A home repiping is a major undertaking so you must know when it is appropriate to do a smaller repair or when it is warrantied. Repiping is the process of replacing a single pipe or the entire plumbing system of a home. Usually, homeowners prefer a whole-house repipe to address the root cause of a serious plumbing issue. This can take anywhere from 3-5 days, depending on your home’s size, the number of levels it has, and which pipe material you choose. Repiping involves making strategic cuts in the drywall, replacing the pipes, ad reinstalling the removed drywall and giving it a final touch to remove any signs of damage.
If you are wondering whether or not your home needs repiping, below are some signs to watch out for:
You have Old Pipes
Pipes that are close to or past their useful life need to be replaced. Although the lifespan of pipes varies, pipes that are at least 50 years old should be inspected. During the 1970s, pipes were made using materials such as galvanized steel that may have corroded now. Lead pipes must be replaced immediately because they have adverse effects on health. Also, polybutylene pipes must be replaced as they are prone to leaks.
Your Pipes have Many Leaks
If you have leaking pipes, you may prefer to replace just a part of the pipe or patch leak to save money. This may work in the short term; however, keep in mind that even small leaks can push your water bill through the roof and cause water damage. Repiping can give you peace of mind and prevent bigger leaks down the road.
Compromised Water Quality
If the water supply in your house tastes and smells bad, it is not safe to consume. It might be best to call a plumber to evaluate the issue. The foul smell or taste could be caused by the breakdown of pipes and repiping might be necessary to resolve the problem.
Moreover, water in older pipes can look yellow, red, or brown. Discoloration indicates the buildup of rust or other sediments in the pipes. But, if you only notice water discoloration when you run hot water, it could mean your water heater is corroded.
Extreme Changes in Water Temperature
If your shower switches from icy cold to very hot suddenly, this could mean the corroded materials have broken off the pipe and jammed the valve or anti-scald device that regulates your water temperature. This problem can be easily resolved by replacing the pipes.
