Nothing lasts forever, and plumbing pipes are no exception. Wear and tear, pipe corrosion and poor water quality are all good reasons to consider repiping the plumbing in your home.

In this article, we will learn what repiping entails, how to determine when repiping is a wiser option than repairing a failing system, and what a homeowner can expect when repiping is needed.

What Is Repiping

Repiping is a plumbing procedure used mainly in older homes where outdated pipes are replaced by new state-of-the-art materials, essentially delivering a brand-new plumbing system free of leaks, clogs, water pressure problems, and all of the issues related to old plumbing.

When Is Repiping Necessary?

Under certain circumstances, it is obvious repiping is needed, while in others, it is not so clear. This is when an experienced plumber can accurately assess the current plumbing and decide what is needed going forward. Here, we compiled a list of reasons why repiping should be seriously considered.

Dangerous Piping Materials

Plumbing pipes have a history, and although thought to be the best choice at the time, not all pipe material turned out to live up to its reputation.

Lead Pipes

Lead pipes were installed in homes beginning approximately 100 years ago, and although durable, they were found to leach lead into the drinking water. While many homes have had the lead pipes replaced, there are still homes with lead piping, which should be removed to avoid lead poisoning.

Determining if lead pipes are in a home is the job of a professional, and because the consequences are so dire, it should never be left to a homeowner to deduce. If lead is found in a home, it must be removed immediately.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Galvanized steel piping was popular 60 years ago as a safe alternative to lead and boasted a long life span. Unfortunately, the galvanized steel pipes began to corrode and rust over time, leading to poor water quality and increased leaking and bursting pipes.

Frequent Repairs

We recommend repiping once a home’s plumbing system is so far gone it requires frequent service calls. Repairing a leaking pipe can be costly, depending on its location, and burst pipes can result in time-consuming insurance claims and costly repairs from severe water damage. Although a significant undertaking, repiping makes sense rather than continuously patching one leak after another.

Remodeling 

Whenever a remolding job is undertaken, it is an excellent time to replace the plumbing pipes. Walls and floors are already removed in preparation for upgrades, making accessing and replacing the plumbing pipes more straightforward.

Installing new bathroom fixtures or revamping an entire kitchen while leaving old, outdated plumbing in place is a mistake. You could find yourself removing a beautifully tiled wall to reach, yet again, another leaking pipe!

What To Expect

As stated, repiping a home is a significant undertaking that requires precise planning in order to meet success and reduce angst. Knowing what to expect will help reduce stress and make the repiping process seamless.

Consultation

The first step is a consultation. During this process, the old plumbing design will be evaluated, and options for replacement will be laid out. This planning stage is important since most decisions will be made before any work begins.

Estimates And Permits

Once the consultation has been completed, a detailed estimate will be provided explaining the types of materials used for replacement, the scope of the project, and the time it will take to complete. This is the time to ask questions until you are satisfied that you understand your responsibilities and are clear on what will occur.

Once the homeowner agrees to the work, the plumber will apply and be granted the proper permits so the job can move forward. Permits add cost to the project, but they ensure the job is done correctly. 

Preparation

Repiping is a somewhat messy job since holes will need to be cut in walls and ceilings to access all the areas of your home. Remove any valuables and move all furniture away from the walls to make it easier to complete the work.

Reducing Inconvenience

Many people attempt to avoid repiping their homes because of the inconvenience of living without water but are surprised by how seamlessly the project unfolds. This is because the outdated pipes can remain functioning while the new plumbing is installed. When it is time to switch from the old system to the new, there is minimal downtime, making a repiping job way less problematic than anticipated.

Inspections And Cleanup

Once the repiping is complete, the new system is tested for leaks, and a formal plumbing inspection occurs. The inspection is a safety feature ensuring the plumbing was installed correctly and functioning as intended.

The cleanup can then begin by patching the drywall, repainting the rooms, and replacing the furniture and belongings to their original location. Within less than a week, old, outdated, and potentially dangerous piping materials have been replaced giving the home a new start.

Looking To Repipe Your Home?

We offer outstanding repiping services based on years of experience and unmatched expertise. If you suffer from the signs of outdated plumbing and are tired of frequent repair bills that never seem to end, repiping is for you.

Call us so we can begin the process by providing a comprehensive consultation as we determine the best solution to your outdated plumbing. You do not have to live with leaky pipes, dangerous pipe materials, or the inconveniences that aging plumbing presents. Call today and feel confident we will repipe your home correctly with care and concern for your safety and comfort!