Repiping The House –A Homeowner’s Guide
It’s inevitable that homeowners will eventually face plumbing problems. Sometimes, a simple repair isn’t enough, instead, you may need your entire plumbing system replaced or repiped. A complete home repipe sounds daunting to most homeowners, but you don’t need to be intimidated. In this guide, we’ll discuss the entire process — from determining if you need a repipe to choosing a plumber, and what pipe materials to consider.
How Do I Know If I Need To Repipe My House?
A complete house repipe is a major home project, but in some cases it’s necessary. It’s a considerable investment in both time and money. In some cases, replacing your old pipes is necessary. Here are some reasons you may consider repiping your house:
Galvanized steel pipes. The most common reason for a home repipe today is failing galvanized steel pipes. Galvanized piping was commonly used for plumbing in homes built before 1960. However, home builders used galvanized pipes for water supply plumbing in homes in Houston into the late 1980s and 1990s. The problem with galvanized pipes is that after many years, they corrode. Once corrosion starts building up in these pipes, water flow is restricted, and rust sediments pass into your drinking water.
Frequent plumbing work and repairs. A new plumbing system can resolve ongoing plumbing issues. Getting “band-aid” type repairs frequently can become more costly than a whole house repipe in the end. Having a new plumbing system will avoid further repairs for many years down the road.
Lead pipes. Lead pipes are a concern in older homes prior to 1950. The use of lead pipes declined after World War II because of increased awareness of the dangers of lead poisoning, but it was not banned until 1986. If your older home still has lead pipes, you want to repipe with a safer, approved plumbing material.
Renovation or remodel. If you’re planning a remodel or renovation, especially the bathroom or kitchen, it would be sensible to repipe simultaneously. If your plumbing is nearing the end of its life expectancy and you fail to replace it, you may have to rip out your beautifully remodeled space to replace the plumbing,
What Is Involved In Repiping A House?
Repiping an entire house is a big job. A whole house repipe typically refers to replacing cold and hot water supply pipes. The other side of your plumbing is the sewer, also referred to as the waste drainage pipes. Unless indicated, a whole house repipe does not include the sewer system. For many homeowners, a complete house repipe might be one of the biggest renovations they ever do. Here’s a rundown of the repipe process:
Repipe Prep
The first step is to get an inspection of your plumbing and an estimate to complete the project. You can compare companies during this stage. Many plumbing companies will offer a free estimate for a repipe. They will also let you know if you should go for a small repair, repipe a single section, or do a whole house repipe addressing the entire house.
Next, a collaborative decision is made regarding the best materials to replace your plumbing with. This can include copper, pex or CPVC piping. If you decide to go with a whole house repipe, your plumber may have to secure a work permit from the local authority if required.
The Repipe
The plumbers will take great care to protect your furniture and other belongings, covering all work areas in plastic. During the construction process, your home’s water service will need to be temporarily shut off. Good plumbers will be able to do most of the work that requires water shut off during the day, so your evening routines shouldn’t be affected.
Professional plumbers have special tools that allow them to pinpoint the exact locations of pipes behind your walls. Holes are cut into your drywall to allow access to your home’s pipes. After the new pipes are installed, the repiping installers will patch up the drywall and repaint to restore your home to its previous condition. The path work is typically completed on a different day to allow for inspections.
How Long Does A Whole House Repipe Take?
A complete repipe can take anywhere from a few days up to a week. Small to average homes can be repiped in as little as two days, while larger homes with multiple bathrooms may require more time.
However, it’s important to mention that while it is necessary to turn your water off during some of time process, you will not be without water the whole time. Most of the work involves building the new plumbing network alongside the existing pipes. The only time you’ll be without water is when they are switching from the old system to the new one.
How Much Does Repiping A House Cost?
The cost for repiping an entire house varies depending on a variety of factors. According to Home Advisor, the project can range from $1500 – $15000. Costs depend on the size of the house and its plumbing network and the type of piping installed. If you need to get any building permits, you’ll need to factor in the costs of those as well.
Copper pipes
These are the most expensive pipes, with costs around $1-$3 per foot. Also keep in mind that copper is a commodity, so its price can fluctuate day-to-day.
CPVC
CPVC is cheaper than copper pipes and is often the preferred material for renovations. Costs for CPVC piping start at around $0.40 per foot.
PEX
PEX pipes, which are the newest types of pipes used in home plumbing, are even cheaper than CPVC. PEX pipes can go for as little as $0.30 per foot.
