Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Pipe Replacement’

When Is the Right Time for Pipe Replacement?

Wednesday, March 11th, 2015

You probably don’t consider the condition of the pipes that make up your plumbing system until you encounter problems. This is true of most homeowners, but it can be problematic as there may be some existing issues of which you are unaware. When the pipes begin to leak, the damage may not be immediately apparent. You might not notice that water is slowly leaking onto your property until it’s too late and you have to renovate large portions of your home’s foundation.

Pay attention to the signs that your pipes are in trouble, such as water spots on the walls or ceilings and low water pressure, and call a technician for regular maintenance. During a maintenance visit, a technician will thoroughly inspect the plumbing system and let you know whether it is time for pipe replacement in Altamonte Springs.

  • Rust: One of the most pressing reasons for pipe replacement is rust. Rust leads to corrosion, which means that water will slowly leak from the pipes. It may ruin walls, beams, and carpeting, which is why replacement is necessary at the very earliest signs of rusting.
  • Old Age: Galvanized steel pipes are prone to corrosion. This was the material used for plumbing pipes before the 1970s, as the galvanization of the pipes—adding a layer of zinc for protection—was meant to guard against rust. Unfortunately, this layer can wear away within a few decades, which is why many plumbers recommend replacement even if you’re not currently experiencing problems with your galvanized steel pipes.
  • Tree Root Infiltration: If your pipes become too damaged, replacement becomes necessary. One of the reasons this may happen is if tree roots begin to infiltrate your sewer pipes. By nature, roots grow toward sources of water. They can wrap around the sewer pipes and crush them, causing sewage to leak into your yard and onto your property. In some cases, plumbers decide that the solution is to reroute the replacement pipes so that the problem does not present itself once more months or years later.

Call the professional plumbers at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) when you are in need of a quality pipe replacement service in the Altamonte Springs area.

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Will a Leaky Pipe Always Require Replacement?

Monday, February 16th, 2015

There are lots of items that fall under the guise of “home remedies” to fix leaking pipes. Some of these so-called fixes are sprays that turn into rubber while others are just the old standby: duct tape. Unfortunately, none of these home-grown remedies every really repairs anything and can actually contribute to more problems down the road. So to answer the question, “does a leak pipe always require replacement?” our answer is “yes”. To help you understand why pipe replacement in Sanford is important, we’d like to share some leak facts from the EPA WaterSense initiative for your consideration.

Water Leak Facts

It can be amazing how much a little drip there or a drop here can cost you, but these statistics don’t lie:

  • Household leaks average a loss of 10,000 gallons of water per year – if you pay for your water, you are paying for a whole lot of water that isn’t getting used.
  • Most, if not all, leaks can be eliminated when the problem plumbing sections are replaced correctly by professionals.
  • The most common leaks are: toilet bowl flappers, leaking valves and dripping faucets, all of which can be easily repaired by an expert.
  • A faucet that drips a droplet of water every second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water annually.
  • 10% of homes have an average loss of water of 90 gallons per day due to small leaks.
  • Replacing an old and/or inefficient toilet with a low-flow toilet can save you up to 13,000 gallons of water per year.
  • Have in-ground watering? A leak the size of a dime can waste over 6,000 gallons of water per month.

As you can see, even the smallest of leaks can cost you a significant amount of water, which translates into dollars with your monthly water bill. Additionally, these statistics do not take into consideration any water damage that can easily occur from the leaking water. The bottom line: if you have a leaky pipe, don’t spray it or tape it; instead, call an expert from Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. and schedule an appointment for pipe replacement service for your Sanford home.

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Do I Really Need Whole-House Pipe Replacement?

Tuesday, January 13th, 2015

Whole-house pipe replacement is a very big job, and not something that is done lightly. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s necessary. The water pipes in your home are not really installed with the intention of you having to replace them at some point. In fact, water pipes are specifically designed to withstand a lifetime or two of water flow. Nothing is perfect, however, and if you do need whole-house pipe replacement then something has gone seriously wrong. Let’s examine some of the things that can provoke a whole-house pipe replacement.

Older or Harmful Pipes

Modern plumbing pipes are almost entirely made of copper, which is highly resistant to corrosion by water. Copper piping can last up to 100 years or more, assuming normal use and nothing catastrophic happens. In the early-to-mid twentieth century, however, pipes were often made of iron or lead. Iron can still last a long time, though it rusts more easily. Lead, on the other hand, tends to leech into the water that runs through the pipes. This is extremely bad for you. If you find out that any of the piping in your home is lead, replace it immediately. Polybutylene (plastic) pipes were also used in the late twentieth century, but proved far too brittle to be effective. If your house has plastic pipes, you should probably have them replaced before they rupture.

