If you’ve been a homeowner for very long, then you probably already know that plumbing problems are just a part of life. It’s likely you’ll suffer from at least a small leak or a minor drain clog. If you’re lucky, that’s the worst you’ll have to deal with.
But it’s important to know that if your pipes are old, made of outdated material, or damaged in some way, then it’s time to consider if you might need whole-house repiping–when all the pipes in your home are replaced with newer plumbing pipes.
Read on to learn how to determine if you should have repiping done.
What Are Your Pipes Made Of?
One of the main reasons that homeowners have their plumbing systems repiped is because they need or want pipes of a different material installed. Plumbing pipes have been made from various materials throughout the decades, some of which are just not effective for the long term, or can even present health issues to your household (think, lead pipes).
Newer plumbing materials such as PVC pipes and copper pipes have been used in recent years and may be needed in your home to upgrade your plumbing system and make it less likely that you’ll experience sudden and unexpected leaks.
How Old Is Your Plumbing?
As we alluded to above, your plumbing pipes have an expiration date, and it has a lot to do with the materials used to design your plumbing system. If your home is more than a few decades old, there’s a very good chance that your plumbing system was built using galvanized steel or even iron, both of which are more prone to corrosion than the alternatives we use today, such as CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), copper, or PEX (cross-linked polyethylene).
Other Repiping Considerations
There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to repiping, depending on the area of your home the pipes are located, and what kind of work is being done. For leak repair, you might feel rushed to make a decision, but we encourage you to consider your options, which we can help with.
For instance, if you’re experiencing frequent problems such as low water pressure, frequent sewer clogs, seeing flakes of rust in your water, or higher than average utility bills in your older home, it’s definitely time to consider repiping–but the materials can depend on the location and use of the pipes.
While copper pipes are typically fine for homes with a basement or crawlspace, for example, you will want something more durable if you’ve experienced a slab leak and want to replace the pipes beneath your home’s foundation. It’s worth noting here that another solution when it comes to slab leaks is completely rerouting your plumbing so that no pipes run under your home’s foundation. You’d never have to worry about a slab leak again, which can be a huge relief.
When you need a professional and reliable plumber in Modesto, CA, look no further than DeHart Plumbing, Heating, and Air Inc. Contact us today!