Preventative Plumbing: Save Money with Routine Inspections

Older homes have a unique charm, but they often have outdated plumbing systems. Plumbing problems in older homes are common due to aging materials and wear and tear over the decades, but knowing when to call in some help for your older home plumbing is key to keeping issues at bay and saving as much money as possible on your Tucson, AZ home. Older Home Plumbing Problems in Tucson, AZ: What to Watch For more Dangerous Materials Many older homes have plumbing systems made from materials that are no longer standard. For instance, galvanized steel pipes were popular from the late 1800s to the 1960s and were once prized for their durability, but they are very prone to corrosion. Lead pipes, which were used even earlier, can present even more serious health risks due to the potential contamination of drinking water. Cast iron was once commonly employed for drain lines, and this can crack or rust. And the polybutylene pipes that were installed in the 1970s and 1980s are notorious for failing prematurely as they react with chlorine in the water. If your home predates 1960, it's wise to have a professional inspect the pipes to identify what was used to make them and assess their condition. Pipe Corrosion and Rust Corrosion occurs when pipes react with water, oxygen, or minerals. This leads to thinning walls and eventual leaks, and you'll want to watch for discolored water, low water pressure, and pinhole leaks, which are small but persistent drips. In severe cases, you might notice bulging walls or ceilings if you've got a serious hidden leak. Corrosion not only wastes water but can also introduce contaminants into your drinking water. Do some regular checks of the visible pipes under the sinks or in the basement for flaky rust or greenish stains on any copper fittings. Leaky Fixtures and Faucets The washers and seals from yesteryear are often far more durable than the ones available today, but their age means they will wear out eventually. Worn-out washers, O-rings, or seals in faucets from decades ago can cause drips that waste hundreds of gallons annually. In bathrooms and kitchens, look for moisture around your handles or at the base of the toilet or basin. These issues not only inflate your water bills but also promote mold growth. Tightening connections or replacing parts can be fast DIY fixes that hold for a bit, but persistent leaks usually mean you've got broader pipe issues and need some professional attention. Clogged Drains and Sewer Line Problems Drains in older homes frequently get clogged from debris, tree root intrusion, or even collapsing pipes. Cast iron sewer lines that are buried underground can corrode from the inside and create rough surfaces where grease and soap scum build up. Signs of an issue will include slow-draining sinks, gurgling sounds from the toilets, or backups in multiple fixtures simultaneously. We know how much your older home means to you, and we'll treat it right while making sure your plumbing works as you expect. Contact us now at Economy Plumbing Service in Tucson, AZ. If water goes through it or to it, we do it!

We rely on our gas lines in Tucson to heat our homes, give us instant hot water, power our stoves, and more. Keeping your gas line safe is a serious responsibility, because the dangers of a problem in the gas line can be deadly. Here's some warning signs to look out for. Warning Signs That Gas Lines in Tucson Are in Trouble Emergency Signs more Some warning signs are emergencies, and you cannot ignore them. Call your gas provider or emergency services and leave the area immediately if: You smell a sulfurous odor in or immediately around your house People in the house are suddenly and inexplicably experiencing headaches, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath If gas is escaping into the house, it can cause you and your family serious physical harm. The gas, as you breathe it, begins to displace the oxygen in your blood. You gradually asphyxiate or suffocate if you are exposed to too much for too long. Non-Emergency There are other warning signs that are less immediately serious, but you need to pay attention to them, regardless, as they could quickly turn serious: Corrosion Always inspect your pipes regularly, and if you see rust or other corrosion on them, be sure to call a qualified contractor right away. There may also be an issue if you notice flaking or bubbling of paint near your gas lines or a lot of dampness and residue around the fittings. A professional can seal joints and even replace a bad section of pipe if needed. Hissing If you hear hissing near a gas appliance or a meter, it likely means that gas is escaping. Even a little bit of a leak can increase your bills, of course, and indoors, it can create a very dangerous condition. Contact a professional contractor right away to take a look. If it's a single appliance, turn off the gas to that appliance. Bigger Bills If your habits haven't really changed, but the cost of your gas bill keeps going up, try turning off all your gas appliances and writing down the meter reading. Then, wait for an hour or two and check the meter again. If it has gone up, you have a leak. Low Pressure If the flame on your stove or in your furnace doesn't have the power it should have, then you could have a leak somewhere in the line leading to that appliance, or there could be a blockage. There also could be a faulty regulator in the appliance itself or corrosion in the piping. If several appliances seem to be affected, then the issue could be farther down the line and could be either your responsibility or something that your utility company needs to deal with. A contractor can investigate the situation and help you figure out what's going on. If you're noticing any issues with your gas line, schedule an appointment with us at Economy Plumbing Service LLC in Tucson or call us 24/7 at 520-885-3510. We also serve Vail, Rita Ranch, Oro Valley, and Green Valley.

Most homeowners do not think about their plumbing pipes until there is a major leak or a sudden drop in water pressure. However, aging pipes can create ongoing problems that repairs may only temporarily fix. If your Tucson home has older plumbing, whole house repiping may be the right solution to improve reliability and prevent future damage. Economy Plumbing Service, LLC helps homeowners identify when their plumbing system needs more than another repair. Knowing the warning signs can help you address problems before they become expensive emergencies. more What Is Whole House Repiping? Whole house repiping involves replacing old or damaged plumbing pipes throughout a home. Instead of repairing one failing section at a time, repiping replaces aging pipes with new plumbing materials designed to provide better water flow and long-term performance. Many older Tucson homes still have original plumbing systems that may be affected by corrosion, mineral buildup, and years of use. Signs Your Home May Need Repiping Frequent Pipe Leaks If you are regularly dealing with leaking pipes or repeated plumbing repairs, the problem may be the age and condition of your entire plumbing system. Multiple leaks in different areas of your home often indicate that the pipes are reaching the end of their lifespan. Low Water Pressure Low water pressure throughout your home can be a sign of restricted or deteriorating pipes. Mineral buildup from Arizona’s hard water can collect inside plumbing lines over time, reducing water flow and making faucets and fixtures less effective. Discolored Water Brown, rusty, or cloudy water may indicate corrosion inside older pipes. While occasional discoloration can happen for several reasons, ongoing issues should be inspected by a professional plumber. Noisy Pipes Banging, knocking, or rattling pipes can point to underlying plumbing problems. While some noises are minor, consistent sounds may indicate aging pipes or pressure issues that require attention. Older Plumbing System The age of your home is an important factor when considering repiping. Many older homes in Tucson have plumbing materials that can become more vulnerable to leaks, corrosion, and reduced performance over time. Why Tucson Homes Can Have Unique Plumbing Issues Arizona plumbing systems often deal with hard water, which can contribute to mineral buildup inside pipes. Over years, this buildup can restrict water flow and place additional strain on your plumbing system. For older Tucson homes, replacing outdated pipes can help improve water pressure, reduce repairs, and provide a more dependable plumbing system. Is Repiping Better Than Constant Repairs? If you are frequently repairing leaks or dealing with ongoing plumbing problems, replacing your pipes may be more cost-effective than continuing temporary fixes. A complete repipe can provide: Improved water pressure Fewer plumbing repairs Reduced risk of leaks More reliable water delivery Schedule a Repiping Inspection in Tucson, AZ If your home has frequent leaks, low water pressure, or aging pipes, Economy Plumbing Service, LLC can help determine whether repiping is the right option. Our Tucson plumbing team provides professional repiping services and whole house pipe replacement to help homeowners protect their homes and improve their plumbing systems. Contact Economy Plumbing Service, LLC today to schedule a plumbing inspection and find out if your Tucson home needs repiping.