Visible Signs of Corrosion

If you live in an older house, around 50 years or older, you should make a habit of checking all the visible pipes in your home at least once a year. If you notice leaks, rust, or any other signs of corrosion, you may have a problem. The pipes in most homes tend to be uniform in material, unless a section of them has already been replaced. That means that if you find corrosion in one part of your pipe network, there’s a good chance that it is elsewhere as well. You’ll need to call a plumber to make sure, however.

If you’re worried about the water pipes in your home, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) and schedule an appointment with us. We provide quality pipe replacement services throughout the Maitland area.

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Why You Need Professional Plumbers for Pipe Replacement

Wednesday, November 5th, 2014

If you have a problem with your water or sewer line, the worst case scenario is that your pipes will need replacement. However, the situation does not have to be stressful so long as you choose a qualified plumber for the job. A quality plumber will inspect the pipes to ensure that you get the right service, keep you informed of time and cost estimates, and provide the quickest and, more importantly, the most thorough service possible.

At Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI), we want to help you choose the right technician for the job, so we’ve put together a guide to some of the reasons you should always trusted skilled and experienced professionals for pipe replacement in Winter Park.

The Right Contractor Will Let You Know if Repair Is an Option

Of course, replacement is generally a last resort, chosen only when the pipes suffer from mineral buildup, are at risk for corrosion, or when improper placement or faulty installation causes frequent leaking and pipe bursts. Don’t let an inexperienced plumber charge you more for pipe replacement when a few repairs may prove just as effective. Check reviews online to find a contractor who won’t scam you and leave you with a hefty bill.

A Good Contractor Can Work with Your Schedule

A decent contractor should be able to work with your schedule in some ways, since pipe replacement is a job that often takes several days. Ask for time estimates and make sure there is some way you can still have access to water. Many plumbers will run a temporary pipe to the water main so you can get on with your daily routine.

Professionals Know How the Safest and Least Invasive Methods of Pipe Replacement

Finally, professional plumbers know the safest ways to repair your pipes, as well as which methods do the least damage to the landscaping. Pipe replacement is an invasive process, during which large portions of your yard must be excavated, but professionals can help make sure the impact of this is kept minimal.

Call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) to schedule an appointment and speak with experts you can trust for quality pipe replacement service in Winter Park.

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Different Materials Used for Pipe Replacement

Wednesday, October 8th, 2014

For many decades, the two most common materials for indoor plumbing were iron and galvanized steel. The latter continued to be used until the early 1970s. Although both metals are sturdy, they are also inclined toward corrosion over time, which eventually leads to water contamination, leaks, and busted pipes. For homes built before 1970, it is often necessary to schedule pipe replacement to swap out these outdated materials for modern ones.

There are a number of different materials that plumbers use when repiping parts of a home. Which ones depend on the situation. If you hire the professionals at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) to handle your pipe replacement in Apopka, FL or the surrounding areas, you’ll receive the skilled work necessary to select the right new pipes and install them so you will have many decades of trouble-free plumbing.

The Most Common Types of Pipe Replacement Material

  • Copper: This is the metal that superseded iron and galvanized steel as the new standard for plumbing. Copper is durable, corrosion-resistant, and extremely light, making it easy to work with. Copper also has greater flexibility than steel and iron, making it less likely to break when encountering extra force or strung between two distant supports. In general, copper will outlast most other piping material.
  • PEX: One of the most popular of the different types of plastic pipes used in plumbing, PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene. It is especially common for freshwater pipes that carry drinking water to taps. PEX is less expensive than copper, does not suffer from corrosion or pinhole leaking (which is sometimes an issue with copper), and can often last for 50 years.
  • CPVC: An advance over standard PVC pipes, some plumbers prefer CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) over PEX piping. These pipes are most commonly used for hot water lines because they have a high resistance to heat.

When handling pipe replacement for a home, a plumber will probably use a combination of these materials to complete the job. Normally, copper pipes are used for main lines, and various color-coded plastic pipes (red for hot, blue for cold) branching off to fixtures. Using these flexible materials, plumbers have greater freedom for designing plumbing than they once did, which is a reason that it’s always a good idea to have pipe replacement done during a remodeling, since it permits more options.

If you have a home with aging pipes, or if you have started to notice signs of declining pipes, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) for professional pipe replacement in Apopka, FL. We will bring the best technology and skills to any job we do.

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Reasons That You May Need Pipe Replacement

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014

Your plumbing system is made up of fixtures, faucets, and drains that all rely on a complex network of pressurized pipes. Unfortunately, even the smallest change in pressure can affect your plumbing to the point that pipe replacement may be necessary. When leaks threaten your home, you want to fix the problem as soon as possible, which is why it’s imperative that you call a plumbing professional, like the technicians at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) in Casselberry. So why might your pipes need replacement? Is pipe replacement preventable?

