two adjustable wrenches tightening up tee-fitting on 15 mm copper pipework with loose pipe in background on white gloss surface

4 Signs You Need to Update Your Plumbing

The plumbing in your home is one of its most essential components, but it’s often something we take for granted. Only when things go wrong do we realize how much we rely on our pipes, faucets, and fixtures. Here are four signs you need to update your plumbing:

1. Leaking Faucets

A leaky faucet is one of the most common causes of water waste in a home, adding up to hundreds of gallons a year that could otherwise be put to other uses. If left untreated for years, the wasted water can add up to thousands of dollars in water bills. Moreover, you may be wasting more than just water; faucet leaks can cause corrosion and lead to clogs in the drain pipe, resulting in costly repairs.

2. Clogged Drains

Often a sign of neglect or a nasty buildup in the pipes, clogged drains are the bane of every homeowner. You can usually tell when something is wrong with your plumbing if one of your sinks or tubs won’t drain. Luckily, clogged drains don’t have to be a huge hassle and are always fixable. Many clogs, especially those in showers, come from hair that gets wrapped around the drainage grate. The easiest way to deal with this problem is to remove the hair. It’s also a good idea to invest in drain catchers to prevent the problem altogether.

3. Water Pressure Problems

When you have plumbing problems, it can affect the performance of your faucets. Check the pressure of each one to make sure they are working correctly. If one is having difficulties, it may also affect others. You can easily see if your water pressure is sufficient by running multiple sinks or showers simultaneously. If the water sprays weakly, your plumbing may not be able to handle multiple tasks and may need to be upgraded.

4. Mold and Mildew

It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of home maintenance, but your plumbing system is an essential part of your home that needs regular upkeep. Neglecting the pipes and drains behind your walls can lead to severe problems if not taken care of in a timely manner. To check for potential issues, look for mold and mildew on or around your plumbing vents, sinks, tubs, showers, and any fixtures connected to the drainage system. If either of these is present, call a plumber right away. Mold spores can cause serious health issues, particularly respiratory problems, if allowed to spread throughout your home.

Reach Out for Professional Plumbing Help

Outdated plumbing can be a hassle to use, and it can cause severe property damage if problems are left unaddressed. If you need repiping or other plumbing updates in Bozeman, MT or the surrounding area, contact our team at Mountain Valley Plumbing and Heating today.