Key Factors To Consider When Repiping A House

Plumbing issues are a constant source of frustration for homeowners, although it is part of house maintenance and similar to any other repair work done on your house. Despite the fact that a complete home repipe may sound intimidating, you shouldn’t be put off by it. Since under some conditions a complete repiping of the house is essential.

What exactly does it mean to “repipe” a house?

Repiping is the process of updating the outdated plumbing system in your residence. This is typically carried out during a significant home remodel or in old buildings with damaged pipes or other issues. Repiping often requires demolishing the entire plumbing network, adding new plumbing, constructing a new one, and occasionally using an open flame.

Indicators for Determining if Your Home Requires Repiping

Repiping an entire house is a significant undertaking. It requires considerable time and financial investment. However, replacing your outdated pipes is frequently advised or perhaps an urgent requirement. If you’re thinking about repiping your home, consider these factors.

• If you are frequently investing in plumbing maintenance and repairs: This suggests that you are in need of urgent repiping. Plumbing problems that have persisted can be resolved with a new pipe network. Also, if you install a brand-new plumbing system, you won’t have to worry about repairs for a very long time.
• If the already existing pipe system is made of lead pipes: Even while lead pipes made up the majority of the water system in older homes, some still do, defying popular assumption. Serious possible health hazards are associated with lead like kidney and brain damage. So it’s better to repipe the water system with lead pipes if you have one.
• If there are galvanized steel pipes in your home: Before the 1940s, pipes in most American homes were almost exclusively made of galvanized steel. Galvanized pipes can rust after a given amount of time, which is an issue. Water flow is impeded once corrosion in these pipes begins to accumulate, and sediment can possibly appear in your drinkable water.
• If you are planning to remodel your home: Repiping the entire water supply system may be an option when renovating the bathroom or other plumbing so that building work and repiping can be completed simultaneously. You can save a ton of time and money this way.

The Repiping Process: What To Expect

Repiping a whole house is a fairly time-consuming and expensive project. So it’s pertinent that you are well-equipped to deal with the entire process. The following considerations should be made before you begin repiping your home:

1. Inspection by repipe specialist: It is always advisable to first have a repipe specialist perform an inspection. The expert may suggest that you repipe your entire plumbing system or only a portion of it during the inspection. His recommendations would primarily depend on the kind of issues you’re experiencing, the age and condition of your water pipes, the type of pipe installed, the structure of the system, etc. Only a qualified technician can easily identify every plumbing issue that has to be fixed, point out the best remedies for your house, and provide an estimate of the repiping cost. 
2. Obtaining a work permit: Repiping requires a work permit, just like other home improvements. It is best to obtain it from the local governing body, soon after you have decided on repiping your house and the initial works are done. A re-piping project calls for all of the water supply pipes in the house to be replaced. Given the complexity of the task, it is necessary that a  licensed plumber be hired to complete it along with obtaining the permit. In most cases, the estimated total cost of the project includes the price of obtaining the necessary permits.
3. Proper discussion with the plumber: Depending on how big your home is and how many bathrooms you have, repiping might require around a couple of days to a week. In order to minimize water interruptions, be sure to discuss this with your plumber as your water supply will be out for some of this period.
4. Arrangements in your household: Plumbers must drill holes in the drywall to remove the old and broken pipes and install the new ones. All your furniture should be put away and covered to prevent stains or damage. Consider any priceless items that might sustain damage, electronic appliances attached to walls,  works of art, or other home furnishings.
5. Interruption in water supply: During your remodelling, you will need to turn off your water temporarily. The plumbing expert will install the new water system adjacent to the old pipe unit, during such times there are chances of interruption in the water supply to the house.
6. Ensuring accessibility to technicians: To set up a new pipe system, the plumber has to access the drywall in most rooms. You can relax knowing the damages will be repaired thereafter, but before the job begins, ensure the workers have access to the walls. In advance, move any furniture, wall hangings, or pieces of art out of the way.
7. Upgrading plumbing-related appliances: Although repiping work usually entails replacing an outdated piping system, you might also choose to upgrade your home with particular improvements like a brand-new water heater installation, extending the existing plumbing system to a new building addition, or adding low-flow fixtures. Modern low-flow fixtures, such as lavatories, faucets, taps and shower heads, use significantly less water than older counterparts, which can significantly reduce your water expenses.  This will save you money over the long term and increase the functioning of your home.
8. Post-repiping inspection: After the new pipes are installed, the work will require a professional examination. When the building inspector gives the all-clear, your plumber can repair the damaged drywall and repaint the walls to make them seem like new.

With all of these details, a complex repiping process can be made simpler. The procedure of repiping your house doesn’t have to be a herculean task anymore. By reaching out to suitable repipe specialists, you can obtain all the details you require regarding the necessary work, the right instruments for the job, and a team of qualified professionals that can efficiently carry out any repiping project.