Repiping

Repiping is a process to refit the existing pipes. But more commonly, it means entirely replacing all sorts of obsolete hot or cold water pipes of a household or commercial building. Modern home constructions almost inevitably involve copper piping. But in the homes or buildings built a few decades ago, piping involved old-age galvanized pipes with protective zinc coating.

Over time, the zinc coating wears and breaks off. Thus, the pipes are exposed to rusting and decays. And after many years, smelly molds are almost a fate for these pipes. Once corrosion is found the entire pipe likely needs to be replaced. So, in these cases as well, pipes need to be refitted or replaced with copper pipes. Copper pipes are considered the best in terms durability, hygiene and cost effectiveness. So today, the term is used interchangeably with copper repiping.

Homeowners normally consider the process when they notice a radical decline in the water pressure. Reduced water pressure turns out to be unbearable and overly frustrating. People see their washing machines filling painfully slow, garden hoses delivering horribly weaker sprays or worse – miserably low supply of water in the shower! Besides all that, it seems to be the only way out when you realize that your pipes are leaking, or undergoing corrosion. Getting rust color or mold smelly water is among the red flags.

Advantages of Copper Repipig

Copper happens to be the best material when it comes to interior pipes. That’s because copper is hygienic, safe and extremely durable. More importantly, it doesn’t rust.  In brief, the advantages of copper repiping are –

• Better quality and volume of water flow
• Cleaner and clearer rust-free water
• Better hygiene
• Better durability
• More solid defense against rust, crack or decay

Following the work, most people become amazed to see the improved convenience in washing dishes, lawn watering, shower, laundry/washing, and so on! And what is a home with out healthy water and superb water pressure?

Nevertheless, copper repiping is surely a very time-consuming and complex job. Or at least, it’s not a job for a typical do-it-yourselfer. The best decision would be to hire professional plumbers who’ve got expansive plumbing experience – especially in repiping. A specialist has much more than general plumbing knowledge. Modern professionals are focused mostly on copper repiping.

What to Expect from Repipe Specialists?

He is supposed to listen carefully to your problems, to begin with. Just in case, you’ve already got copper pipes and you’re willing to repipe no matter what, the professional will inquire on that too. But a good professional will always suggest whether you need the work immediately or at all.

Sometimes some minor fixes are all you need to get rid of the problem – especially when your existing pipes are in good shape. The bottom line is – an honest and skilled specialist will never take advantage of your situation. So make sure you’re working with a dependable plumbing company or repipe specialist.

And a thorough home inspection should be part of his or their job. And usually they are supposed to figure out ways to carefully look between the walls and also in-between the floor joists. These are the parts of their deduction schemes –

• Determining whether (or to what extent) you already have copper pipes
• Pointing out the problematic area(s)
• Deciding on the optimal and least expensive solution (e.g. repairing existing copper pipe vs. comprehensive copper repiping)

A good way to hire repiping specialists is to call several plumbing companies (or individual professionals). You shouldn’t have to pay to have them inspect your home. When you have a few quotes, pick the most cost effective one. And don’t forget to ask for references. That way you’ll be sure about their experiences and skills.