Repiping your entire home is a critical plumbing project that involves a major chunk of change in the plumbing structure of your house. So it is important that know about repiping in detail. As a homeowner, it is critical that you know when a small plumbing repair in your pipes is needed as opposed to a major overhaul in the plumbing system.
Typically, pipes last for a long time (between 35 to 50 years) but there is no definitive time period that anyone can guarantee. So in case you want to repipe in your home, it is best to call a professional plumber who has the expertise to guide you about the right type of material for the pipes and perform this important task in a professional manner. Let’s take a look at when you need repiping in your home, how is it done and what are some of the different materials that you can use when repiping your entire house.
Know When You Need Repiping
Since repiping the entire house is a major project, it is important to know when you need repiping. Some of the signs that can show you when it is the time to repipe your house include the following.
There is a Constant Need for Pipe Repairs
In case you are constantly facing issues with almost all the pipes in your house, it is recommended that you go for repiping in your entire house.
You Still Have Lead or Galvanized Steel Pipes in Your Home
Lead was primarily used in homes prior to 1920. While it might come as a surprise, there are many houses that still have lead pipes and they are the ones that are in a dire need of repiping.
Another important material that was commonly used in American homes before 1960 was galvanized steel. But again, since it has been so long, it is common for homes with galvanized steel pipes to experience constant problems such as corrosion or buildup of sediment.
Apart from these two important signs, most people consider repiping when they are renovating their entire house. When installing new plumbing fixtures, it could be a good idea to repipe your entire house so you don’t have to go through the process repeatedly.
Repiping – How is it Done?
As mentioned earlier, repiping is a major project, and depending upon the size of your house and the complexity of the plumbing structure, it can take up to one week. However, with smaller homes and simpler plumbing structures, the process can take just a day or two.
Let’s take a look at how repiping is done.
- The process begins with shutting down all water lines and completely draining all the pipes.
- Once the pipes are completely drained, the actual process of repiping starts with some overhauling of the entire house. All the furniture is moved away from the walls and the furniture and floor are fully covered for protection.
- The drywalls are then cut and pipes that need replacement are located.
- Then the old, damaged pipes are replaced with new pipes, which are then joined to appropriate spots in the system.
- Once the pipes are connected, water supply is restored to ensure that all pipes are adequately connected and there are no leaks.
- In the case of leakages, leaks are detected and corrected before the drywall is sealed.
- Finally, when the drywall is sealed, it is repainted and the repiping job is complete.
Different Materials for Pipes
Now that you know that repiping is not a very complicated task, it is time to know about the most critical decision involved in repiping your home; the material for pipes. Today, you can choose between three material options for your pipes. The materials include:
- Copper
- CPVC
- PEX
Each type of material comes with its set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at each of the different materials for pipes.
Copper Pipes
While copper pipes are in the industry since quite a long time, most plumbers till prefer copper pipes because they are durable and are truly tried and tested. With copper pipes, you don’t have to worry about replacing your pipes for at least the next 50 years and in some cases, copper pipes can last for as long as 100 years. Also, copper pipes are temperature resistant, do not allow the growth of bacteria and other contaminants, and can withstand shocks from earthquakes.
However, they are more expensive and are prone to freezing and bursting in case they are not insulated.
CPVC Pipes
CPVC pipes are the most commonly used pipes and they managed to gain popularity post-1960s. Though they may not last for as long as copper pipes, they are still durable and are a cheaper alternative to copper pipes. You can find a CPVC pipe starting from as low as $0.4 per foot.
PEX Pipes
PEX is one of the most recent additions to the piping material industry but is increasingly becoming popular due to its unique advantages over copper and CPVC pipes. PEX pipes are cheaper compared to copper pipes. They are also more flexible and easy to install and they are naturally insulated so it protects against freezing and thermal loss. However, when exposed to sunlight, PEX pipes can degrade in as little as 30 days.
Final Words
Repiping doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. Understanding the work that is done and the different materials used will help you make the right decision when it comes to repiping your home. Always remember that having your home repiped is a big financial investment, and it needs to be done by a professional plumber.
Want help with repiping your home? Contact Mesa Plumbing. With a diverse experience, our trained professionals can help you choose the right material and repipe your entire home without any inconvenience. To know more about our work, call now at 480-832-1660 or visit our website.