New year, new drainage system?

When the 1st of January rolls around, there are many ways we pledge to better ourselves – from eating healthier and drinking more water, to finally putting that monthly gym membership to good use. 

But we tend to put off thinking about our homes. 

Although often forgotten about, a vital part of your property is the drainage system, and yours could be in dire need of a replacement. 

In this blog, our experts at Total Pipes walk you through the all-important reasons to replace your old drainage pipes, and the tell-tale signs that it’s finally time.  

Reasons to replace old drainage pipes

There are many reasons why replacing old drainage pipes pays, including: 

• Improved water flow – Brand new drainage pipes ensure much smoother and more efficient water flow.
• Reduced risk of leaks and blockages – Replacing old pipes minimises the likelihood of clogs, cracks, and water leaks.
• Prevention of structural damage – Upgrading your drainage pipes can help avoid structural damage to your home caused by corrosion or bursts; both common problems with ageing systems.
• Increased system durability – New pipes are designed to last longer and handle higher usage demands.
• Enhanced property value – If you’re planning on putting your property back on the market, a modernised drainage system can make your home more appealing to prospective buyers and may even boost its value.  

How to tell if you need new drainage pipes?

PVC drainage pipes are designed to last many decades but sometimes, external factors – such as extreme weather, improper use, and neglected maintenance – can significantly shorten their lifespan. 

Luckily, there are plenty of red flags you can be on the lookout for to tell you it's time for an upgrade and if you pick up on any of them, you should look for a replacement sooner rather than later to avoid costly damage to your home. 

The most common signs you need to replace your drainage pipes include:

1.   Persistent blockages and slow drainage

If you find that regular maintenance is no longer doing its job to shift blockages or water is draining much slower from your sinks, bath, and shower, this indicates advanced pipe deterioration, and replacing them may be the best (and most affordable!) course of action.

2.   Recurring leaks

Frequent leaks are another tell-tale sign that your pipes have reached the end of the tether. 

This issue suggests that pipes are simply ageing or damaged beyond repair, and putting off a replacement puts your property at risk of water damage and a whole host of other problems that come with this. 

Which leads us to our next red flag…

3.   Wet spots or water damage

Leaks in your drainage pipes aren’t always visible but if you’ve noticed damp spots, water stains, and mould growth on your walls, floors, or ceilings, you may well have a hidden leak on your hands. 

If you’ve had professional plumbers out to locate and repair the leak but you’re still having issues, you should consider replacing your pipes as soon as possible to avoid further, more costly structural damage.

4.   Increased water bills

A sudden spike in the cost of your water bills is another indicator of a hidden leak somewhere within your drainage system, and often, the only solution to resolve this issue is to replace the pipes altogether.

5.   Strange smells

Persistent bad smells coming from your drains may signal a blockage somewhere in the system, or cracks or breaks in the pipes allowing swerve gases to escape. 

This issue requires immediate attention to prevent health risks, so make sure to replace your pipes and any other damaged parts of your drainage system at your earliest convenience. 

Upgrade your drainage system in 2025 with Total Pipes!

If a drainpipe upgrade is on the cards for 2025, we can help here at Total Pipeline Systems. 

Whether you need more expert advice or are looking for top-quality drainage system supplies, we’ve always got you covered. Browse our collection of water pipes and fittings online or get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help!