Do You Need To Repipe Your Home?
No matter how well constructed the plumbing system is in a home, it will inevitably suffer from damage caused by wear and tear. In time, the once reliable pipes and drainage system in your home will begin to show signs of age and require repiping but there’s a good chance you may not realize it until it’s too late. Here’s how to know if you need a repipe job in your home:
Leaky Pipes
True, not every leaky pipe in a house is a cue to call a repipe specialist, considering that it could be caused by a small, localized damage or loose threading in a specific area. However, if pipes leak frequently in different spots, it can be due to serious degeneration. Leaks can damage a home’s structure and can be costly if ignored. If the problem consists of frequent leaks, it’s time to have a home’s pipe system checked and if necessary, repiped.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure at home that can not be attributed to faulty shut off valves can be a sign that it’s time to call the professionals. Problems with water flow and volume could be caused by blockage in the pipes due to scale and deposit buildup, a common problem with older cast iron or galvanized pipes.
Like a clogged artery, blocked pipes restrict the flow of water. Reduced water volume in the pipes make it impossible to use multiple faucets at one time, increasing inefficiency.
Inconsistent Water Temperatures
Another sign that you need a repipe job in your home is when there is frequent inconsistency in water temperature. Heavy deposits in piping don’t only affect water pressure, they also slow down water flow and result to unpredictable spikes in heat and cold, even if the thermostat is working properly.
Water Discoloration
This is an issue with older piping materials, which are susceptible to rusting and corrosion. As rusty interior material flakes off, they mix with the water and eventually flow out of the faucet. These materials change the color of the water and affect its quality, making it unsafe to drink. Repipe specialists can easily replace an old system with copper repiping, which is more resistant to corrosion.
Old Drainage System
An old house with a drainage system that was never replaced is a good candidate for repiping. Houses built in the 1980s or earlier obviously need a new system, particularly since it’s possible for piping materials to have degenerated over the years. It’s also possible that the pipes were probably made from materials that are not considered safe. With new pipes, a house will be safer and more functional, regardless of its age.
Repiping a house can mean major improvements, but at the same time, it can also rack up a huge bill. Before getting started, make sure to speak to several specialists about which options are best suited for your home. While doing a copper repipe job might be the first thing suggested, there may be alternate materials or methods that can work just as well or even better in your situation.

To narrow down a more specific cost, call several repiping specialists and ask for a free estimate. The most expensive portion of the estimate will be the cost of the labor. If you opt for a copper repiping, that will also be more expensive than if you go with PEX or another synthetic material. If you’re not sure if copper is right for you, then be wary when speaking to a copper repipe specialist. Since copper is his specialty, he will obviously recommend that, but you will likely get a more unbiased recommendation from a repiper who works with a wider variety of materials.







