Parts being repaired
March 14, 2017

Over time, your pipes deteriorate, rust, and decay. Eventually, you'll have to deal with water leaks or even raw sewage flowing into your house if you don't replace them. But how do you know if it's time to get a plumbing upgrade? Read on to learn more.

The Warning Signs

Be on the lookout for the following symptoms of plumbing problems:

  • Discoloration on pipes – Check your pipes for flaking, discoloration, or dimpling. These irregularities indicate corrosion and decay. If you spot any of them, schedule a professional plumbing evaluation.
  • Water stains – Check the walls around accessible pipes as well as the flooring beneath them. Fresh water stains show there's an existing leak. Old, dry stains can be the result of a past problem that can recur in the near future.
  • Discolored water – Check the color of your home's water after you've been away for several days. If it's yellow or brown, that's an indication of decay inside your pipes. You should replace them soon.
  • Frequent leaks – Have you been experiencing leaks frequently lately? That may signal you need a plumbing upgrade. Even the small leaks you can easily repair may be warning you of impending bigger problems.

Best Time to Upgrade Your Plumbing

Ultimately, you'll require the advice of a licensed plumber to know when it's time to upgrade your plumbing. If you're looking to reduce the hassle of the project and the costs involved, use the following tips:

  • Replace exposed pipes – If your home has features such as wood paneling and plaster walls that make it hard to access the pipes buried in your walls, consider at least upgrading the exposed pipes.
  • Upgrade when renovating – When remodeling your home, inspect and replace the plumbing lines you expose after opening up floors and walls.

A well-maintained plumbing system lasts longer than a neglected one, so make sure you keep an eye on your pipes after upgrading them. For more expert advice on the right time for a plumbing upgrade, contact us at Russell's Heating & Cooling, serving the Hampton Roads area of southeast Virginia. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chesapeake, Virginia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about pumbing and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 757-750-1831. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “geralt/Pixabay”

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  • I can't complement your team enough on the wonderful job done with regard to the installation of the new system in our home. More specifically, we want to recognize the outstanding efforts of: Roberto-- the initial visit and diagnosis of the problem.

    Dan & Connie, Virginia Beach

  • I recently had your team install a new gas package unit including all new duct work at my house in Chesapeake. I had a split system that had undersized ducting which was removed by your installers.

    Mike & Sandi, Chesapeake, VA

  • We purchased a one time service for $79. They came out on time, checked out the geothermal system...they were very professional and kind.

    Nicholas H., Chesapeake, VA

  • We would like to thank your company for an excellent job. We are very pleased with the new (Mitsubishi ductless mini split) system that was installed last week. It works wonderfully at heating our home.

    Danny and Teresa S., Chesapeake, VA

  • Not one single idea for improvement. Keep doing what you do. OUTSTANDING!

    Charles J., Norfolk, VA

  • Great job!...World class employees!

    Colleen & Jim C., Suffolk, VA

  • Everything went great! This is the second big project we've had done through Russell's and we couldn't be more happy! We had the most dedicated, polite, and respectful crew! The team consisted of Elliot, Chase and Sean. Sean was here for the removal process on day one, and did awesome!

    J. Luhan, VA Beach

  • Hi Nate, please pass along our appreciation for you, Elliot and Steve. We are very happy with you being able to arrange our ( Lennox ) replacement system so quickly!

    T. Johnson, VA Beach

  • Thank you for running a top notch company and sending over to us two excellent folks Terry and Shawn. They did an awesome job putting in our new furnace system. Also thank you for Donald and Nate who did a superb job as well. Please reward these guys with some sort of commendations or rewards....

  • ...folks need to know how wonderful working with Russell's Heating & Air Conditioning is. They were very professional all the way thru the process of getting our unit installed down to the payment plan. I have been telling our neighbors and my co-workers about the experience.

    Pamela F., Chesapeake, VA

  • Every moment from the time an appointment was set up until the day the work was completed was a pleasure. Every employee was a delight to work with. The proof that the product was great came when the electric bills started coming in the airconditioning season.

    Douglas P., VA Beach

  • I am extremely satisfied with both the Lennox unit I purchased and the employees of Russell's. Even with poor window and door quality in this overly tired house, I am actually cooled off sufficiently enough to call it chilly.

    Robin W., Chesapeake, VA

  • Over the years I have gained the utmost trust in my service technician Corey Lesko's knowledge and work ethic while servicing my system.

  • I am writing this letter to commend your company on a great job! We were very pleased with how the company performed in every area...the installers did an impeccable job. They were very knowledgeable, efficient, and hard workers—staying focused to the task in the extreme heat.

    Pastor Larry E. O'Brien, Churchland Assembly of God

  • A year ago, I contracted with Russell's to tune up and clean the heating and cooling system. How impressively your specialist cleaned my system...he also found a defective automatic (programmable) thermostat. Quite quickly, he replaced my automatic thermostat. The results?

    R. Snider, Norfolk, VA

  • You recently installed a new Trane unit for us. We want you to know we are completely satisfied. The outside unit is now a hum versus the roar of the old one...we also want to recognize the installer...we cannot overstate what we think of his workmanship.

    K. Hawkins, Portsmouth, VA

  • Great and prompt service – as usual. Everything from ordering the a/c unit to installation went smoothly. Thanks for everything.

    B. Fenstermaker, VA Beach

  • Everyone was very nice. I felt well informed about my purchase. Your staff is great! I don't usually return opinion forms, but you need to know you have a staff you can be proud of!

    V. Horn, Chesapeake, VA

  • You have a new customer for life and I will definitely tell all my friends about your prompt, courteous service, your knowledgeable technicians, and your very reasonable prices. Thank you very much Russell's. You warmed much more than just my heart!

    G. Knoop, Chesapeake, VA

  • Your company was very responsive to my needs. The quality of your work was extremely high.

    Ms. Bright, Chesapeake, VA

  • Your workers actually made this total replacement project an enjoyable learning experience...they were always willing to stop and answer any questions. Their pleasant and cooperative attitudes cannot be praised enough!

    J. Wellons, Portsmouth, VA

  • Very pleased with both the price and service. The installation went off without a hitch and everything exceeded our expectations. When finished, the work areas, including the attic, were so clean you couldn't tell anything had been done.

    T. Marsh, VA Beach

  • Great expertise and timely service.

    H. Turbeville, Chesapeake, VA