They just don’t make them like they used to.

It seems the older people get, the more often they trot out that well-worn phrase. Well, the truth is, the way things used to be done isn’t always so great.

For example, the plumbing systems in many older homes (pre-1970) utilize galvanized iron pipes (galvanized pipes are simply iron pipes coated with zinc). The problem is that the coating on these pipes tends to wear off over time. And once the coating is removed, you’re left with an iron pipe. And iron will rust, which results in corrosion and build up and lots of other nasty things.

Because of all this, your water pressure will eventually drop, the water in your tubs and faucets might have a brown tint to it, and your water-using appliances might even be damaged. These things do not make homeowners happy.

If you find yourself in this situation, your pipes need to be repiped. That is, you need to replace those iron pipes with copper or PVC.

You’re probably thinking this sounds like a major ordeal. You’re right. Repiping is not something to take on as a weekend project. You’ll need an experienced plumber to remove the bad pipes, dispose of them properly and install the right stuff.

The good news is that once the new pipes are in place, you’ll enjoy stronger showers, cleaner drinking water and more efficient appliances.

If you have low water pressure, rusty water or leaky pipes, contact the service experts at ARS ®/Rescue Rooter® Lafayette Indiana Home Team. Our professional plumbers can inspect your system and recommend the best course of action.