FLORIDA WATER MAIN BLOWOUT
Water Main Blowout Aging Pipes in Florida
Is Your Water Main at Risk? Florida’s Aging Pipes & Infrastructure Demand Attention
America’s water delivery systems are aging rapidly, with over 240,000 water mains failing annually, according to the EPA. While city governments are responsible for water mains at the street, the water lines running from the street to your home—and all the pipes and fittings on your property—are your responsibility.
If your home is older, the risk of a water line blowout increases significantly. Many Florida homes built before the mid-1950s were equipped with galvanized piping, which corrodes over time. Unless these lines have been replaced, they may be nearing the end of their lifespan. Homes built after the 1950s may use more durable materials, but even these can degrade with age.
Luckily, our team services homes and businesses in Florida.
Pipe Materials Matter
Most pipe materials will last for several decades, but if your home is much older, they may have outlived their life expectancy and be ripe for a leak or full-on blowout. Here’s a quick look at lifespan based on pipe materials:
Used for supply pipes that bring water into the house
How old are your pipes?
Most homes built in the mid-50s and prior in the Florida area were fitted with galvanized piping but post-1950s, other materials were preferred. If your home was built in the mid-1950s or prior, you should check out the history of your home to find out if your water lines were ever replaced. You can usually see some of your pipes just outside your home, in your basement, or a crawl space under your home.
It’s also worth considering that you may have more than one type of pipe in your home – most homes were built with at least two types of pipe materials – one for water coming into the house and one or more for drains leading out of your home. If your home has gone through renovations and repairs, different types of pipes may have been added. For a home 40 years old or more, you likely have four or more types of pipes.
Each of these may have been installed or replaced at different times so you may have a variety of life expectancies for your water lines counting down simultaneously. Check under your sinks and near your hot water heater to get an idea of materials used and the shape they are in – check for rust, corrosion, and leaks. Galvanized pipe, for instance, corrodes both inside and out.
Quality installation and maintenance is the key to water line longevity
What also makes a major difference in the lifespan of your water lines is how well they were installed and how they’re maintained. Clay can be extremely durable but if improperly installed, it can break down within just a few years. Failure to maintain pipes, cut back hedges and trees that could send roots into your pipes, and ignoring warning signs of trouble can lead to major problems.
When you have a water line problem, you may need a total replacement or a repair may suffice. But the key is to use a qualified and experienced service provider to do the work. Boland South accepts water line repair and replacement projects anywhere in the Florida area. Our trenchless technology saves you time, money, and minimizes disruption to your lawn and life.
Call us at (561) 574-8983 in Florida for a free estimate on your water, sewer, or drain line problems. Don’t let a little leak turn into a big disaster. Call now or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment!
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