Signs it is Time to Replace Your Plumbing

Some things are easy to see when they need replacing in your home. Carpet that is worn or an air conditioner that no longer cools the air is simple to identify as needing replacement. Plumbing is not as straight-forward; pipes can corrode, and other issues can occur behind walls and under the ground that cannot be seen. Knowing the signs of plumbing issues can alert you to when your plumbing may need replacement to protect your health and the investment in your home.

Changes in Your Water

One of the signs of old plumbing that may need replacement is changes in your water. If you have well water, you may have some discoloration or odors in the water, usually when your filtration system needs updating. But in most cases, water should be clear and odorless. When you start noticing changes, like darker water or odors, there could be an issue in your pipes. There could be rust, bacteria and other issues in the plumbing that are causing the changes to your water, signs that the pipes might need replacement.

Water Leaks

A drip in your faucet doesn’t mean you need to replace your plumbing, maybe just a washer or the fixture. However, leaks occurring in pipes in your home or underground are signs of problems. Water stains on walls or ceilings, damp areas in the lawn or rotting floor boards can alert you to leaks and possible pipes that need replacement.

Plumbing can last for decades, but it does eventually need replacement. If you notice changes in your water or your home that are signs of plumbing issues, call your local plumber to have your plumbing inspected.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

Repairing a Leaky Compression Type Faucet

A dripping faucet is more than just a nuisance.  It costs you money too.  Just one leaking faucet wastes about five gallons of water a day and more than 2,000 gallons per year.  If it’s a hot water faucet that leaks, then your cost is even greater because your water heater has to work overtime to keep the water in the tank hot as the heated water drips out of your faucet and goes down the drain.

Faucet repairs on a leaking compression type faucet is pretty straightforward, but if you are not comfortable doing the work yourself, call a reputable plumber.

Compression type faucets use a rubber washer that seals against the seat to control the flow of water.   The rubber washer gets hard and brittle over time and begins to leak.

To repair a leaky compression type faucet, first turn off the water to the faucet.  The shutoff handle is usually located under the sink.  Then, remove the faucet handle.  The handle is held on with a single screw that may be under a decorative cap. The cap can be carefully pried off with a thin screwdriver or knife blade.

Once the handle is removed, you may need to remove the cover over the valve stem assembly.  This either screw on or is held in place with a knurled nut.  Now that the valve stem is exposed, you are ready to remove the valve assembly.  Unscrew the valve assembly using a wrench or deep socket.

At the bottom of the valve stem, you will see the old washer held on with a single screw.  Remove the washer and replace it with a new one of the proper size.  Reassemble the faucet, check for leaks, and you’re done!