An Overview Of Plumbing Repiping
If you have an aging house, then a plumbing assessment is likely to reveal a need for repiping. Below is an overview of repiping to prepare you for such a day.
The Need
Plumbing pipes don't last forever. Plumbing systems have finite lifetimes and will fail after some time. You need to replace the pipes before they completely fail. Specifically, you should consider repiping if any of the following applies to you.
Your pipes are corroded: A little corrosion is not a disaster, but there is no therapy for widespread corrosion except pipe replacement.
Your experience frequent leaks and repairs: Frequent leaks mean the plumbing pipes are weak and aged. You risk serious water damage if you don't fix such leaks because the pipes might burst when you are away.
You want higher pressure: Low water pressure can affect the efficiency of water distribution in your home. Showering or washing becomes difficult in case of low water pressure.
In short, you need to replace your plumbing pipes if the current one is too problematic to use.
The Work
The scope of repiping work depends on various factors:
The size of the house: A big house calls for more work than a small house.
The nature of the foundation: A solid slab foundation increases the work because the plumber cannot get under the house as they would if the house had a solid foundation.
The climate or season: Repiping gets complicated during the cold season or in areas with cold climate. The ground becomes hard and difficult to work with if the weather is freezing.
Your plumber will discuss the scope of the work in detail once they assess your current plumbing system.
The Cost
The cost of repiping varies depending on the following:
The complexity of the work: For example, a big house with a solid slab foundation is likely to require more work (and cost more) than a small house with a raised foundation.
Materials to be used: Common pipe materials include PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) plastic and copper, with copper being relatively expensive than PEX.
Other factors, such as local labor prices, the standard of living, and the plumber's skill and experience level will also affect the overall cost of the project.
The plumbing system is one of the most critical systems in a house. A broken pipe system can lead to water leaks, drain backups, mold problems, and even increased energy bills. Therefore, repiping requires careful work by a plumbing service.
