Is It Time To Repipe Your Home?

Reasons To Repipe

There are several reasons why you may need to repipe your home. If you live in an older home with older plumbing, your pipes could be worn out. The daily grind is rough on your plumbing over the years, especially if your plumbing hasn’t been taken well care of. In addition, some of the building materials used in the past might not be as durable as the materials used today. Galvanized steel, iron, and even wood have all been used in the making of plumbing pipes in the past. And all of these materials are susceptible to corrosion, which can eventually cause weaknesses and leaks. Having a plumbing inspection can help tell you what shape your plumbing is in. Repiping may be a good choice to get ahead of repairs.    Aside from corroded old plumbing, there may be a risk of contamination from harmful substances like lead or asbestos. Lead and asbestos where commonly used in construction for the first half of the 20th century. Lead is primarily found in old paint dust, however it was also used in the construction of water supply pipes until it was banned in the 1920’s. From there it was still used in the solder until 1986 when it was banned. Asbestos was used in all kinds of building materials including the insulation that coated older pipes. Exposure to either substance can lead to serious illness. If you are concerned about the plumbing in your home, you may want to talk to a professional about your options.   Poor water pressure is another reason you may want to repipe your home. Overtime mineral deposits can restrict the flow of water through you supply lines. This can be particularly cumbersome in areas with hard water. You can try flushing your lines with vinegar, however this is very time consuming and may not be all that effective. The most effective solution is to repipe your home. If you are met with a trickle of water when you turn on the tap, your water supply lines may be corded and in need of replacement.   In addition to your water supply lines, you may also notices issues with your drains and sewer lines. Sluggish drainage could be an indication that a pipe is damaged or cracked. Unexplained puddles of water in the yard is another indication that something is amiss. Drain pipes can get damaged for a variety of reasons. Maybe something went down the drain that doesn't belong, or maybe tree-roots are infiltrating your pipes. Sewer lines can also be damaged due to shifting ground, heavy rains, or maybe they weren't installed correctly. If you hare having issues with your sewer or drain lines, call your plumber right away. Drainage issues are not only annoying, but can cause excess damage and pose health risks.

Other Options

Advances in technology have paved the way for less invasive methods of repairing pipes. For example, trenchless pipelining is valid solution for many homeowners who need to repair or replace their sewer or drain lines. It involves hydro jetting the pipe to clear any debris, then feeding a material made of pvc lining tube and epoxy through an access point into the original pipe. The material then coats the original pipe, where it hardens and provides a new solid layer. This is a great option for many homeowners as it is affordable, effective, and non invasive meaning less mess.  

Taking Care Of Your Plumbing

Repiping your home can be costly, so it is important to take care of your plumbing so that it lasts longer. Here are some tips to help your plumbing last longer:

• Watch what goes down the drain. Some items can not only get clogged, but actually damage your plumbing. 
• Consider installing a water softener. If you live in an area with hard water, you may want to look into installing a water softener to cut down the mineral deposits and corrosion. 
• Have your drains cleaned. Professional drain cleaning can help keep things flowing by removing the gunk that builds up over time. 
• Never use liquid drain cleaner. Liquid drain cleaner can damage your plumbing.
• Be proactive about leak detection. Ongoing leak detection is important for your plumbing maintenance. Swift leak repair can help reduce the amount of damage and save you money in the long run. 

  Questions about reping? Talk to the professionals at Rooter Hero!  

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