Category Archives: home repiping

Nov '24

What to Expect When You Decide to Repipe Your Home

Repiping your home is not an upgrade any homeowner is excited to do in their home, says Louise Beck Properties. While you may understand the critical role played by your water pipes, you typically don’t like spending all that money to replace them.

This is why most homeowners don’t think of repiping their house until problems in their plumbing system force them to do it. Most homeowners only decide to repipe their property after they have had a plumbing disaster.

But like all the major systems in your home, your water pipes also have an expiration date. Pipes’ lifespan depends on the pipe material, the chemical composition of your water, how well you maintain the pipes, and a host of other factors.

Generally speaking, galvanized pipes last 20-50 years. Brass pipes have a longer lifespan of 40–70 years. Copper pipes have a life expectancy of 50+ years, and cast iron has the longest lifespan of any metal water pipe (75 -100 years). Plastic pipes last indefinitely.

If you are reading this, you are probably on the verge of repiping your home but also trying to familiarize yourself with the process (perhaps to avoid biting off more than you can chew). If this is true, this post will explain what you should expect when repiping your home.

What to expect when repiping your home

How long will it take to repipe your home?

This depends on whether you are repiping the entire house or just a section. Whole-house repiping may take up to a week to complete, but partial repiping can be completed in as little as one day. The plumber needs to assess the work to say how long it will take.

How will the project affect your family?

If you are repiping the entire home, it is best to move your family away from the house during the duration of the project. Due to the highly disruptive nature of repiping a house, your family will be without many of the comforts they are used to. Also, to give your plumber the space he needs to do the work properly, it is best if you vacate your home.

How invasive is this project?

What are the specific ways that repiping your home will disrupt your family’s day-to-day life?

No running water: The home may be without running water for a few hours, the entire day, or more than two days. It depends on the scope of the work. When you work with an experienced plumber, it is possible to have them shut off the water during working hours but restore the service before the end of each day.
Damage to walls, flooring, and ceilings: To access your old pipes, the workers must cut into your walls, flooring, and ceiling. To get at the walls or flooring, they may have to move appliances and furniture around. While you can expect the plumber to use drop-cloths to protect your home and belongings, your home will still be in disarray for the period.
Noise and dust: Like any construction site, you should expect dust and noise during this project. Earplugs may help you escape the worst noise, and draping floors or furniture with plastic sheeting can shield them from dust. However, there is no way to completely escape the inconvenience while your home is repiped.
No access to rooms: Depending on how the pipes in your home are routed, you may lose access to your bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen. Privacy will be a problem if you decide to stay at home during the project. You may also not be able to prepare meals in the kitchen.

Expect to repair your walls, ceilings, and flooring

After repiping is completed, you have to fix your damaged walls, floors, and ceiling. This added cost is separate from the actual cost of repiping your home. Of course, a competent contractor will include this additional cost in their estimates, but it is essential to know it from the start.

Getting your home ready for repiping

Repiping your home does not have to be excessively disruptive if you plan and prepare for it. What steps should you take to reduce the impact of this project on your family? Planning is the best way to minimize the effect of repiping.

Once your plumber provides a timeline for the work, you can plan it according to your schedules.
Better still, you can plan to be away from home during this period.
You can also move into one of the rooms that will not be affected or arrange for the work to be done in such a way as to let you always have one room available for your family.

Lastly, when repiping your home, you need patience. But more than anything else, you need a professional plumber who can sit down with you to work out a plan that will help to reduce the project’s effect on your family and finances.

Aug '24

When to Consider Repiping Your Home: 3 Key Clues

When most homeowners are looking at ways to improve the market value of their property, they rarely think of projects like whole-house repiping. As a rule, SGI Management Dallas most homeowners will never replace the water pipes in their homes unless forced to do so.

That is because repiping a home’s plumbing is a lot of work; labor-intensive and time-consuming. These make it an expensive project and homeowners are naturally motivated to avoid projects that take money out of their pocket.

