A repipe is a process where the old pipes in the water distribution system in a home or a building are replaced with new ones. All pipe fittings, stop valves and supply lines are replaced. this usually leads to better water pressure and better quality water.
Why Repipe?
There are many reasons why you may need to replace the pipes of your home. Here are a few:
For homes with galvanized plumbing:
Galvanized plumbing can be found in homes, build before the 70s. A galvanized iron pipe is an iron pipe which iscoated with zinc to be protected from corrosion. Unfortunatelly, the zinc coating gradually wears away, over the years, exposing the iron, followed by corosion build-up.
Symptoms:
- Low Water Pressure – The reason often is the restriction of the water flow caused by rust and corrosion build-up inside the galvanized pipe.
- Rusty Water – Rust usually finds it’s way to the fixtures. This indicates an advanced stage of corrosion in the pipes.
- Leaky Pipes – Leaks most commonly are caused by corrosion of the galvanized iron pipes. Hidden leaks can develop inside the walls, in the attic and under the house, running the risk of major damage to the home.
For homes with polybutilene plumbing:
This type of plastic pipe was widely used from the mid 70’s to the mid 90’s. It was considered to be the next great advance for plumbing pipes and fixtures. Polybutylene plumbing systems were installed in millions of homes before it was discovered to be highly defective. It still remains in many homes built during this period.
Polybutylene pipes has very short life span, since chemicals in normal city-provided water causes it to harden and become brittle. The fittings usually burst first,and then the pipe itself. Many plumbers use the nickname “ticking time bomb” when they reffer to polybutylene.
Polybutylene plumbing systems consists of flexible plastic pipe, gray when used inside and black or blue outside, with fitings, made by plastic-and-metal. Insert fittings are used to join pieces of polybutylene pipe. The insert fitting is inserted into the pipe and clamped with a metal (aluminum or copper) crimp ring over the outside of the pipe. Metal insert fittings are either copper or brass.
For homes with copper plumbing, located in the slab
Slab leaks are caused by copper or other piping becoming corroded from certain soil and water conditions under the floor of the house.
- Water leaking through your foundation
- Water running even when no faucets are on
- Water meter show water running when water is turned off
- Unusually high water bills
- Neighbors had a slab leak
- You had a slab leak before
Symptoms
- Increased water pressure
- No more rusty or discolored water
- Clean, clear water
- Being able to use more than one faucet at a time
- High quality plumbing with no more leaky pipes
- No scalding in the shower when someone turns on a faucet
- Greater peace of mind because your piping system is secure
- Positive selling point for your property
Benefits of Repiping
Installation Process
The crew will arrive between 8:00 – 9:00am to start the project. They will start covering the floors, and even furniture and sometimes clothes in the closets, if there is even a remote chance of dust settling on them from the wall openings.
The new piping system will be installed; both horizontal and verticals simultaneously, throughout the house, under the house, overhead, in attic, in ground, and in the walls.
On the last day (second or third – depending of the size of the home), when the piping is installed, the water will be shut off (usually for about 5 hours) in order to make the transition to the new system.
The new piping will be tested and inspected. Afterwards, the walls will be patched, as well as textured (If necessary). All furniture will be put back, and you are now ready to enjoy your new plumbing system.
