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If you live in one house long enough, eventually, you will need to replace the pipes (or repipe). Repiping is a more large-scale plumbing project than most homeowners are used to. However, that doesn’t mean it needs to be overwhelming. Below, we’ll explain how to know when to repipe and what’s involved in the process.
4 SIGNS THAT IT’S TIME TO REPIPE YOUR HOME
Are you unsure if you should replace your home’s pipes? Here are a few ways to tell.
1. Water Pressure Issues
Weak water pressure is a dead giveaway that your home needs to be repiped. As pipes age, rust and sediment build up inside them, giving water less room to flow through. Consequently, you’ll experience increasingly weak water pressure out of faucets and showerheads.
2. Pipe Leaks
Most homeowners have experienced some sort of leak in their home, like a leaky faucet or drain pipe under the sink. When leaks in your water supply pipes become more frequent, this is a sign that those pipes need to be replaced.
3. Old, Noisy Pipes
Noisy pipes don’t always mean you need to have your home repiped. You might have an issue with water hammer, which you can correct without a full repiping. However, if you own particularly old pipes that are gurgling, rattling, squealing, or making other unusual noises, it’s best to look into repiping sooner rather than later.
4. Discolored Water
As pipes deteriorate, pieces can break off and enter your water supply. This can give your water an “off” color. For instance, if your pipes are made of a material that can rust, like galvanized steel, your water might take on a reddish-brown, rusty tinge. You might even see specks of rust coming out of your faucets.
SHOULD I REPIPE IF I’M REMODELING?
If you are remodeling your bathrooms or a major portion of your home, repiping at the same time can be a smart move. Keep in mind: you will need to repipe at some point anyway. Repiping during a remodel saves you the trouble of opening up the walls again at a future date to replace your pipes.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN REPIPING A HOUSE?
Repiping a house is a multi-step process. A plumbing company with substantial experience in repiping can guide you through the steps with relative ease.
Here is a general overview of what repiping a house involves:
- An inspection and estimate. First, you need to have plumbing companies visit your property to see what the repiping job will entail (remember, every house is different). That way, they can provide you with a quote that’s as accurate as possible.
- Securing a work permit. If you need a whole-house repipe, then your plumber may have to obtain a work permit from your local government before the work can start.
- Choosing ideal pipe materials. The best piping materials may depend on your region and where the pipes will be located on your property. Some popular choices include PEX and copper piping.
- Prepping the work area(s). The plumbers will cover your floors and furniture and move furniture away from where they’ll be working.
- Cutting the walls open. Many plumbing pipes can only be accessed and replaced by cutting into a home’s walls and ceiling. Plumbers can use specialized technology that reveals where your pipes are located, minimizing the amount of cutting that needs to happen.
- Replacing the worn-out pipes with the new pipes. The plumbers will remove your home’s old pipes and install the new ones. Keep in mind that the plumbers will shut off your home’s water supply while they work, so you won’t be able to use water in your home during those hours.
- Repairing any open walls and ceilings. The last step is getting your home to look just like it did before the repiping. This usually involves patching up the drywall, along with retexturing and repainting it.
HOW LONG DOES REPIPING TAKE?
The process length from start to finish can vary; it depends on the size and complexity of the project and the availability of materials. If materials are readily available and the property is a small, one-story house, repiping may be completed in as little as two or three days. For larger projects, repiping can take closer to a week, but perhaps longer.
REPIPING IN KNOXVILLE, TN
If you have any questions about repiping your home, don’t hesitate to call The Plumbing Authority at (865) 238-2280. We are Knoxville’s trusted repiping experts and are dedicated to providing quality work and outstanding service.