If the water pressure changes even slightly inside of your plumbing system, you may need repairs or replacement. One example is the effects of hard water. If you have an excess of minerals in your water supply, deposits may build up along the inside of pipes, changing the water pressure to the point that a pipe may spring a leak. This issue is preventable if you install a water softener at the first sign of hard water.

Another reason pipes may need replacement is if tree roots infiltrate your water or sewer line. Roots naturally grow towards a source of water, so if there is a weak point in your pipes, a root may take hold and work its way inside. If water or sewage leaks into your yard, you may need to schedule pipe replacement services, but your new pipes may offer better protection against tree roots.

Finally, you may need pipe replacement if there are signs that your pipes are older and may soon corrode from rust. While modern plumbing systems are made up of copper or plastic pipes, some older homes may still have pipes made from galvanized steel that can rust through, causing major leaks. If your water is discolored or you notice reddish-brown flakes, pipe replacement may be urgent. If corrosion affects one part of your plumbing system, you’ll probably need to replace all of the older pipes with new copper or plastic piping.

One of the ways to prevent pipe replacement is with regular plumbing repair or maintenance. When you schedule maintenance, a plumber will clean and inspect your entire system to reduce the need for repairs or replacement later on. Whether you need maintenance, repairs, or pipe replacement in Casselberry, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) today!

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How Hard Water Can Lead to Pipe Replacement in Sanford

Wednesday, August 13th, 2014

Have you noticed a metallic taste to the water from your taps? Is it difficult to work up a lather of soap in the bathroom or kitchen? Have you noticed flaky white deposits along fixtures like sinks and bathtubs?

You probably have hard water in your home.

Now don’t panic…hard water is rarely detrimental for your health. However, it can lead to problems with your plumbing, causing damage to appliances and reducing the volume in pipes. It’s not uncommon for hard water to lead to a need for pipe replacement in Sanford, FL.

Fortunately, you have Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) on your side: we can handle all the plumbing repairs necessary to combat the effects of hard water. And we can eliminate hard water as well with the installation of a whole-house water treatment system. Call us today for help combating problems from hard water.

What is “Hard Water” Exactly?

“Hard water” is water that enters your home from the municipal system that has a high concentration of minerals suspended in it. The most common minerals are magnesium, gypsum, and calcium. It isn’t harmful to drink, although you will notice the taste of the minerals, and it makes it more difficult to develop soap lather.

Why is Hard Water a Problem for My Pipes?

The main trouble from hard water is that it leaves mineral deposits along the inside of plumbing. Imagine the flaky yellow-white material you find on your fixtures building up along the inside of the pipes. That’s what will happen over time due to hard water. As the calcium deposits accumulate, they will reduce the water volume inside the pipe, which will cause a spike in water pressure. If the water pressure rises high enough, it will cause pipes to begin leaking and require replacement.

Is There a Way to Prevent Hard Water?

Yes: a whole-house water softener. These water treatment systems attach onto your water main and add sodium ions to the hard water that enters your home from the municipal system. The sodium ions counteract the minerals in hard water and balance them out. You’ll have “softer” water, noticeably better tasting and no danger to your plumbing. Installing a water softener requires the work of a professional plumber.

If you need to have pipe replacement in Sanford, FL because of hard water deposits, take a serious look into installing a water softener. You can expect more plumbing repairs in the future if you allow the hard water to continue.

Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) offers a variety of whole-house water treatment systems to make sure you have water entering your home that is healthy for both your pipes and you.

Contact us for water testing that will help you find out what sort of water treatment you need.

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Watch for These Warning Signs You Need Pipe Replacement

Friday, June 27th, 2014

The plumbing system of a home is designed to handle a great deal of stress as it brings water into the house and removes waste from it. But no matter how hardy the pipes in a home are, sometimes they will wear down and sustain damage that will require professional plumbers replace them. In cases of older homes, a whole-house pipe replacement is often necessary.

Here are a few signs to watch for that can indicate you need pipe replacement in Orlando, FL, either whole-house or targeted. Call the professionals at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) right away to arrange the work. You can trust our experience: we’ve served central Florida since 1975.

