Repipe


Shamrocks Plumbing and Heating

When is The Best Time to Repipe a House?

When it comes to repiping a house, it might not be the most glamorous project, but it certainly is important when the time is right. Ageing plumbing deteriorates, leading to leaks, low water pressure, and even rusty water. If you are experiencing an of these issues, it might be time to consider replacing the plumbing in your home.


The job involves replacing old pipes with new ones, ensuring a better functioning system. One popular option for replacement pipes is PEX, which stands for cross-linked polyethylene. PEX pipes are gaining popularity due to their flexibility, durability, and resistance to freezing and corrosion. Moreover, these pipes are easily installed, making the process quicker and more cost-effective.


But why should anyone bother repiping their house? First and foremost, repiping eliminates the inconvenience and frustration caused by plumbing problems. Leaks can damage your home's structure, cause mold growth, and increase your water bills. By repiping, you can address these issues and ensure a secure and leak-free home. Additionally, repiping can increase water pressure and improve water flow, allowing for a more comfortable and enjoyable bathing and washing experience.


Furthermore, replacing outdated pipes can enhance the overall value and appeal of your house. Potential buyers are often wary of homes with plumbing issues, so having a repiped house can make it more attractive on the market. By investing in repiping, you are not only improving your quality of life but also safeguarding the long-term value of your home.

Signs That Repiping is Needed 

We often overlook the importance of pipes that carry the water in our home. However, pipes can deteriorate and develop problems including poor water pressure, leaks, and other problems. When you start to feel uncomfortable with your plumbing, a repipe or pipe replacement may be necessary to ensure the efficient flow of water throughout the house.


One popular option for replacing the pipes is the use of PEX, a flexible plastic tubing that is highly durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. It costs less than copper but doesn't last as long.


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Which Type of Pipe Material Should You Choose?

There are a few choices of pipe material when thinking about what to use when it's time to repipe your home and it usually comes down to either copper or PEX. Copper installed with flux and soldered joints is not as desirable health wise as snap connections and gaskets, mainly because of the lead component in solder. Just keep in mind that the overall cost of installation increases with higher quality parts obviously. There is also the PH level of your local water supply to consider, which can affect pipe deterioration. We recommend consulting with your contractor and get the water tested before spending the extra money on copper.


PEX is short for cross linked polyethylene. The advantage to PEX is the lower cost of material and installation time, which has helped increase its popularity with contractors and builders. PEX pipes are versatile, flexible, and easy to install, allowing for quick and efficient installation. They are resistant to corrosion, freezing, and scaling, are cost-effective and have better water flow characteristics, ensuring a reliable plumbing system for the life of the material.

Average Cost to Repipe a House

The average cost to replumb a house depends on various factors, including the size of the house, the number of bathrooms, and the complexity of the system.


PEX offers numerous advantages over traditional copper or galvanized pipes, including lower costs and easier installation. However, it is important to understand the differences involved in repiping a home with PEX compared to copper to make an informed decision.


Repiping your home with copper pipes could be a smart investment depending on circumstances. If your water has compatible PH levels and the plumbing contractor is experienced with the type of installation you want, (soldered joints VS no solder / flux) then copper it is, budget considered.


Some other things to think about before committing to the more expensive copper option.


  1. What is your tap water used for mostly? Do you drink straight from the tap, or buy filtered drinking water?
  2. If your tap water is used mainly for dishes, laundry, showering, toilets etc, then basic health considerations come from a different perspective.
  3. When it's time to repipe a house, it's already decades old. How much longer before it's considered a tear-down? And how much longer will you live there before selling? 

What Does a Complete Repipe Job Include?

A full repipe job involves the replacement of the existing water pipe in a building with new ones. Whether it is a residential or commercial property, repiping may be necessary when the existing pipes are deteriorating, causing leaks, low water pressure, or other plumbing issues. This process is essential for ensuring the efficient and reliable functioning of the plumbing system.


Before any repipe job starts, your plumber will assess the current condition of the pipes to determine whether a complete replacement is required. Then formulate a plan, considering the type and size of the new pipes, as well as the specific needs of the building. 



After the old pipes are removed, new pipes are installed and connected, ensuring proper alignment and secure joints. Finally, the entire system is tested to identify any potential leaks or issues before the job can be considered complete. Overall, a repipe job is a process that aims to improve the functionality and lifespan of a building's plumbing system. 

What Can You Expect to Get From Repiping?

The end result of a repipe job is a new plumbing system that functions efficiently, providing a reliable supply of clean water to every faucet. By replacing the old pipes with newer material, such as copper or PEX, the risk of leaks and plumbing failures is significantly reduced. This can lead to lower maintenance costs and greater peace of mind. Repiping can also enhance the overall value of your property, as potential buyers may be hesitant to invest in a house with outdated, old plumbing system. 

How Long Does Repiping a Home Take?

Repiping a house involves replacing all the plumbing pipes in the building. While the time needed for a complete repipe job can vary depending on various factors, such as the size of the property and the complexity of your home's plumbing system, a typical repipe job can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Factors that influence completion time include the size of your home, number of bathrooms, accessibility of the pipes, and extent of plumbing repairs needed. You will want to consult with your contractor to assess the job and provide a more accurate estimate. 


In conclusion, repiping an entire house is an investment that can bring numerous benefits. From eliminating plumbing problems and improving water flow to increasing the value of your property, repiping is a cost-effective solution that will undoubtedly enhance your living experience.


Call us during office hours for a free consultation. We'll be happy to share our experience and offer a solution with a quote on the project's overall cost that should fit your budget.


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