Repiping a home is exactly what it sounds like – it’s the process of replacing the pipes in a home or building. It is a complete replacement for your water supply plumbing system and usually includes removing the old pipes and installing a new system.
The experts at Pilot Plumbing & Drain is here to let you in on what you need to know about home repiping, when it should be done, if it’s worth it, and more.
When Should a House be Repiped?
There are about 5 general signs that you should look out for that will signify whether you need your home repiped or not. The first sign is discolored water. If the water coming out of your faucet has a yellow, red, or brown tint to it – this is a big red flag.
This normally means that there is rust build-up in the pipes. However, if you’re only noticing the discoloration when the water is hot, that usually is the sign that you need your water heater replaced or repaired.
The second sign is the most obvious – aged pipe system. If you’re not aware of the age of your home, now is the time to find that out. If your pipes are going on 50 years old or more – it’s probably time to get them replaced. It’s also important to get a professional to your home to help you distinguish what type of piping your home has.
The third sign is leaking pipes. Depending on the leak, it could just mean you need a simple repair – however, if you’re starting to notice more leaking than usual, repiping may be in your near future.
The fourth sign is corroded pipes. You’ll know if your pipes are corroded if you start to see stains, flaking, discoloration, and you’ll start to notice low water pressure.
The fifth sign is noise. Many times a homeowner will hear bumps and clanks, thinking it’s just your home settling or a friendly ghost is stopping by to say hello.
Now, we can’t disprove the ghost theory, but if your pipes are making noises in your walls, this is a signal to plumbing problems. However, there are reasons behind each noise, so if you’re hearing something frequently, reach out to a professional and explain it so you can get a clear answer. Just don’t let it go ignored.
Three Most Common Pipe Types
Every company is different just like every home is different. There are three common pipes that plumbing companies use. These include,
- Copper: Although there is nothing wrong with getting copper pipes installed in your home, the cost is a bit more when installing it and it’s harder to work with – as it lacks flexibility. However, it still lives a long life.
- CPVC: This is a good alternative and is cost-efficient. Also easy to work with, many companies install this as it is a win/win for the company and the customers – allowing for a cheaper and faster installation. However, CPVC is more prone to bursting than other types.
- Pex Pipes/Uponor: This type is flexible, durable, and used in water line replacements and installations. It has the same benefits as CPVC and is also reliable and cheaper.
Is Repiping Your Home Worth It?
If you think your home needs repiping, you’re probably thinking about your wallet and asking yourself is it worth it? Well, hopefully this will help you make up your mind.
The one thing repiping your home’s plumbing can do is increase the value of your home. If you’re planning on selling anytime soon, the fact that your home is completely repiped is a great selling point. This puts your buyers at ease, knowing that they won’t have to deal with having to do this themselves.
New pipes also have new plumbing fixtures which means increased water pressure. So, if you’ve been dealing with those annoying low-pressure showers, repiping will help that. It’ll make your showers more enjoyable, help with watering the lawn efficiently, making it easier to wash your car, run water for a bath, fill up a pool, and much more.
New pipes also mean cleaner and healthier water. As your older pipes start to corrode and rust, it puts minerals into the water supply, making the water not healthy to consume, shower in, or do chores with. However, even after repiping your house, you should still consider a water filtration system – especially if you live in the Vancouver, WA area.
What Goes Into the Repiping Process?
When it comes to the repiping process, generally most companies include full repiping of all water lines in the home, new hose connections, new valves under sinks and toilets, new supply lines, and an improved main shut off to your home and water heater.
What Isn’t Usually Included in the Repiping Process?
Although most of the important things will be replaced during a home repiping, some areas are not included like the water main from the city meter to the house, drain lines, leaking faucets, toilet leaks, main sewer lines from the home to the street, and water heater replacement.
However, if you find a plumbing company that can not only repipe your home but also take care of the other issues, you’ll be able to get all of your repairs on the schedule with one company. For example, Pilot Plumbing & Drain can take care of all of your emergency plumbing services, fix and replace plumbing fixtures, repair and replace water heaters, repair your sewer line, and even install a water filtration system.
Factors That Go Into the Cost of a Repipe
Every home is different. It’s unfair to give you a general price on how much repiping a home costs, as it depends on these factors.
- Permits
- Location
- Time constraints
- Number of bathrooms
- Type of pipe being installed
- Number of plumbing fixtures
If the amount of money is holding you back from getting this done, know that we offer financing. When you need a plumbing repair, the last thing you want to be worried about is whether or not you can afford to cover it. We offer flexible plumbing financing options so you can get what you need, when you need it.
Now It’s Time to Contact Your Pilot
Now that you’ve learned a bit about what repiping a home is and what it includes, it’s time to reach out to a professional that can make this happen. Pilot Plumbing & Drain is family owned and operated, we’re always on time, we offer fast scheduling, we put our customers first, we’re always clean and professional, and like we mentioned before, offer financing.
If you live in the Vancouver, Washington area, Pilot Plumbing is the company to trust.
Call now at (360) 822-9663 or schedule an appointment online and we look forward to helping you!
