Getting A Copper Repipe Job

Thousands of homeowners across the country consider copper repipe to fix and replace defective or leaking pipes. Below you will find some information on when and why a consumer would choose copper repipe, general cost ranges of the procedure, and how to find a copper repipe specialist.

Why repipe?

Many older homes and commercial buildings, particularly those built before 1970,had the original plumbing constructed with galvanized piping- iron pipes coated in zinc. As the zinc wears away, it causes a range of problems, including corrosion and rust. Rusty buildup can contribute to low water pressure and can discolor the water. Additionally, rusted and corroded piping can cause poor transfer of hot water- this explains why a person might suddenly experience a burst of freezing cold water during a shower if someone else in the house decided to run the washing machine or dishwasher. Even worse still, the corrosion caused by galvanized piping can eventually lead to drastic leaks, which can cause water damage elsewhere and end up being a very costly outcome!

Why copper?

For starters, copper repipe is generally considered the standard for any repiping job. Copper does not rust, which, as previously explained, is the cause of most plumbing issues. Copper repipe will transfer hot water much more efficiently through a plumbing system, as well as provide excellent water pressure without having rusty buildup inside to hinder water flow. It is far superior to polybutylene piping-originally thought to be a revolutionary and affordable piping alternative, polybutylene can become brittle and crack, causing even worse damage than even galvanized piping.

How much does it cost?

Most copper repipe specialists will come out and give a free estimate. The cost can vary depending on the size of the building and difficulty of the job, but for a typical home, generally ranges between 4,000 and 10,000 dollars. To find a copper repipe specialist near you generally isn’t difficult-look on line or in your local phonebook under “repipe” or “plumbing”.

When should I consider a copper repipe?

If you currently have polybutylene piping, consider a copper repipe as soon as possible! This particular type of piping is no longer used for new piping jobs because it has a very short shelf life, and if you live in a city that is particularly high in pollution, a higher concentration of chemicals in the water will cause these pipes to become weak and crack just that much quicker. If your home currently contains a galvanized pipe plumbing system, be wary of the warning signs. A sudden, noticeable drop in water pressure or a distinct difference in the taste and color of your tap water are some easy things to watch for that might indicate its time to replace your piping. Even if you aren’t experiencing any of these particular warning signs, if your home is older than 1970 and has never had the piping replaced, take preventative action! Avoid running into the nasty issues that corroded and leaking pipes can cause for your home and pocketbook by installing copper piping before the issues begin.