There’s nothing new under the sun when it comes to bathroom renovation ideas, and what’s old always becomes new again. Vintage bathroom ideas that incorporate antique bathroom fixtures have made their way back onto the bathroom renovation scene, and it’s easy to see why. The chic, polished aesthetic of antique bathroom fixtures can breathe new life into any bathroom, but is your plumbing up to the task?

Not everything that is antique is valuable, and this is especially true when it comes to old, outdated plumbing. It makes no sense to install or refurbish antique bathroom fixtures if your plumbing pipes are falling apart. A retro bathroom with retro plumbing will see your money down the drain, so it’s important to know when it’s time to replace your antique bathroom fixtures and plumbing with modern, functional replacements.

Here’s how you will know when it’s the right to replace your outdated plumbing:

Discolored water

Discolored water is usually a cause for concern, especially if you don’t live in a rural area, use well water, or are under a boil order by the water authority. Dark brown or dirty looking water can be sign of pipe corrosion, which can result in rusty water. Pipe corrosion is a serious issue and should be addressed immediately.

Bad odors

If your water has a foul smell to it, this may indicate a a build up of bacteria in old plumbing pipes. An old water heater can also be the culprit, so it’s important to call a professional to determine the exact reason. After long periods of time, bacteria can build up pipes and cause bad water odor. This bacteria not only smells bad, but it can also be harmful.

Mold and mildew

Can you see mold and mildew on your ceilings and floors? If so, you could have leaky plumbing pipes. Mold and mildew thrive in warm, moist environments, and leaky plumbing provides the moistures necessary to support mold colonies. Mold and mildew is not only unsightly, but it can also be dangerous. This is especially true for those who suffer from allergies, in which case a strong mold presence can be downright hazardous.