This is, indeed, a question for the ages. There is an extraordinary array of reasons why a home might need to be repiped. Sometimes, it’s due to the actual materials used in the pipe. For example, copper pipes have developed a particular reputation for longevity.
If you have copper pipes, it is possible that they could last up to seven decades. However, if hard water is in the mix, you may notice that the life of these pipes is significantly reduced.
Another popular pipe material over the years has been galvanized steel, which boasts a life cycle of 50 years at the most. When these pipes fail, it is usually due to corrosion. For homeowners who had their houses piped back in the 1980s and 1990s, however, it will be important to check and see if you have polybutylene pipes.
These pipes became incredibly popular due to their low cost but were later found to break down quickly. Therefore, they need to be immediately replaced.
PVC, meanwhile, is a modern material that has held up pretty nicely. PVC pipes can last from 25 years up to four decades. Another modern pipe material, PEX, has been hailed for its ability to function for 50 years!
Repiping Is Personal
Your repiping frequency will have a lot to do with you and the way that you inhabit your home. If you have a big family, for example, those pipes are going to be used much more than if there was just one person living in the house. Like any other material, pipes eventually succumb to wear and tear.
Another concern is the chemical composition of your water. Do you have “hard” water or water that is more acidic? These conditions can eventually lead to a breakdown of the materials and/or corrosion. When you speak to a service professional over the phone, you’ll want to provide as much information as possible about the pipes that your home currently has.
How Do We Start the Repiping Process?
First, you need to reach out to a company like Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for an assessment. When they visit your home for a consultation, the technician will give you an idea of how well your pipes are working now — and if there are any problem areas you need to know about.
If it is determined that repiping is the best option, you and the plumbing professional will talk about what materials you may want to use for your new pipes. Whether your main concerns are the longevity of the materials, the quality of the water, or the price tag, this team will work with you to ensure that all of your priorities are honored during the process.
Next, you will need to prep for the repiping process. Move any furniture or other items that might be in the way of your technician. Plan for your home’s water to be turned off for the duration of service, and be prepared for the plumber to open up areas of your ceiling and walls in order to access the pipes.
Installation of New Pipes
Once the technician is ready to begin work, the process is fairly straightforward and should move quickly. Your old, failing pipes will be replaced with gleaming new pipes that are properly fitted, aligned, and connected. Then, your plumber will put the new pipes through their paces, conducting several tests to make sure they are functioning perfectly.
Depending upon the size of your home, you can expect the process to take anywhere from two days to two weeks. Prior to starting the repiping, make sure that you and your plumbers are on the same page as to how long the project will take.
What Are Some of the Signs That I May Need to Repipe?
There are several signs that may be indicating your home’s need for a new repiping. Here are just a few: new noises, lowered water pressure, water taking on an odd color, and new leaks starting to pop up. The longer these signs continue without being addressed, the more likely it is that your pipes will experience some kind of crisis that causes damage to your home.
As Benjamin Franklin himself once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The faster you reach out to plumbing professionals for help, the more likely it is that you will be able to avoid any last-minute chaos with your pipes. There’s nothing quite like the wonderful feeling of getting sparkling new pipes installed in your home!