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What To Know About Repiping a Home

The very thought of repiping a home can give homeowners nightmares; no one wants to see every pipe in their home ripped out or the mess that comes with such a project. But, there are times when repiping is necessary. Houses wear down over time, and as the home ages, so do its pipes.

Repiping a home gives the plumbing of the house new life, improves home value, and most importantly, ensures the plumbing system’s function. Pipes in older homes have a lifespan of about 50 years, and new materials don’t last forever and can wear down or break under duress. Life happens, and when it hits the pipes hard, the only thing to do is repipe the home.

When Is Repiping Necessary?

There are a couple of signs that indicate a home needs repiping done.

Age: Older homes are more susceptible to needing to be repiped. Pipe materials wear down over time, regardless of what they’re made of. Homes older than 50 years should expect a repiping job to become necessary soon.
Remodeling: If homeowners are looking to remodel a home, add a bathroom, or any other plumbing additions, the house may need to be repiped. Older piping is not set up to handle modern fixtures, pressures, and needs. Repiping will allow the entire system to work together properly and prevent any problems with pasting two different systems together.
Lead or Steel Content: Lead pipes and galvanized steel pipes are common in older homes. Both pose problems to the home’s system. Lead pipes erode over time and introduce deadly levels of lead into the home’s water, harming its occupants. Galvanized steel pipes can also deteriorate with time, allowing for sediment to be introduced into the water and ultimately leading to pipe failure.
Frequent Repairs: If a home’s plumbing needs repairs often, it’s time to consider repiping it. Frequently clogged pipes, regular leaking, and discolored or gross tasting water are all symptoms of a failing piping system needing replacement.

What Materials Are Used in Repiping?

Piping has moved on from the lead and galvanized steel used historically. Now, piping materials consist of four major types of material.

Copper: Copper pipes are the longest-lasting, most durable type of piping used today. Naturally, it is also the most expensive material used. Copper is especially hardy and stands up to extreme temperatures well. Copper is also naturally antibacterial and, thanks to this trait, can improve the water quality of the home.
PVC: PVC is an economical choice for plumbing. Plain PVC piping is easily cut and moved, thanks to its lightweight frame. Additionally, PVC does not rust or corrode over time, making it a long-lasting solution. However, PVC can only stand temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and will warp if exposed to higher temperatures. As such, it is used mainly for cold-water lines.
CPVC: CPVC is similar to its cousin, PVC, but it is designed to connect to both PVC and copper piping sizes. Additionally, CPVC can stand temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used as piping for a hot water line. It is cheaper than copper but generally costs more than generic PVC.
PEX: PEX is a flexible alternative to PVC and CVPC piping. It can be used for both hot and cold water lines and comes color-coded red, blue, or grey to indicate use. However, PEX piping requires special connectors and cannot be used outdoors. It is susceptible to wearing down when exposed to UV lights.

What Is the Repiping Process?

On paper, the repiping process is simple. Homeowners call the plumbing company, and a technician arrives to examine the home and offer an estimate of the project’s cost. The homeowner agrees to the estimate and schedules a date or dates for the project.

On the project date, the plumbing technicians will arrive and start by identifying all the piping in the house. They then shut off the water supply and cut holes in the walls to access the pipes. The old materials are cut and removed, and the new pipes are installed. The plumbers will clean up their work, test the pipes, and leave.

The process can vary if sewer lines need to be replaced, which may require excavation of the yard to access the sewer pipes. Additionally, not all plumbers replace the drywall or paint after completing their work. Any repairs or replacements shoud be outlined in the contract, and an invoice agreed on before the work commenced.

Repiping a home ensures the longevity and functioning of the home’s plumbing system. While the project may seem daunting, it is a rewarding process for a homeowner to go through, increasing the home value and comfort for years to come.

About Locklear Plumbing

The team at Locklear Plumbing has been apart of the Calhoun community since 2004. They are a family-owned company driven to help their customers just like they would their family! With over 20 years of experience in the field, Locklear Plumbing works hard to remain on the cutting edge of plumbing technology and methods for their clients. Give them a call for top-quality repiping in Calhoun!