Repiping Services from Red Rooter Plumbing
What Is Home Repiping?
The water pipes in your home are made from a material that eventually begins to break down, causing them to leak, tear, and possibly burst. Before the pipes burst, you need to have them replaced. Repiping your home means that a plumber comes to your home, pulls out all the pipes, and replaces them. Many of the pipes are behind the walls and require an expert to replace, so it isn’t a DIY project.
What Material Are Used for Water Pipes?
How long your water pipes last before they need to be replaced is directly tied to the type of material. There are a variety of materials used for water pipes in your home, and you’ll need to choose before repiping your home. Here are the most common:
- Cast iron: This material was popular before the 1960s. It lasts a long time but it’ll rust over time.
- Galvanized steel: Also found in older homes, this material is built to last. However, it eventually needs to be replaced with one of the materials more commonly used now.
- Copper: While more expensive, copper piping resists corrosion and lasts a long time.
- Plastic / PVC / ABS: Due to its lower cost, plastic pipes are the most commonly found pipes in more recently built homes. You can check under your kitchen sink, and if you see white or cream-colored pipes, they’re PVC.
What Is the Process for Replacing Your Home’s Pipes?
Replacing all the pipes in the home is a massive undertaking. Fortunately, you’ll probably only need to do it once or twice in your lifetime. You should plan for the project to take between three and five days, depending on the size of your home. It’s a good idea to make other arrangements for young children and pets during this time.
The plumber will tackle this job in sections. During the work, most plumbers will lay down tarps to protect your furniture from dust and water. In many cases, the technician cuts into the drywall and removes sections to reach the pipes. It might also be necessary to cut into the floor or ceiling. Your plumbers should repair and repaint any removed sections.
Once your new pipes are installed, you should notice a difference in water flow immediately.
What Are the Signs That You Need Your Home Repiped?
- Age: As such a large expense, your pipes are designed to last a long time. However, if the pipes in your home reach 50 years of age, it’s time to consider replacing them or budgeting for their replacement in the near future.
- Frequent leaks or repairs: While some leaks in your plumbing can be caused by loose fittings, many leaks are almost always because the material of the pipes is breaking down. This can be an indication that it’s time to replace your pipes.
- Discolored water: As metal pipes rust and corrode, the sediment floats to the bottom and mixes with the water as it moves through the pipes. You don’t want to drink or cook with this water. You may notice the color more when you’ve been away from the house for a longer period of time.
- Strange smells or taste: Any unusual smell or taste might be a sign that your pipes are breaking down. You need to call a professional to locate or determine the reason for the smell or taste.
- Corrosion you can see: When you look at the pipes under your sink or leading to your water heater tank, do you see visible signs of rust and corrosion? Answer “yes”, and it’s time to have the pipes in your home replaced.
- Lower than normal water pressure: This is especially true if you notice it in your dishwasher or washing machine. As the pipes rust and sediment settles in the pipes, it creates a barrier that the water must flow over to reach where it’s going. Low water pressure can be caused by many things, but this can also be a sign you need to replace the pipes in your home.
If you start to notice signs that it’s time to replace your home’s water pipes, Red Rooter Plumbing is ready to provide you with advice and tackle this extensive job. Contact us today to learn more.
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