There are times when a home has a great deal of plumbing issues to the stage where repiping plumbing is the only way to fix them. Those reasons might be the existing pipes have become corroded that is affecting the water pressure, the water is rusty as it comes out, or there are numerous leaks. When somebody buys an older home, they will often repipe the entire house before finishing outside the walls and painting.
The practice of repiping plumbing is done by installing the whole-house repiping, often with aluminum pipes, PEX, or a combination of both. The process is typically started by removing all the old accessible piping first, then determine what is required to install the home repiping using PEX or repipe plumbing aluminum for the new plumbing system.
The decision what kind of material to use for repiping plumbing in a house is determined by different factors such as budget and climate.
The climate is a major concern in areas where the pipes may be buried where the earth is frozen for a fantastic part of the winter months. There are several more questions when it comes to repipe and plumbing a structure, which we are going to address and answer here.
Does Repiping a house add value?
The piping in your home provides water similar to the various lines into the HVAC system supply you heating and cooling system. For any home with questionable water pipes, whatever home repiping prices maybe are worth it. A few of the benefits you can expect to have when you repipe your home:
Water Supply Will Be Rust-Free: One way to understand if the pipes in a home are elderly and start to fail will have rust running through the pipes and out the faucets. Rusty water isn’t something anyone wants to drink or bathe in. By repiping plumbing the entire house, you can eliminate that rusty water and make the water taste better.
Water Stress Improves: As a plumbing system ages, the water pressure begins to weaken because the pipes have become corroded. A total house water pipe replacement with new copper lines or PEX piping will improve the water pressure because it will have a better flow, making bathing and washing dishes easier and pleasant.
Plumbing process is Safer: With PEX piping they are better for your health because they do not corrode, or rust and they fight the growth of bacteria.
Plumbing Leaks Stopped: Old pipes are prone to leak which can cause water damage with mould growth to follow. By repiping your entire house, you’ll be getting rid of any probable leaks, possible water damage, and mold growth as well as decrease the chance of freezing water pipes in the winter.
Home Value Increases: With total house repipe plumbing, the value will probably increase immediately and make the property more appealing.
Whats better PEX or copper?
PEX piping will not degrade as aluminum does and it is more resistant to freezing and exploding than copper because it is flexible. PEX Tubing is less costly and easier to install. The following are the pros and cons of PEX over copper pipe to repipe plumbing in your home:
The Pros:
PEX is not as likely to have leaks because it will not corrode like aluminum, it resists freezing more and it has a higher PSI to withstand bursting.
PEX Tubing is becoming standard for the plumbing industry.
City water supplies often have elevated levels of acid and other corrosive matters that eat aluminum tube walls. PEX plumbing is resistant to those corrosive matters.
PEX is less expensive and it is easier to install, making labor charges less.
PEX tubing is flexible and an extruded manufactured product that is stored and sent on spools, where it can be easily cut to practical lengths. The cost to send and handle this product is much less than copper because it is lighter and easier to store.
PEX repipe plumbing does not require as many fittings as rigid aluminum piping and can be to flexed to make 90-degree corners minus the usual elbow fittings. Because PEX tubing is unrolled from a spool, long runs can be made without coupling fittings.
No soldering is needed to attach PEX tubing to fittings, eliminating any potential health hazards from acid flux or lead-based solder.
PEX does not ask for a torch for making connections, thus making it safer for repipe plumbing installations.
With PEX, the water tends to flow quieter, almost eliminating the”water hammer” noise that is characteristic of copper piping.
With total repipe plumbing using PEX, by installing from the water source, a manifold is used for each faucet, decreasing water pressure reduction at any of the faucets when the water is switched elsewhere.
PEX Heater employs push type fittings that do not need special installation tools. These fittings are somewhat more costly than traditional plumbing fittings, but water leaks can be repaired without cutting the water off.
The Cons Of PEX PIPING:
PEX is vulnerable to damage from rodent and UV rays. It is recommended to not use PEX Tubing where it isn’t subjected to constant sun when repiping plumbing for your home, and also to make your home bark resistant.
Because PEX piping is flexible, if it rubs each time the water is switched off and on, it can begin leaking. This can be lessened by using bend protectors for any 90 degrees turn and to guard any hold the PEX runs via.
How much time does it take to Repipe a whole-house?
Repiping plumbing for a whole home typically takes anywhere from two days to a full week, all depending on home’s size and what type of piping system is in place.
The procedure starts by preparations for repiping, and most plumbers are now utilizing PEX pipe. This makes for a minimally invasive process, consequently lowering the building site in and around your home.
There will still be the need for drilling/sawing of pockets, pipes and equipment, ladders, and tools will be used. It is recommended to remove any proceeds and furniture of value before a job of repiping plumbing starts and ask the plumber to use drop cloths to cover the flooring and what can’t be easily transferred such as heavy furniture.
Following a pressurized potable water system is installed to create a safe operating space without disconnecting the current piping. This enables you to reside in the house while the repiping is being done.
The changeover is the next step is the longest step of this repiping plumbing procedure. The plumbing system is switched off and all tie-ins are unplugged from the water service using the new piping attached in.
Finally, the clean-up is done!
Is Repiping covered by insurance?
Typically, repiping is not covered because whole repiping plumbing is considered by most insurance companies as a preventative measure, not a replacement measure. But if there is any corroded pipes or failing pipes that have caused damage, they will pay for that damage to be repaired.
Each homeowner’s insurance policy is different, so you need to review yours before scheduling a project for repiping plumbing so that you know how to budget the job. Some policies may pay for professional plumber services to fix an issue though some policies will only pay for water damage.
If the plumbing issues arise for homeowner’s lack of maintenance or neglect, most homeowner’s insurance claims will be refused. Many homeowner insurance companies pay for any damage caused by a water leak double, after that, they may consider the house to be a high risk and cancel the coverage.