Every homeowner experiences plumbing issues and their horrible aftermath at some point. Even if you’re careful with your pipes and plumbing fixtures and live in a brand-new home, you won’t be able to avoid unexpected bursts, clogs, and leaks. Standard plumbing work will remedy those issues, but what do you do if those minor issues keep coming back?
Repiping a house is the most effective way to prevent repeat plumbing issues. Aquamanz Plumbing and Heating has the best team in New York to provide those services. Our work will ensure your home is flood-free for years.
Despite its importance, many property owners don’t fully understand what repiping entails. Here, our team will break down what goes into a repiping service. We’ll also cover who benefits from repiping a house the most and how much you can expect the work to cost.
What Is Repiping?
Repiping a house is when you remove your existing pipes and plumbing system and replace them with new ones. Repiping work can involve replacing one small section of pipes or every line in your home. Either way, it’s a time-consuming, labor-intensive process that sometimes requires construction and permits.
Unlike most plumbing work that fixes plumbing issues after they appear, repiping is a preventative measure. It minimizes the risk of your pipes bursting, clogging, or rusting for years.
When Should You Schedule Repiping?
We recommend repiping a house if you fall into any of the following three categories:
If Your Home Has Lead Pipes
Residential plumbing has come a long way in the past century. One of the most significant advancements we’ve seen is the replacement of hazardous lead pipes with non-toxic ones like copper and PVC.
When lead pipes wear down, they leak lead into your home’s water supply. Therefore, your water becomes unsafe to bathe with and drink. Unfortunately, most homes constructed over 100 years ago still have lead pipes, putting everyone inside at risk of lead poisoning.
It’s crucial to replace your lead pipes with a more sustainable material, even if your existing plumbing is in good condition. Lead leaks are unpredictable, and the consequences aren’t worth it. Fortunately, you can call Aquamanz Plumbing & Heating for quick and effective piping replacement.
If Your Pipes Are Ineffective or Break Constantly
Repiping a house often goes overlooked by homeowners because of the upfront costs. However, using ineffective pipes that burst constantly costs more in the long term than a one-time repiping fee.
On top of the costs of repairing a broken pipe, you may also need to pay for water damage restoration and mold remediation. Not only are those repeated services inconvenient, but they’ll also cost a fortune after a few years of work.
With professional repiping, you’ll replace the pipes throughout your entire house with state-of-the-art new ones. These pipes will last without plumbing issues for decades. Modern plumbing will also improve your water pressure if you have been living with outdated equipment.
If You’re Remodeling Your Home
Repiping a house simultaneously as a kitchen or bathroom remodel has two distinct advantages. First, it gets your pipes and plumbing fixtures on the same timeline.
Therefore, your equipment will last for decades without an issue. You won’t have to schedule pipe repairs one year and fixture replacement the next.
Second, repiping will ensure your new fixtures are compatible with your pipes. As a result, you’ll get maximum water pressure and efficiency.
You don’t have to fall into the three categories above to schedule a repiping service. Homeowners with lead pipes, old plumbing, and remodeled plumbing fixtures will benefit from the service the most. However, we recommend everyone repipe their homes to protect them from unexpected plumbing catastrophes.
What Goes Into Repiping a House?
Repiping a house is a multi-stage process that will turn your entire home into a construction zone. It can take weeks if you go at it without the proper equipment or experience. If you trust the job to the top-rated plumbing contractors in Massapequa, NY, Aquamanz Plumbing & Heating, your new pipes will be ready in no time.
Inspections and Estimates
Professional repiping starts with a thorough inspection of your home. It also involves estimates of what installing different types of pipes will cost.
During the examination, your plumbers will look at all your plumbing. They will recommend replacing a single line, a section of lines, or your entire plumbing system.
Your plumbers might need a permit from the city depending on the size of your home and repiping project.
Preparation
The preparation phase requires the most work out of you and your housemates, especially for a full repiping service. Plumbers need easy access to your walls and plumbing fixtures to tear out the pipes and install new ones. So, you’ll need to move any furniture or wall decorations blocking their path.
Moving your valuables will also protect them during the next phase, which requires heavy construction.
If you can’t move some items, you can request your plumbers cover them with a target so they remain intact. You will also need to power off your water during this step. We recommend staying the day at a friend’s house or motel if your plumbers estimate the repiping work will take all day.
Construction
The construction phase is where the actual work of repiping a house happens. It starts with your plumbers creating temporary holes in your walls to access the pipes and remove the problematic parts. After the team finishes their replacement, they will patch and repaint the damaged area.
Once they take out the old pipes, your plumbers will install new ones in their place. They will finalize the process by testing the plumbing system.
If everything flows smoothly through your plumbing, the crew will give you your final bill. You can now experience decades of smooth-running pipes.
Average Costs for Repiping a House
Repiping a house can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000. The cost largely depends on your home’s size and how much material you need to replace. However, the most significant factor in the overall cost will be the type of pipe you want.
PVC Pipes
PVC pipes are the most common material in repiping projects because they combine strength with affordability. Though they aren’t the most robust pipes available, they will last for decades with regular maintenance. They only cost $0.40 per foot on average.
PVC pipes are also easier to install than alternatives. Therefore, they cut down on professional labor costs.
Copper Pipes
Copper pipes are the most expensive on average, ranging from $1 to $3 per foot. However, they are the most durable and can last 100 years in some instances.
While copper pipes often last longer than the alternatives, they are more likely to corrode than PVC. Unfortunately, that corrosion creates pinhole leaks that lower water pressure and increase water bills. Nonetheless, copper pipes don’t contain any contaminants or bacteria in their healthiest state.
PEX Pipes
PEX pipes are a modern plumbing invention similar to PVC pipes. However, they have a lower average cost of $0.30 per foot. In addition, they are environmentally friendly and more resistant to extreme temperatures than PVC and copper. Lastly, they are flexible for a noiseless operation.
The two significant drawbacks of PEX pipes are that they will degrade in direct sunlight and have an unknown average lifespan. Though plumbing experts expect PEX pipes to last roughly five decades, they only gained popularity in the early 2000s. So, we don’t yet know their exact longevity.
Average Timeline for Repiping a House
Most repiping projects only take two days. However, the process can last up to a week, depending on a few factors.
The most influential element determining the duration of repiping a house is the size of the property and the number of bathrooms. If you have a small property with just one kitchen and one bathroom, your plumbers won’t have as many inspections, access points to drill, or pipes to replace. However, homes with multiple bathrooms or thousands of square feet take longer to cover.
If your plumbers need to acquire a permit to work on your home, that will add to the repiping timeframe. Though the local government approves most permits quickly, you might have to wait a few days before your plumbers earn legal consent.
Schedule Residential Repiping from New York’s Best Plumbers Today
Repiping a house is challenging. Still, it’s essential for any homeowner with lead pipes, broken pipes, or new plumbing fixtures. With professional help from Aquamanz Plumbing & Heating, you don’t have to tackle this demanding chore alone.
Our team has decades of experience. We combine modern equipment and knowledge with an old-school work ethic and friendliness. We handle all kinds of minor and major plumbing work, so repiping a house is easily manageable for us.
Call our team today at (516) 613-2812 to schedule a service in Massapequa, NY, and the surrounding areas. You can also contact us to learn more about your plumbing, including factors to consider when repairing boilers.
