When Should You Replace the Plumbing in Your House?

Despite the efforts of design specialists, inevitability pipes will fail over time. Sometimes it’s not possible to restore the functionality of a water supply or sewer system without drastic intervention. The only solution is to find reliable specialists who can correct the situation. In this article, you’ll learn when it’s time to replace your Plumbing and the challenges you may face when repiping a house. Additionally, you’ll discover useful tools, like a house repiping cost calculator, to help you estimate the expenses in advance.

When Do You Need to Replace the Plumbing or Its Elements?

The reasons for carrying out work most often are:

1. Blockages: Blockages in the system that cannot be eliminated by cleaning. In such a situation, the pressure of the supplied liquid may be greatly reduced.
2. Leaks: Pipe structures made of metal or metal plastic often leak. It is noteworthy that if such a defect appears in one place of the system, after some time more leaks may appear in another place. In the case of old piping that’s failing trying to repair the pipeline might be pointless. 
3. Unaesthetic Appearance: Another reason why homeowners decide to completely change the plumbing parts is the appearance. Typically, this need arises when carrying out major repairs. When purchasing expensive building materials and new plumbing fixtures for installation, few people want to leave old, unattractive plumbing structures in place.

What Material to Choose For The Pipeline?

The material from which the pipeline is made plays an important role (at least the service life of the pipes depends on it). Among the most common materials are:

Steel Pipes
Steel pipes are a universal solution for both cold and hot water supply:

• they tend to be relatively inexpensive
• they can withstand temperatures up to +100 C
• they are resistant to high pressure and external mechanical damage

However, it is worth knowing about the disadvantages:

• Risk of corrosion
• Difficult to install, you have to use welding or threaded connections
• Plaque may form on the inner surface of the pipe, which can reduce the output

Copper Pipes
A copper pipeline usually doesn’t have all the disadvantages that come with a steel pipeline. It does not corrode, or deform due to temperature changes, and plaque does not form inside. Copper also does not spoil the taste of water and even has a disinfecting effect and can destroy bacteria.

Such pipes have a service life of about 70 years and have an aesthetic appearance. If you are focused on copper pipes then the average cost range of plumbing for a 2,000-sq.-ft. house is around $8,500 – $16,000, but this number can greatly vary from state to state and country to country.

Metal-Plastic Pipes
Metal-plastic pipes have a multilayer structure: several layers of durable polyethylene, welded together, and an aluminum layer, which acts as a pipe frame. A metal-plastic pipeline combines the advantages of two materials: metal is known for strength, and plastic is known for its lightness, flexibility, and the absence of corrosion and plaque.

The service life depends on the quality of installation and operating conditions, but on average it is about 35 years, half the lifespan of copper pipes. Metal-plastic pipes are easy to install: they are light in weight and do not require welding.

Plastic Pipes
This is a whole group of pipes made from plastic: polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride. Although they are similar, some properties and characteristics of the materials differ.

• Polyethylene: These are low-pressure pipes that are suitable for cold water – they can withstand a maximum of +40C. At the same time, they withstand frost and do not burst, even if the liquid freezes. They are more suitable for pipelines in a private house.
• Polypropylene. They are either unreinforced or reinforced. The former is suitable for cold water, the latter for hot water. Reinforced pipes are more durable and have a reduced ability to expand from high temperatures.
• Polyvinyl chloride. They are only suitable for cold water but are resistant to corrosion and plaque formation, fire resistant, and last about 50 years.

Difficulties That Arise During Pipeline Assembly

Most of the shortcomings are made during pipeline assembly. For this reason, it is so important to contact a reliable company that provides such services. Among the main problems:

• Incorrect Calculations: This is one of the most common issues that arise due to a lack of sufficient experience.
• Making Connections of Inadequate Quality: This often leads to leaks, necessitating complete resealing of the seams.
• Poor Quality Soldering or Material: Weak connections at the pipe joints can fail even under low pressure. Proper soldering requires strict adherence to technique, including monitoring the depth of edge penetration and temperature conditions.
• Errors in Making Threaded Connections: To fix this defect, a regular lift is usually sufficient. If water continues to seep, technicians should disassemble the assembly and inspect the threads. If there is significant damage, the part must be replaced.
• Selection of Low-Quality Plumbing Fixtures: Skimping on quality during repairs can lead to greater expenses. Cheap components from dubious sources are common causes of leaks, frequent breakdowns, broken fittings, and even flooding.
• Ignoring the Technical Characteristics of the Materials Used: This can lead to compatibility and durability issues.
• Problems in Water Supply Distribution Formation: This issue is mainly due to inexperienced plumbers.

Therefore, it is best to contact specialists for the installation or replacement of pipes. You can use tools to estimate the cost of home renovations in advance. For instance, in 2024, the average total installation cost ranges from $3,120 to $5,300.

Without professional support, achieving high-quality work on pipeline installation or replacement is very difficult. Even minor mistakes can result in serious problems for the homeowner.

Final Thoughts

Knowing when to replace the plumbing in your house is crucial for maintaining a safe and functional home. Regular inspections, awareness of the signs of wear and tear, and understanding the lifespan of your pipes can help you determine the right time for replacement. Investing in professional assistance and using tools like a house repiping cost calculator can ensure a smooth and cost-effective process. Proactively addressing plumbing issues can prevent costly repairs and ensure the longevity of your home’s plumbing system.

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About the Author

Top Wellington Realtor, Michelle Gibson, wrote: “When Should You Replace the Plumbing in Your House?”

Michelle has been specializing in residential real estate since 2001 throughout Wellington Florida and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or rent she will guide you through the entire real estate transaction. If you’re ready to put Michelle’s knowledge and expertise to work for you call or e-mail her today.

Areas of service include Wellington, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Greenacres, and more.

When Should You Replace the Plumbing in Your House?