Signs Your SE22 Home Needs a Plumbing Upgrade
Plumbing is essential to any house — and that’s certainly true for your SE22 home. It’s what gives you running water for everything from washing your hands and doing dishes to flushing the toilet, watering your plants, and enjoying a bath. But if you live in an older house, then you are likely dealing with aging pipes. Should you consider a plumbing overhaul?
This blog post will walk you through the telltale signs that your SE22 home’s plumbing needs an upgrade. Knowing these signs can help you avoid inefficient performance and those frequent, expensive repairs.
Ageing pipes
Ageing pipes will wear out over time. But if you see visible damage and pipe bursts are becoming a regular occurrence, it’s a sign the plumbing system is nearing the end of its lifespan. We recommend addressing damage and cracks immediately so they don’t cause severe flooding and water damage. Don’t ignore unusual whistling, banging, or gurgling noises from the pipes. These may indicate trapped air, high-water pressure or damaged plumbing parts in some cases.
Replacing old pipes
If you live in an SE22 home, chances are, it has old pipes made from materials like cast iron or lead. These materials can weaken over time, making them prone to cracking and corrosion with age. We highly recommend replacing them to prevent further problems and health issues.
Persistent leaks
If you find yourself calling a plumber several times a month to fix leaky pipes and faucets, your home might need a plumbing upgrade. Frequent leaks are common with outdated plumbing systems. Not only are they annoying and costly to fix, but they could also lead to water wastage and extensive damage to your SE22 home.
High water bills
If you see a sudden increase in water bills but haven’t changed your usage habits, it may be due to your plumbing system. Outdated fixtures, leaks, and inefficient fittings can waste water. Upgrading your plumbing system can eliminate all those problems and bring long-term savings.
Low water pressure
It’s definitely frustrating to deal with low water pressure in your shower or faucets. If this is a regular problem, there could be blockages or corrosion in your older pipes restricting water flow. Rust and mineral deposits can build up inside the pipes over time, making the passage narrower and affecting your water pressure. If cleaning the filters and aerators doesn’t solve the issue, it’s probably time to consider replacing the pipes. Upgrading your pipes will restore your water pressure and prevent rust and mineral deposits from getting into your water.
Strange odours and discolouration in the water
If your tap water looks yellow or brown and has a strange smell, something’s definitely not right. This is often caused by old rusty pipes, though it may also indicate a problem with the water supply itself.
In older homes with galvanised steel or lead pipes, there’s a risk of harmful substances leaching into the water, which can cause health problems. Upgrading your plumbing system is the best way to ensure you have safe water that’s free from potentially dangerous contaminants.
Slow drains and clogging have become common in your home.
Drains can slow or clog due to the build-up of grease, food particles, and other debris. However, if this happens more than usual, it may be a sign that the pipes have narrowed with age. Over time, grease and sediment build-up will narrow the pipes and cause recurring blockages. The drain may need repairs, or a sewer replacement may be considered if clogs have become persistent.
Outdated fixtures
Old showerheads, faucets, toilets, and bathtubs aren’t very efficient and could be driving up your water bill. Upgrading to newer, water-efficient fixtures will give your home a fresh new look and also help you conserve water.
Is it time for a plumbing upgrade?
Call 020 7350 2511 and let our plumbers here at WPJ Heating survey your SE22 home. We will help you decide whether a plumbing upgrade is necessary. We will work closely with you to provide the highest level of workmanship.