What can happen if the water pipes get too old?
The primary goal of every water service supplier is to provide high-quality drinking water in a reliable manner. Aging pipes can impede such a service. The vast majority of the nation’s pipes were installed in three periods; in the late 1800s, the 1920s, and just after World War II. Depending on the pipe’s material of construction, age is not necessarily an indicator of condition or ability to satisfy service needs. For example, cast iron pipe installed in the late 1800s and early 1900s has been found to be in good condition more than 100 years after being installed. However, there are circumstances in which the aged pipes are leading to leaks and creates two subsequent issues. First, it allows contaminants to enter the pipe, thereby jeopardizing the water quality. Second, it allows treated water to seep (and sometimes steadily flow) out of the system and be wasted. In extreme cases, eroding pipes cause the ground above them to collapse, creating sinkholes. Pipes that leak must ultimat
The primary goal of every water service supplier is to provide clean and safe drinking water in a reliable manner. Aging pipes can impede such a service. The vast majority of the nation’s pipes were laid in three periods; in the late 1800s, the 1920s, and just after World War II. Many of these pipes were made to last 50 to 75 years. Their constant use and age compounded by their low rate of replacement means that most of the pipes in the U.S. are in critical need of repair. Among the different problems plaguing the pipes, corrosion ranks amongst the most perilous. This leads to leaks and creates two subsequent issues. First, it allows contaminants to enter the pipe, thereby jeopardizing the water quality. Second, it allows treated water to seep (and sometimes steadily flow) out of the system and be wasted. In extreme cases, eroding pipes cause the ground above them to collapse, creating sinkholes. Pipes that leak must ultimately be attended to, requiring them to be unearthed and repair