Warnings You May Need Pipe Replacement

  • Water discoloration: Corrosion and rust are the last things you want to occur in your plumbing. These are rarely issues that affect modern plumbing systems made from copper and plastic pipes. But for older homes built pre-1970 that have galvanized steel pipes, it can be a major dilemma. When reddish discoloration starts to come from your faucets (and it isn’t immediately after a long absence from home), it’s a major warning sign that corrosion has taken hold in your plumbing and you need to replace all of the aging steel pipes.
  • Loss of water pressure: When water pressure coming from your faucets and shower heads starts to drop, it could mean there is a serious problem somewhere in your plumbing that will require extensive pipe replacement. It might even be an issue in the water main—a serious problem that needs immediate attention to replace the pipe.
  • Leaks: Leaking is one of the major warning signs of plumbing trouble, but they are often difficult to detect. When you notice damp spots on walls, warped floorboards, and a rise in water bills, you may have leaks. Although some leaks can be solved with sealing, in other cases you will need to have the pipe replaced. And when these leaks start to become constant, leading to huge spikes in your water bills, you should have complete pipe replacement.
  • Bitter-tasting water: A sudden change in the taste of your water toward a bitter, metallic taint could come from the municipal system—but it also might come from deterioration in the plumbing that will need pipe replacement to solve. (Whatever is causing it, you’ll need plumbers for the work.)

Pipe replacement is a large task, and it needs plumbers with the right experience and skill. Call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) when you think you need pipe replacement or any other plumbing service for your home in Orlando, FL. We offer a full range of plumbing services that will take care of all your worries. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with us.

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Stages of Pipe Replacement in Winter Park

Friday, June 13th, 2014

Replacing worn and damaged piping in a home is a task that professional plumbers do often. Even newer homes sometimes will need to have faulty pipes replaced. Whether you need a few parts of your plumbing updated, or if you live in an older home that needs a full replacement of old galvanized steel pipes, make sure that you neither attempt the work yourself nor entrust it to amateurs. Call on experts like the team at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) for pipe replacement in Winter Park, FL.

Although replacing pipes often involves excavating through building material in walls and floors, with top plumbers on the job, you can expect the work to move fast and leave few signs that the replacement experts were even there.

The Stages of Pipe Replacement From Professionals

  • Water shut-off: The plumbers will need to shut off a home’s water in order to work; they will arrange it so this shut-off period lasts for as short a time as possible. For extensive pipe replacement jobs (a whole-house repiping can take 3–5 days), they will do the job so that the water can be restored at the end of each work day so you will not have to go without water for an extended period.
  • Locating the pipes: The plumbers find the pipes they will be replacing, using sound equipment to pinpoint the location through wood or drywall.
  • Excavation: Now the plumbers make small cuts into the building material framing the pipe section that they will remove. The excavation here is performed careful and done with an eye toward replacing the material later with as little indication that any work was done. For pipes in the floors, the plumbers will—if at all possible—go through the ceiling to reach the pipes from below and leave the flooring undisturbed.
  • Replace the pipes: The plumbers will already have decided what type of material they will use as a substitute for the older pipe: copper, PEX, CPVC. They will detach the old pipe and put in the replacement.
  • Restoration and resurfacing: The plumbers put back any removed building material to hide the pipe, then take care of patching and re-texturing, making every effort to satisfy you with the final result.

Don’t Hesitate About Necessary Repiping

We hope the description above reassures you that professional repiping isn’t a disruptive or damaging job. If you are dealing with serious leaking issues, loss of water pressure, high water bills, and other plumbing ailments on a regular basis, you should give repiping serious consideration.

Call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI) and schedule an appointment for professional pipe replacement or other plumbing services in Winter Park, FL. With our nearly 40 years of experience, you can trust us to perform the job fast and with as little interruption to your life as possible.

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Modern Tools to Perform Pipe Replacement

Friday, May 16th, 2014

Pipe replacement can be a tricky business, especially if the pipes are underground or in some similarly inconvenient place. In the old days, a leaky underground pipe meant major expenses, as the plumber first had to excavate the problem area, then replace the pipe and cover it all up again. Besides the added expense or workers and construction equipment, it often played merry hell with the home owner’s yard. But these days, things have changed. There are modern tools to perform pipe replacement, and in towns like Lake Mary, pipe replacement becomes both faster and easier as a result.

Detection is often easier these days thanks to sonic detectors and similar devices which can pinpoint the source of a leak. All leaks make noise, even if those noises are beyond our ability to hear. A sonic detection device allows the plumber to pinpoint the source of the leak, rather than performing a general excavation simply to discover where the problem lies. Similarly, video camera inspection can be used to examine the pipes from the inside, letting the plumber determine the exact nature of the problem.

In some cases, excavation tools can still be used if the project is large enough. But more common is the sight of trenchless technology such as inflatable materials which can be run through the pipe, then sealed against the leak. Metal heads can also be sent through the pipe to break it up it it’s too damaged to just repair, allowing a new pipe to be placed quickly.

But while there are plenty of modern tools to perform pipe replacement, you still need a trained plumber to do the job right. Pipe replacement and other plumbing services in Lake Mary don’t get more reliable than the experts at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI). We understand that pipe replacement can be a significant undertaking, especially when it comes to the sewer line or water main. Our trained experts know how to do the job right the first time, every time, and we won’t rest until you are completely satisfied. Give us a call today and let us show you what we can do!

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