The removal of the older pipes is also something to consider. Many homeowners choose to keep the old, unused steel pipes behind the walls. Others may decide to have them removed. Expect an additional fee if you have your plumbing company extract the old pipes and a significant cost for wall repair.
How To Hire The Right Plumber?
Since repiping is a major home project, it’s important to hire the right plumber. You don’t want to end up with someone who cuts corners and ends up costing you more money down the road. Look for a plumber or plumbing company that:
Is fully licensed and has proof of insurance.
Has plenty of quality references and reviews.
An established business in your area.
Provides a detailed estimate, including labor costs, material costs, and any expenses for permits or inspections.
Offers a guarantee or warranty for their work.
What is the best material to use for your Repipe?
Once you determine you need a repipe, you’ll need to decide what material to use for your replacement plumbing system. Today there are basically three options – copper, CPVC, and PEX – and each comes with its own pros and cons. Many plumbers have their own preferences and will almost always recommend going with their favorite building material.
Getting a good understanding of each type of pipe will help make an informed decision. If you like the sound of PEX pipes, for example, you might want to seek a certified plumber who specializes in PEX repiping.
Copper Pipes
Copper pipes are the oldest piping system currently in use. Many plumbers and builders swear by copper pipes because they’re a tried and true material. It’s considered the gold standard in home plumbing systems, and they can last 75-100 years. There’s been a trend lately to use alternative materials like PEX and CPVC in new constructions and remodels.
Pros:
More durable and longer lasting than PEX pipes
Won’t corrode like galvanized steel pipes
Don’t harbor bacteria or other contaminants
Temperature resistant
Has been used for decades and is a proven, reliable pipe material
Cons:
Copper pipes can burst or leak if they freeze
Are more expensive than PEX pipe/PVC
Installation is labor intensive, and therefore more labor cost
Are vulnerable to acidic water, potentially leading to pinhole leaks.
Need to be insulated.
Are generally louder than PEX pipes. Water hammer is a common complaint with copper pipes.
Require larger sections of drywall to be removed during installation.
Require soldering with an open flame, which could potentially be hazardous to an existing home.
CPVC (Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) Pipes
CPVC pipes are common in repipes and remodels. They started showing up on the market in the 1960s and have been steadily gaining popularity. It’s easier to work with than copper pipes and is well-suited for installation in an existing structure. They might not last as long as copper pipes, but they should give you at least 50 years of reliable plumbing.
Pros:
Chlorinated PVC pipes are safe for transporting drinking water.
Can be used to transport hot water
A cheaper alternative to copper pipes.
Are resistant to acidity and other chemicals in the water.
Cons:
More expensive than PVC pipes, but has more versatility.
Can crack during earthquakes
PEX (Cross-linked polyethylene) Pipes
PEX is the newest piping material currently in use. It started being used in new European construction, before gaining traction in the United States in the late 90s and early 2000s. PEX is versatile, flexible, and easy to work with, making it a favorite for modern-day builders.
Pros:
More cost-effective than copper pipes
Flexible material means its quieter than copper pipes
Flexibility makes PEX pipes easier to install, as they can be fed around bends in walls
Flexibility also eliminates the need for joint fittings, which can be a common source of leaks
Environmentally friendly
Less likely to crack or burst during freezing conditions
Naturally insulated, which helps against thermal loss
Great option if your home is built on a concrete slab foundation
Can be installed using smaller openings in drywall due to its flexibility
Cons:
Less durable than copper pipes
Relatively new to the plumbing scene; the long-term prospects of PEX piping are still unknown
Will degrade if materials are not stored properly shielded from the sun.
Consider Other Plumbing Upgrades
If you’ve been thinking about doing some upgrades or other plumbing renovations, getting them done while you’re having your home repiped might be a good time. Since the piping in the walls and around fixtures will be exposed, you could save money by having your upgrades done now. Some homeowners consider upgrading to improve efficiency and save money. Common upgrades include tankless water heaters and low-flow fixtures. Some homeowners also install water sensors and automatic shut of valves.
Repiping With Us
Repiping your home doesn’t have to be a daunting project. Understanding the work done and the different materials used will help you make the right decision when repiping your home. Having your home repiped is a significant financial investment, but once you have it done, you’ll have a reliable plumbing network that will last. If you are looking for an experienced repipe company for your home in the Houston area, consider We Do Repipes. We specialize in replacing galvanized plumbing, old copper pipes, whole house repipes, and PEX repipes. Call for a free consultation 832-819-8337.