5 Things to Consider When Evaluating Whether to Repair or Replace Metal Piping Systems
Whether to repair or replace metal piping is an inevitable decision if you are a business owner or homeowner. Metal piping systems play an important behind the scenes role in every building, business, factory, food processing plant, restaurant, and more. Whether it is a home plumbing system, commercial processing piping system, industrial sanitation and sewage, or part of factory equipment, keeping your metal pipes in top shape should be a priority.
However, how do you know if you should replace your pipes or simply have them repaired? Here is what you should consider when making this important decision:
1. Frequency of repairs
It’s perfectly normal to need maintenance on your metal piping system occasionally. Under normal circumstances, you shouldn’t need to do more than routine maintenance or deal with a very occasional issue. However, if you find yourself making maintenance calls with increasing frequency, this is a sign that your entire piping system may need to be replaced soon.
2. Metal lifespan
Pipes have various expected lifespans depending on the type of material they are made out of. The age of your metal piping system is a good thing to keep in mind when considering your options. For example, galvanized steel has a lifespan of about 40-50 years, and they have been largely out of use since the 1960s. This means that any galvanized steel pipes that are currently being utilized are past their lifespan and need to be replaced.
3. Corrosiveness of pipe contents
The conditions surrounding the pipes are also a big factor that affects their longevity. Hard water, harsh chemicals, acidic soils, and more can reduce the expected lifespan of the metal significantly.
4. Signs of corrosion
This one is obvious if the metal pipes are exposed and you can see the rust and corrosion, but if they are hidden behind walls or underneath the ground, it can be harder to tell. One telling sign that your piping system is corroding is when the water or other liquid coming out of the pipes becomes discolored or has a foul odor. If you come back after being away for a few days or your employees return from the weekend and the water is coming out brownish or rust colored, or if you detect any odd smells, this is a sure sign that the pipes need to be fully replaced as corroding pipes can be dangerous and lead to costly issues.
5. Cost
The last important factor to consider is the cost of repairs versus the cost of replacements. At first glance, it can seem as though you are saving money by simply calling the repairman and making small fixes “as-needed.” However, when you consider a longer timeline, the cost of frequent repair calls, processing downtime, and other surrounding damages from leaky, corroding pipes can outweigh the cost of getting a full replacement of your system.
We hope this short guide helps you in making the best decision for your business. The classic “repair or replace” question can feel like a hassle in the moment, but making the right decision can pay off for years to come.
We at Sattler Manufacturing specialize in metal fabrication, including the repair and replacement of metal piping systems. Our maintenance team is highly experienced in a wide variety of applications and is ready to assist you with any questions you have. Contact us today so we can help you with your next project!