How Long Does It Take to Repipe a Whole House?
For homeowners contemplating a whole home repiping, it is important to consider the ultimate timeline for such an endeavor. Whole-home repiping usually takes between two days to an entire week to complete. Ultimately the process will vary depending on the size of your home and the type of piping system that is already in place.
How Much Does it Cost to Repipe a House with PEX?
Whole home repiping can be accomplished utilizing the innovative PEX material. For those who are looking into replacing the plumbing pipes in a home, homeowners should expect to spend between $2,000 and $8,000 for PEX piping. In contrast, copper piping can cost far more – between $2,500 and $15,000, including labor and materials. The estimates will vary and be smaller depending on the size of the job. For instance, repiping a small bathroom with PEX piping can cost from $2,000-$3,000.
What is the Best Pipe to Use for Plumbing?
There are many different pipes that homeowners can use for their plumbing. Here is a list of the potential pipes that homeowners can utilize for their whole-house repiping.
- Stainless steel. If cost is a consideration, and for many homeowners it is, stainless steel is expensive. This type of pipe is typically used for areas subject to corrosion and near coastal zones. It is important to note that stainless steel pipes are different from galvanized pipes.
- PEX. PEX piping is known as a flexible plastic piping that can be utilized for residential and small business applications. Important considerations include the fact that PEX requires minimal maintenance and incorporates a fast installation process.
- Copper. Copper pipes are usually the most traditional plumbing pipe used due to their extensive duration and reliability. Copper pipes are incredibly resistant to corrosion and can be used for hot and cold water.
Does Repiping a House Add Value?
Let’s break down exactly what whole-house repiping entails. Whole house repiping involves installing new water lines to replace the old ones. Having a functional plumbing system is integral to the daily life of a home. Water is used for toilets, washing dishes, and doing laundry. At the end of the day, whether or not a home provides the basic function of providing hot and cold water to a household is important. Certainly, repiping a home will add value, as it eliminates the need to repipe the home for many years to come. For those who are considering kitchen remodeling in CA it is highly likely that the value of your home will escalate. As in many states, a kitchen remodel breathes efficiency and design into the home in a way many potential homebuyers will appreciate.
How Long Does PEX Plumbing Last?
In general, the durability of PEX piping is estimated to last fifty years or more. Plumbers consider PEX piping to be far more durable than copper piping. PEX piping is used for an incredible number of applications. This range of applications includes radiant heating systems for residential and industrial plumbing. As with many home appliances and architectural elements, with routine maintenance and care, PEX piping can last longer than the typical estimate.
Home Repiping With PEX
For homeowners who are considering repiping their home, usually, they are faced with the dilemma of choosing between copper and PEX piping. The difference between the two materials is not only cost but related to a number of other factors. Pex piping is a flexible material that’s easy for a plumber to install. Pex piping has fewer joints, which makes the installation process easier for plumbers. Pex also possesses the admirable quality of being resistant to breaking down during cold weather, making it less likely to burst due to its flexibility.
Complete Home Repiping
Sometimes it can be difficult for homeowners to determine whether or not their home requires whole-home repiping. It is important to understand that replacing all the pipes in the home is a major task, and is probably the largest plumbing repair that can be undertaken for a residence. Homeowners should consider a whole house repiping if their home is older than fifty years old if water pressure is dropping and clogs are increasing. Finally, homeowners should also consider whole-home repiping if regular maintenance has determined that the targeted problems underlying a pipe issue are too big for a repair or patch.
Repiping a Home
For homes that are older than sixty years old, homeowners should make it a habit to check all exposed pipes. This means checking in basements, crawlspaces, and utility rooms for any irregularities. The tubing should be checked for discoloration, stains, dimpling, pimples, or flaking. Each of these symptoms is a sign of pipe corrosion. During this time, please keep a watch for leaks. Small ones can be repaired, however, if a large leak has occurred, it is possible that a whole-house repiping is in order.
Home Repiping Process
While this blog has discussed that the process for a whole home repiping usually takes between two days to a week, it’s also important to understand the process that is involved. Most of the plumbing work involved revolves around the complete water shut off that must occur. Furniture and carpet must be covered and removed. Cuts will be taken in the wall and drywall. After the new system is installed, the drywall and other materials will be repaired, patched and retextured to optimal effect.
Have you experienced a plumbing issue that has you considering whole home repiping? Our friendly operators at SAL Plumbing and Rooter Inc. are available now at (818) 975-2131 to schedule your whole home repiping in Sherman Oaks, CA.