Are Your Industrial Piping Systems Too Old?
Findings show that 72% of all buildings in the United States are more than 20 years old. Considering this, you can bet that a plumbing problem will happen soon in the future.
Plumbing pipes and systems play a crucial role in industrial buildings. They’re used in many industries, from sewage to gas, and they’re available in many shapes and sizes.
Industrial pipes cover a broad spectrum of fluid and solid transport equipment. They’re adaptable and easy to customize to match a project’s requirements.
Old piping systems can be especially problematic. The plumbing in buildings can be as old as the structure itself. It can cause a lot of problems and unexpected expenses. It could even be a more problematic case if there is no proper maintenance over time.
Are your industrial piping systems getting old? Keep reading to learn the signs for old pipes.
Old Pipe Materials
A structure’s piping system uses copper, stainless steel, brass, or plastic. Older buildings could feature outdated pipes with these materials:
Lead
Lead is one of the oldest materials used for pipes, most utilized for main water lines and sewer lines. Because of its malleability and durability, lead was a perfect metal.
Unfortunately, lead is a poisonous metal that causes irritation, exhaustion, and memory loss. It’s particularly harmful to children’s health and development.
Galvanized
Galvanized pipes consist of iron and zinc. The zinc corrodes with time, making it more prone to corrosion and breaking.
Although they can endure up to 60 years, these old pipes will clog with rust much before that.
Polybutylene
Polybutylene was first used in the construction of mobile homes. But, these pipes may still be present in any industrial buildings built in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Any existing polybutylene pipes need replacement before they fail. These pipes are no longer manufactured or rated by US building codes.
Industrial Piping Problems Signs
When your old piping system starts to fail, you’ll notice a few clues that something’s wrong. The following are essential indications to keep an eye on:
Stains
Water stains or streaks on walls and underneath pipes can signal leaks or a broken pipe. It might mean that a pipe repair is necessary.
Leaks
Leaks and drips are the most dependable indicators that your pipes need fixing, more so if it’s your steam pipes that are leaking.
Steampipe explosions are dangerous, so always be on the lookout for leaks and have your pipes repaired when needed.
Damaged Pipe and Tubing
Dents, dimpling, flaking, and discoloration on pipe and tubing are all signs of damage. Damage or changes in the physical properties of industrial piping and tubing are your signals to get a replacement.
Discolored Water
If the discolored water is flowing out of the taps, it could be a sign of corroded pipes. Corroded pipes need replacement as soon as possible.
Know if Your Industrial Piping Systems Need to Change
Now you know all the signs of old industrial piping systems. Be prepared to cope with any or all the points mentioned in this article.
Before problems pop up like stains, water discoloration, or pipe explosions, it’s essential to create an alarm system. It will keep you informed and help you have a quick response.
RAK Industrial Maintenance has years of expertise in pipeline services. Our skilled technicians can carry out any pipeline repairs you may need. Contact us to avail of our services.
