One of the services we offer is whole house repiping. If that sounds like a major undertaking to you, well, it is. But there are times when it is absolutely necessary for maintaining a functioning plumbing system, especially in an older house. And, although it is called “whole house repiping,” you may have some inaccurate ideas about what exactly that includes.
Today, we’ll explain the reasons for having your home repiped and go over the details of what is included in that job and what is not.
Why Plumbing Before 1970 Should Be Replaced
Home plumbing used to be made of cast iron or galvanized steel. These are sturdy and effective materials, but over the decades, they become vulnerable to corrosion. If your home was built before 1970, it likely contains a lot of these pipes, and getting a whole house repipe in Santa Fe, NM (or one of the surrounding areas) can save you the hassle of dealing with one leak after another as each pipe deteriorates.
The Importance of Repiping for Plumbing Installed Before 1996
Polybutylene was used in many homes between 1970 and 1996. It was a less expensive alternative to copper, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t sturdy enough to keep up with decades of use. After it was installed in about ten million homes, its tendency to rupture caused it to be banned. It’s a good idea to have your plumbing inspected if there’s any chance your home has polybutylene piping.
Consider Upgrades for Plumbing Before 2005
Kitec piping began to be recalled in 2005. If you’re not sure whether this exists in your home, check for blue cold water lines and orange hot water lines, which are connected with brass fittings. The recalls occurred for three reasons: the brass fittings were corroding, the piping deteriorated from normal levels of water pressure, and the hot water lines deteriorated under normal hot water temperatures.
Other Reasons to Consider Repiping Your Home
Even if your home was built after 2005, it may need to have its plumbing upgraded. Be sure to keep an eye out for these warning signs that it’s time for a whole-house repipe:
- Visible Corrosion: Check any exposed pipes in your basement, in your crawlspace, or under your sinks. If you see flaking, discoloration, or rust spots, it’s a sign of widespread decay, and you should consider a water repipe sooner rather than later.
- Discolored or Rusty Water: Water that appears brown or reddish is a classic sign of pipe corrosion, and you will want to have the pipes replaced ASAP.
- Frequent Leaks: One or two leaks can happen over time, but if you find yourself constantly calling a plumber for piping repairs, you will likely need to invest in an entirely new piping system.
Components Included in Home Repiping
The parts of your plumbing system that will be replaced during a whole-house repiping include all water lines from where the main line enters your house. This means we’ll replace hot and cold water lines heading to your baths, showers, sinks, dishwasher, washing machine, and more. It also includes new valves for your sinks and toilets, a new main shut-off valve where the water enters your home, and even water lines to your outdoor faucets.
Today’s pipes are either copper (which has antibacterial properties and is very resistant to corrosion) or more reliable types of plastic known as CPVC and PEX. These materials will allow your piping to work beautifully for many, many years. So, after a whole-home repipe, you can have complete confidence in the performance of your plumbing.
Components Not Included in Repiping
While repiping a house, professional plumbers only focus on replacing the water lines. This means that the fixtures themselves, such as faucets or toilets, are not included. Drains and sewer pipes are also not part of the repiping process. If you are concerned about parts of your plumbing that are not included in whole house repiping, we’d be happy to discuss how we can help to resolve those issues for you.
What Can You Expect From a Whole-House Repipe?
Undertaking a whole-house repipe is a significant home improvement project, and it’s natural to wonder about the impact it will have on your home and daily life. While it is an invasive job, a professional plumbing team follows a systematic process designed to make the experience as smooth and predictable as possible.
Here’s a closer look at what’s involved in repiping a house:
- Consultation & Planning: A plumber will walk through your home to create a detailed map of your existing plumbing system to determine the most efficient and least intrusive way to run new water lines. They will identify the best access points and plan the route for every new pipe, aiming to minimize the number and size of cuts made to your walls and ceilings. This battle plan is then discussed with you, so you understand the scope of work, the timeline, and what to expect each day.
- Protecting Your Home: Before any pipes are touched, the crew will meticulously prepare your home. They will lay down heavy-duty drop cloths, plastic sheeting, and other protective coverings on your floors, furniture, and belongings in the work areas. The goal is to contain all dust and debris, showing the utmost respect for your property.
- Pipe Replacement: Next, plumbers make small, clean cuts in the drywall, typically near each fixture (sinks, toilets, showers, etc.) and at key junction points. These openings provide the necessary access to remove the old, failing pipes and install the new, durable ones. During this phase, your water will be shut off, but crews typically work to restore service to at least one bathroom by the end of each workday.
- System Testing: Once all the new pipes are installed, the system undergoes rigorous testing. It is filled with water and pressurized to well above normal operating levels. This is done to guarantee that every connection is perfectly sealed and there are absolutely no leaks. In many cases, a municipal building inspector will also need to review and approve the work, providing an extra layer of quality assurance.
The entire process, from initial prep to final cleanup, can take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the size of your home. But at the end of the whole thing, you will be left with a long-lasting, hardworking plumbing system.
Get Your Plumbing Repiped by the Professionals at Roadrunner
A whole-house repipe is a critical investment in your home’s health and functionality, but it’s also a complex job, so you should hire experienced, licensed plumbers to perform the work. At Roadrunner Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing, our team has the expertise to complete repiping projects efficiently and with a mindset for achieving the highest standards of quality. We will respect your home, work to minimize disruption, and ensure your new plumbing system will serve you reliably for decades to come.
If it’s time to repipe your plumbing, contact our experts today for a consultation.
