If you’re experiencing recurring plumbing issues, consider repiping your whole house. Repiping can help address leaks, improve water pressure, and eliminate foul odors.
It involves swapping old plumbing pipes with new ones made from a more resilient material like copper or PEX. Repiping your home can take a few days to a week, and you’ll likely need to move furniture and artwork to give the plumbers access.
Getting Started
How long does it take to repipe a whole house? Depending on the size of your home, it could take a few days to a week to complete repiping. Fortunately, most plumbers can work around your schedule so that you can continue to live normally while the renovation is underway. Repiping a whole house is a significant renovation involving every pipe torn out and replaced. Usually, it’s done to replace old pipes made from lead or galvanized steel, which may introduce dangerous toxins into the home’s water supply or limit water flow. Moreover, the old pipes are more likely to develop leaks and rust over time. Repiping can also save homeowners money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs and providing them with clean, fresh water.
When you are ready to repipe your home, it’s essential to understand the process and how much it will cost. To begin with, it’s essential to get 3-5 quotes from qualified plumbing professionals. It will help you find the best value and make an informed decision based on your needs.
Before beginning work, plumbers will cover any carpet and furniture to protect it from dust and debris. They will then use specialized tools to locate the pipes and make minor cuts in the walls and drywall to remove them. The plumbers will install new pipes made of copper or CPVC and then repair and retexture the drywall to restore it to its original condition.
It’s important to note that your home’s plumbing will be turned off during the repiping process. It means you won’t be able to use your sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtub. As such, it’s a good idea to find somewhere to stay during this time or prepare ahead of time by stocking up on water.
Preparing for the Work
If you’re experiencing constant plumbing problems like leaky pipes, high water bills, or strange tastes and odors in your water, then it may be time to consider whole-house repiping. Repiping is a significant home renovation project, but it will provide you with new, upgraded pipes that should last for decades.
Before repiping begins, your plumber will inspect the existing pipes to understand what changes must be made and prepare for the work ahead. They’ll also shut off your water supply to avoid flooding during the work.
Once the plumbers have disconnected your water supply, they’ll remove and install the new pipes. They’ll also repair any open walls and ceilings to bring your home back to its original state. It’s also a good idea to consider repiping during any remodeling you have planned for your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, as it will save you both money and inconvenience. You can also upgrade your toilets, showers, and faucets to low-flow fixtures that will help you reduce your water usage and even lower your water bills.
The Day of the Work
There are times when a leaky water pipe can be fixed, but there are other situations when the whole house’s plumbing has to be replaced. Repiping the entire home is a big job that only an experienced plumber can handle.
The first step in repiping your house is to meet with an expert plumber. They will inspect your current pipes and give you a quote for replacing them. They will consider the age of your home, any previous work done on the piping if the old pipes are made from galvanized steel or another material, the layout of the plumbing in your home, and other factors that can affect how long the repipe will last.
Once the plumber has assessed the situation, they will provide you with a schedule of when they can come to your home and start working. They will need to break through the drywall to replace the pipes, so working with them is essential to create a schedule that fits into your family’s life but doesn’t interfere too much.
Before starting a repiping project, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the type of pipes you want to use. Discussing this with the contractors to ensure that the materials used are of high quality and fit for purpose is advisable. Copper is a popular choice for the main water line as it is a durable and reliable material that can withstand harsh conditions. On the other hand, other materials, such as CPVC or PEX, branch off from the main lines into individual fixtures in your home. These materials are flexible and resistant to chemical and bacterial buildup, which makes them ideal for use in areas where the water supply is more prone to contamination. The choice of materials ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget, but choosing safe, efficient, and long-lasting materials is always essential.
