Here at Gotelli Plumbing, we get a lot of questions from customers about their home’s plumbing systems, specifically their pipes. It’s normal to have questions about your pipes — they’re designed to be hidden and self-sufficient, so most homeowners don’t know much about them. To help answer all of your piping questions, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common questions we get about your home’s pipes.
How do I know when my water line needs repiping?
We understand that it’s hard to tell when your piping needs to be replaced — after all, you can’t see it. You should consider water line repiping if you notice these signs:
- Outdated pipes
- Frequent water leaks
- Visible signs of corrosion on exposed pipes
- Low water pressure
- Brownish water
Does repiping a house add value?
Like most appliance and home system replacements, repiping all or part of your home does add value. If you’re planning to move out of your old home soon and the piping is nearing the end of its lifespan, investing in water line repiping could save you money in the long run. Potential buyers will pay more money if they don’t have to worry about contaminated water, leaking pipes and other problems that come with an older plumbing system. Not to mention, they won’t have to worry about paying for repiping down the road!
Is water line replacement covered by home insurance?
Unfortunately, most repiping services aren’t covered by your home insurance because they’re considered a preventative measure rather than a replacement measure. However, many homeowner’s insurance policies cover the replacement and repair of failing or corroded pipes. Check your insurance policy before scheduling water line repair or replacement.
Is copper or PEX piping better?
While copper piping is durable and heat resistant, PEX piping is a better choice in most cases. PEX lasts indefinitely and won’t deteriorate like copper will. More advantages to using PEX piping include:
- Flexibility
- Continuous runs with fewer fittings
- Heat and cold resistance
- Leak and corrosion resistance
- Easy, cheap installation
- No soldering required
- Quieter waterflow
The only disadvantage to PEX comes when the piping is exposed to UV light or rodents, which can damage the piping. PEX isn’t recommended for use in exposed areas.
Should I replace my galvanized steel piping?
Galvanized steel pipes were commonly used in homes until the 80s, and they only last 20-50 years. If your home has galvanized steel piping, you could have it replaced as soon as possible. Not only is it likely nearing or past the end of its lifespan but it could also have dangerous health consequences.
Even though the pipes have a layer of zinc coating on them to prevent corrosion, galvanized steel is vulnerable to interior rusting that can flake off into the water — they can even release dangerous lead into your potable water supply. Call on a professional plumbing company like Gotelli Plumbing immediately if you have galvanized water line pipes.
How long does repiping take?
While it depends on your home’s current plumbing system and the specifics of the job, water line replacement can take several days. If complications arise, the job could take up to a week. While it may sound like a long time, professional plumbers must take many steps to minimize the disruption to your home, including setting up a potable water system that allows you to live in your home while the repiping is happening. Your plumber will give you an estimate of how long the job will take when they give you your quote.
For more information or to schedule water line repiping services, contact Gotelli plumbing today.
