What Is Repiping?
Repiping is a service that most people never consider, but most people will have to do it in their homes at some point. The materials used to plumb houses for the last century all have very long life expectancies, so it can be easy to forget that, at some point, the materials will fail and need to be replaced. When large piping sections need to be replaced in a home, the service is called repiping.
Repiping is most often necessary in older homes built with galvanized water lines or some of the early versions of PVC. Even copper pipes wear out over time and must be updated to protect the plumbing system from further corrosion. In most cases, during a repiping service, plumbers will upgrade degraded piping sections and replace them with the latest materials and methods the plumbing industry offers. This article serves as a guide to walk homeowners through this potentially stressful process.
When Is Repiping Needed?
Repiping can be intimidating or stressful because it can be an invasive procedure. One of the downsides to having piping tucked away behind the walls and buried beneath slabs is that replacing or repairing them can be a big job. That’s why it is important to only repipe a home that needs it. A homeowner has no reason to incur the cost of a repiping project without good reasons. Some of the reasons they may choose to repipe their homes are:
- Strange smells leached into the water
- Discolored water
- Water that tastes metallic
- Low water pressure
- Signs of corrosion in the plumbing system
- Multiple leaks
- Outdated plumbing materials
What Goes Into the Price of Repiping?
Repiping is usually one of the more expensive home improvement projects homeowners need. The main cost associated with repiping is labor. When a house is built before it has walls, plumbing is easy. When walls need to be opened and new trenches dug, the labor bills can go fairly high.
Other factors that influence the price of the service can include things like:
- The size of the house
- Materials used in repiping
- Rehabilitation costs
- Number of fixtures in the home
- Extent of the repiping project
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the project, few corners can be cut to save money. Professional repiping services are expensive but necessary to avoid the pitfalls of DIY plumbing projects.
Repiping Benefits
While the scale of work and repiping costs can be a problem for owners, the process is not without benefits. The truth is, repiping a home is a great investment in the future of the home. If the owner intends to occupy the home for long, they will benefit from steady water pressure and lower water bills. When it comes time to sell the home, it is a great peace of mind to potential buyers to know that repiping has been done so the seller can ask for a premium price.
If a home has aging plumbing, don’t delay and try piecemeal solutions. Work with repiping specialists to devise a plan now and get the benefits of a home with fresh plumbing.
About Cleary Plumbing & Air
Cleary Plumbing & Air specializes in difficult repiping projects. Their crews treat every home with the greatest care and offer their services with straightforward pricing. Call today for plumbing service in West Palm Beach, FL.
