Having your home re-piped is a big project that can improve the quality of your home and your water efficiency. However, it's not a repair to take on lightly. There are many factors to consider before choosing this option, including the time it takes to complete repairs, the age of your plumbing system, various warning signs, and the time you'll be without water.
Timeframe to Complete Repairs
The length of period it takes to completely re-pipe a home varies depending on the size and condition of your home. For example, a smaller home with two baths usually takes two or three days to complete. However, for people with larger homes, a re-piping can take at least three to five days. In addition to the actual re-piping, it might also take a couple extra days to get the proper permits from city inspectors, repair sheet rock damage, and clean up remaining debris.
Because there is no exact timeframe, it is important to get an estimate from your contractor before work begins. They should be able to give you an accurate timeframe to help you plan out the project.
How Old Is Your Home/Plumbing System?
Unfortunately, plumbing systems don't last forever. The piping in many older homes can begin to deteriorate due to age and stress. This can especially be a problem if your home was built before World War II, as the plumbing is probably galvanized steel and will only last 50 years. Copper piping will last between 20 and 40 years.
Have You Seen Signs That Plumbing Needs to Be Replaced?
There are many warning signs that could indicate that your plumbing is in need of replacement. The biggest sign is leak. "Slab leaks" are leaks that occur in the water lines under the concrete slab of your home. These are generally the first indicators that you water piping system is on the brink of failure. Your water piping system is all the same age. So, when one leaks occurs, others are usually not far behind. It's also important to look at the physical condition of your pipes. If you notice they are stained or discolored or have signs of dimpling, pimples, or flaking, then they are corroding and should be replaced.
How Long Will You Be Without Water?
The biggest fear you might have about re-piping is being without water during the entirety of the repairs. While your contractor will have to turn the water supply off while they are working, they can restore water service when they are finished for the day by using a bypass system. This will allow you to have running water in your home, even if some of your pipes aren't connected. For people who work during the day, you might not even be affected by the lack of water.
If you've fully considered these points and have decided that re-piping your home is the best option, please give David Gray Plumbing, Inc. Services a call. We'd be happy to provide an estimate for what the replacement would cost. And if you're still not sure that a home re-piping is right for you, we can also take a look at your system and give our professional recommendation.