Eventually, the pipes in any home will need replacement. Learning that your pipes are failing is bad enough, and suddenly you’re tasked with having to sort through conflicting information about which is the best material to use for repiping a home. If your pipes are old enough to need replacing, they are probably made of a material no longer deemed viable for pipes, like galvanized steel or even iron, both of which are prone to corrosion.
Now, there’s a whole new selection of piping material for your whole home, including metals and plastics, which may come as a bit of a shock! We’ll help you sort through some of the confusion here, but consult with a plumber in your area for the best idea of what will work for your home.
CPVC
CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is one of the most common types of plastic piping used in plumbing systems today. One of the reasons it’s so popular is the cost, and it’s known to withstand high temperatures. It is often used for hot water piping and drain pipes.
However, we rarely recommend CPVC when a whole home needs repiping. The pipes can become brittle, over time, and may require replacement sooner than hoped.
Copper
Copper is a strong material that won’t fall victim to large-scale corrosion and complete pipe failure. That’s why it’s the trusted metal for pipe replacement these days. It stands the test of time, aside from the chance of pitted corrosion. That means that, sometimes, depending on the soil around the pipes and the mineral content in the water, small holes can form in copper pipes, and you’ll need to call in plumbers for repairs.
PEX
For whole-house repiping, the choice usually comes down to copper or PEX (cross-linked polyethylene). This plastic piping is durable and less expensive than copper. PEX is easy to install, which means the cost of installation may be low as well. There is some risk of the PEX pipe splitting, though this is rare. In general, it’s a cost-effective solution that will stand the test of time. We often recommend this material, though it will depend.
Additional Considerations
There are other factors to consider depending on the area you are in and the type of job to be completed. You might prefer copper piping if the home is on a basement or crawlspace, rather than slab foundation. If your neighborhood is prone to instances of pitted corrosion, though, listen to your plumber; they might recommend PEX for your area.
When to Repipe Your Home
You should call a plumber for an inspection when you notice any of the following signs.
- Low water pressure
- Frequent sewer clogs
- Flakes of rust in water
- High water usage/bills
From there, a plumber will let you know whether there’s a problem that needs repair or if the pipes are worn down and require replacement. Overall, the new pipes can save you money, give you peace of mind, and even improve water quality!
Call a friendly plumber in Boca Raton! Reach out to Admiral Plumbing Services, LLC today.