Secondly, repiping your home will not have a visible impact on its appearance. In other words, it will not improve your home’s curb appeal and homeowners typically want upgrades that boost their home’s aesthetics.

For these reasons, the generality of homeowners don’t see the need to repipe their homes. As long as the existing pipes are working, even if there are occasional problems, repiping the home is very far from their mind.

However, replacing your home water lines is critical for maintaining the safety of your water supply, especially if there are small children or vulnerable adults such as pregnant women in the home. This project also improves the performance of your plumbing while helping to cut costs.

However, given the cost of repiping your home, you only want to undertake this project when necessary. What are the signs that it is time to repipe your home and why is it important to do this project sooner rather than later?

Signs it is time to repipe your home

Most repiping projects are done because of a terrible leak or burst. But there is no need to wait until plumbing emergencies force you to pay closer attention to the condition and performance of your cold and hot water pipes.

If you are planning to remodel your home and the project involves the kitchen and bathrooms that is the perfect opportunity to repipe your home. Since you will have to repipe the property at some point anyway, you might as well do it now to save costs.

Other situations where you should consider repiping your home include:

If the house was built before 1986 or between the 1940s and 1970s

Most homes built before the 1986 Safe Water Act have lead pipes in their plumbing. Lead pipes are banned for water pipes. Lead particles can find their way into the water supply and cause lead poisoning, which can lead to permanent brain or nervous system damage.

Galvanized steel pipes are common in homes built between the 1940s and 1970s. While safer than lead pipes, galvanized steel pipes, have their problems. They are vulnerable to corrosion and as a result, are prone to leakages. Your home’s overall maintenance cost will be adversely affected if you have galvanized steel pipes in the plumbing

Frequent water leaks and water discoloration

If you are constantly dealing with pipe leaks, it may be time to repipe your home. Leaks are a common problem in water pipes but if they become a permanent feature of the system, it means your pipes have become weak. The cost of fixing damage caused by leaks – especially in walls, ceilings or slab foundations – may be higher than the cost of repiping the home.

Water discoloration is either caused by pipe leaks that admit soil and other contaminants into the water supply or excessive corrosion and buildup within the pipes. If your water pipes are rusted to the point where they are changing the color of your water, the only way to fix the problem is to repipe your home. The contaminants in discolored water can harm your health, appliances and plumbing fixtures.

Pipes are visibly corroded and there is low water pressure

If you can see clear signs of severe wear and tear on exposed sections of the water pipes, it may be time to repipe your home. These signs include flaking or staining. These are telltale signs that the pipes are seriously corroded and well on their way to failure. Replacing the pipe as soon as possible will help you avoid major problems, with higher repair costs, in the future.

If the problem is not from the city water supply or due to leaks in your main water line, low water pressure in your home can be caused by rusty water pipes. Corrosion and sediment buildup in water pipes can narrow their channel, limiting the volume of water the system can carry. If you have a problem with low water pressure across your entire home, it may be time to repipe the house.

Finally, why should you repipe your home?

There are good financial reasons for doing this project. Although repiping your home will not reflect on your building’s appearance, buyers will be willing to pay you more for your home if they know they have nothing to worry about the plumbing system.

Sep '23

Expert Insights on the Necessity of Repiping to Safeguard Your Property

Understanding the Importance of Repiping for Property Protection

As a property owner, it is crucial to prioritize the maintenance and protection of your valuable investment. Repiping, in particular, plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and functionality of your property’s plumbing system. Ignoring the signs of deteriorating pipes can lead to severe damage, costly repairs, and potential risks to your property and its occupants. Below we will get into expert insights on the necessity of repiping to safeguard your property.

The Lifespan of Pipes

Before discussing the reasons why repiping is essential, it’s important to understand the lifespan of different types of pipes commonly used in properties. The material and age of your property will largely determine the type of pipes installed. Here are some general estimations of pipe lifespans:

Copper pipes: The lifespan of copper pipes can range from 50 to 70 years. However, factors like water pH levels and water chemistry can influence their durability.

