. When those slow drains become the new normal, it’s a sign that your plumbing might need more than a quick fix.
Water That Tastes or Smells Off
Older pipes, especially ones made from galvanized steel or iron, can break down over time. When they corrode, bits of metal can flake into your water. That’s often where that metallic taste comes from. You might even notice your water looking a little cloudy or slightly brown when you first turn it on. That’s rust mixing in with the flow.
Even if your pipes aren’t rusty, buildup inside can trap bacteria, causing that musty or sour smell. You could flush the lines or clean the faucet aerators, but if the problem keeps coming back, it’s often a sign that your pipes are breaking down inside. Newer piping materials, like copper or PEX, are less likely to cause these issues. If you’re cringing every time you take a sip of tap water, it might be time to think about replacing those old pipes.
Low Water Pressure That Worsens
Washing dishes with a weak trickle from the faucet is frustrating. So is trying to rinse shampoo out of your hair under a shower that feels more like a drizzle. Sometimes, low water pressure is caused by city supply issues or a clogged aerator. But when your pressure keeps getting worse, and none of the quick fixes work, your pipes could be the problem.
Old pipes can get so corroded inside that water struggles to get through. You might notice it starts with just one faucet, but soon, the whole house seems affected. It can sneak up slowly, so you might not even realize how bad it’s gotten until you’re standing under a sad little dribble of water.
Leaks can also cause pressure drops. Sometimes leaks are obvious — like a damp spot under your sink. Other times, they’re hidden behind walls or under the floor. If a pipe is cracked or has a small hole, water escapes before it gets to your faucet. You might not see it, but your pressure tells the story. Getting those pipes replaced can bring back the strong, steady flow you need.
Call Us Today
Staying ahead of these problems helps protect your home and keeps your water flowing the way it should. If you’re seeing signs that your pipes might need an upgrade, it’s always better to get answers before you’re stuck with a burst line or a flooded bathroom. Rely on us for expert plumbing help, like drain cleaning, sewer repair, or leak detection.
When you’re ready to talk to a professional in Brighton who can walk you through your options, call TYCO Plumbing to schedule a plumbing inspection.
