Do I Really Need to Repipe My Home?
It wasn’t until 1986 that Congress passed a law banning lead pipe plumbing. While lead use had gone down over the previous decades, it’s still shocking that it hasn’t even been forty years since the official ban. Your home likely doesn’t contain lead pipes, but that doesn’t mean that your system is in good shape. Regardless of the material your pipes are made of, age, corrosion, or other factors could be wearing them down and causing system-wide problems. That’s when a repiping could be in order.
We don’t want to scare you off. While a repipe sounds like a huge project (and it can be), we aren’t trying to sell you anything. We just want to share some information on what a repipe involves, when it’s needed, and whether it’s even worth the investment! We have some helpful tips, tricks, and advice to share as well. Staying informed about your plumbing is the best way to care for it!
What Is a Repipe?
When we say ‘repipe,’ we’re referring to the process of replacing your existing plumbing pipes with new ones. This doesn’t have to involve the entire house, nor does it require that you change the type of material used. A repipe isn’t typically prescribed unless there are substantial problems with the current pipes.
Depending on the scope of the project, a repipe can involve replacing:
All water supply lines throughout the home, both hot and cold water pipes.
Drain and sewer lines if they’re cracked, corroded, or leaking.
Partial sections of the plumbing system if only certain areas are affected.
A successful repipe will often restore water pressure, water quality, leak integrity, and provide a reliable plumbing system that can function for decades to come.
What Is the Process of a Repipe?
The process can depend on the extent, type, and locations of the repiping, but it’s typically considered a major project requiring a professional touch. Generally speaking, here’s what you can expect:
1. Inspection
A thorough assessment of your plumbing system will determine the extent of work needed to complete a successful repipe. Our team looks for the following signs:
Frequent leaks
Low water pressure
Discolored or rusty water
Pipe corrosion or damage
After a full evaluation, you’ll receive a consultation and recommended action plan. The plan could involve a full repipe, just a partial replacement, or even a trenchless solution for your sewer or drain.
2. Choosing the Material
Different pipe materials have different uses and benefits. We’ve gone over them in more depth here, but the best course of action is to speak with us directly for a comprehensive understanding of your options:
PEX: Flexible, resistant to corrosion, and great for both hot and cold water lines.
Copper: Extremely durable, resistant to bacteria, but more expensive.
CPVC: Affordable and resistant to heat, but more brittle than PEX.
There are a lot of considerations that go into your choice of material, so we have no problem taking our time to explain it to you!
3. Replacing the Pipes
Access points may need to be cut into walls, floors, or ceilings to reach the old pipes, so keep that in mind. The old pipes are removed and replaced with new piping and reconnected to all affected fixtures, including your faucets, toilets, and water heaters.
4. Testing
Comprehensive testing of the entire system should be done after the project is completed. These tests check for proper water pressure, flow, and any potential leaks.
When Should You Repipe a House?
A repipe is a big project, so you need to be sure that it's necessary before taking the step of hiring a plumber. Here are some telltale signs that could mean a repipe is in order:
1. Frequent Leaks
If your plumbing system is springing leaks in different areas, your entire system could be compromised and in need of an overhaul. Hiring a plumber every month or two to temporarily patch a new leak will end up costing you precious time and money that you could save with a one-time repipe.
2. Low Water Pressure
Buildup of minerals or rust inside of your pipes can cause restricted flow and lead to weak shower pressure, slow faucets, and even poor performance of your dishwasher and washing machine. A repipe could fix these issues if your pipes have aged out and are filled with buildup over the decades.
3. Rusty or Discolored Water
This one is easy to notice. Don’t hesitate if your water starts coming out with a brown, yellow, or red hue. This means your pipes are severely corroded on the inside and can be a serious health risk.
4. Old Pipes
If your home was built in the 70s or earlier, it likely has galvanized or polybutylene pipes. These materials are more susceptible to failure, corrosion, and buildup. These materials coupled with four decades of use puts them in prime position to require a repipe. Even if you aren’t experiencing any issues yet, it can be wise to preemptively upgrade these pipes if they’re part of the original plumbing.
5. Water Tastes or Smells Bad
There could be contaminants leaching into your water from the corrosion and aging of your pipes. Make sure to consider a repipe if you taste or smell anything metallic or chlorinated.
What Material Are My Water Pipes?
DIY Test:
Aren’t sure what material your supply lines are made of? All you need is a simple magnet and a screwdriver (or any sharp metal object) to quickly find out.
Find an exposed section of your water pipe—this could be under the sink, near the water heater, or in the basement.
Use the screwdriver to lightly scratch the pipe’s surface.
Check the scratch’s color and use the magnet to test the material:
Silver or gray and magnetic ➝ Galvanized steel
Coppery-brown (like a penny) and non-magnetic ➝ Copper
White and non-magnetic ➝ Plastic (PVC or PEX)
Soft, dull gray (easy to scratch) and non-magnetic ➝ Lead (needs immediate repiping)
Is It Worth It to Repipe a House?
While it requires a high cost upfront, a repipe is invaluable when necessary. It’s a long-term investment that brings all of the following benefits:
Eliminates Leaks: Pesky leaks, blockages, and other issues can be eliminated with an expert repipe.
Improves Water Quality: If your water contains rust or contaminants from your old pipes, a repipe will deliver clean water to your home.
Raises Home Value: In the event that you decide to sell your home, a repiped plumbing system will be a major selling point.
Can You Partially Repipe a House?
Absolutely! It’s not uncommon for there to be isolated issues that a partial repipe could solve. Here are just a few instances where that could be the case:
Repiping one bathroom and leaving the rest of the house as-is.
Upgrading only hot water lines if the cold water pipes are still in good shape.
Fixing just the underground pipes while keeping the interior plumbing.
It’s important that you hire a plumber you can trust who will give you an accurate inspection with thorough reasoning and evidence for their recommendations. Here’s some tips for finding a great plumber near you.
Are There Non-Invasive Alternatives?
Our team at Rx-Plumbing specializes in something called a trenchless sewer line replacement. If your underground drain pipes are in need of repair or replacement, our trenchless technology provides a solution that won’t destroy your entire yard with extensive digging.
You can learn more about the process here, but it’s a fast option that typically only takes one day and avoids the costs associated with major excavation and landscaping restoration. When it comes to underground plumbing, we’re your local experts.
Your Local Plumbing Experts
Whether it's a comprehensive repiping or just a toilet installation, no job is too big or too small for our team at Rx-Plumbing and Drain. We’re proud to offer Master Plumbing expertise and state-of-the-art technology with locally-owned and family-oriented customer care. We’re not salesmen just looking to make a dime, we’re proud Georgian plumbers that care about our community. We believe that every homeowner deserves to have the know-how to make wise decisions about their families needs when it comes to plumbing.
If you have any trouble with your plumbing, make sure to hire a plumber you can trust. Our team is always available to take your call and help with quick service or helpful advice. Contact us today for a five-star experience!