Galvanized steel pipes: Galvanized steel pipes have an average lifespan of 20 to 50 years. Over time, these pipes are prone to rust and corrosion, resulting in reduced water pressure and potential leaks.

PVC pipes: PVC pipes are known for their longevity and can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years. They are not susceptible to rust and corrosion like other materials.

Signs Your Property Needs Repiping

Identifying the signs that your home requires repiping services is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of your property. Here are some common indicators that your pipes may need replacement:

Frequent leaks: If your property experiences multiple leaks over a short period, it could be a clear sign of deteriorating pipes that need immediate attention.

Discolored water: When the water flowing from your faucets appears rusty, brown, or discolored, it may indicate corroded pipes that need to be replaced.

Low water pressure: Aging pipes often suffer from reduced water pressure, making it difficult to perform regular tasks like showering or using appliances efficiently.

Strange odors or taste: Unpleasant odors or a metallic taste in your tap water can signify the presence of contaminants due to deteriorating pipes.
Frequent plumbing repairs: If you find yourself constantly calling plumbers to fix various issues, it could be a symptom of underlying pipe problems that require repiping.

Benefits of Repiping

Investing in repiping offers several advantages that contribute to the long-term protection and value of your property. Let’s explore some of the key benefits:

1. Enhanced Property Value

Repiping can significantly increase the value of your property. Potential buyers are more inclined to invest in a property with a newer, reliable plumbing system that eliminates the hassle and cost of immediate repairs.

2. Improved Water Quality

Old, deteriorating pipes can contaminate your water supply, compromising its quality and potentially posing health risks. Repiping ensures clean and safe water for you and your household.

3. Increased Water Pressure

Replacing outdated pipes with newer ones can restore the water pressure in your property. Enjoy a more efficient and satisfying shower experience, as well as better functionality for various appliances that rely on water.

4. Minimized Plumbing Emergencies

Repiping eliminates the constant need for plumbing repairs and maintenance. By proactively replacing old pipes, you can minimize the risk of emergencies and the associated expenses.

5. Enhanced Property Safety

Leaky pipes pose a significant threat to your property’s structural integrity and can lead to mold growth, water damage, and even flooding. Repiping ensures a secure and safe environment for your property and its occupants.

a home in chicago being repiped by a plumber.

A professional plumber will conduct a thorough inspection of your property’s existing pipes to evaluate their condition and identify any potential issues.

The Repiping Process

When considering repiping your property, it is crucial to engage professional plumbing services to ensure a successful and efficient process. Here’s a general overview of the repiping process:

1. Inspection and Assessment

A professional plumber will conduct a thorough inspection of your property’s existing pipes to evaluate their condition and identify any potential issues. This assessment helps determine the extent of repiping required.

2. Pipe Material Selection

Based on the assessment and your property’s specific needs, the plumber will recommend the most suitable pipe material for the repiping project. Factors such as durability, cost-effectiveness, and water quality should be considered during this selection process.

3. Pipe Replacement

Once the material is selected, the repiping process begins. Professional plumbers will systematically remove the old pipes and replace them with new ones. This process ensures minimal disruption to your property and a smooth transition to the new plumbing system.

4. Testing and Inspection

After the repiping is complete, residential plumbers will conduct rigorous testing and inspection to ensure the integrity and functionality of the new plumbing system. This step is crucial to identify any potential leaks or issues that might require immediate attention.

5. Clean-Up and Restoration

Once the testing and inspection confirm the successful installation of the new plumbing system, the plumbers will proceed with the clean-up process, ensuring that your property is left in impeccable condition post-repiping.

Wrapping It Up

Repiping is a necessary investment to safeguard your property and ensure the long-term functionality of your plumbing system. By addressing deteriorating pipes proactively, you can avoid expensive repairs, maintain property value, and provide a secure environment for your household. Always consult professional plumbers to guide you through the repiping process and ensure optimal results.