A plumbing system is the heart of the home. With most households using at least 300 gallons of water daily, people simply expect the plumbing never to fail. Even though a home’s plumbing is supposed to last for many years, it won’t keep going on forever. When the repairs become too frequent and more costly, it might be time to think about repiping your home.
Knowing when to repipe your home or portions of it can be challenging. Generally, if the piping is more than 70 years old, it is time for a replumb. Frequent leaks and clogs, mold in several places, discolored and bad-tasting water, and low water pressure are some signs that could indicate it is time for a significant plumbing upgrade.
A home repipe is a large and costly project that you must consider carefully. Sometimes prices can vary from plumber to plumber. So before you decide to replumb your home in Haslet, TX, you need to get as much information as possible. Following are some factors you will need to consider when repiping a home.
Size of the House
The size of your home is probably the biggest factor that affects repiping costs. A small house will take less time and materials to repipe than a bigger house. A multiple-story home will cost more than a single-floor house.
Pipe Location
Pipes located in hard-to-reach spaces like crawl spaces and cabinets will be more expensive than pipes behind drywalls. Sometimes a plumber will have to break a wall to gain access to the pipes. A professional might have to dig a trench when replacing a sewer line. All of these factors will affect the final cost.
Number of Fixtures and Appliances
Repiping includes replacing sinks, bathtubs, showers, toilets, faucets, water heaters, outdoor fixtures, dishwashers, and washing machines. If the supply pipes are corroded, most of these fixtures and appliances will be faulty, too. A plumber must also properly reconnect the water supply and drainage pipes to each water point. If there are numerous fixtures, replacing and reconnecting will take more time.
Size of the Pipes
A plumber will have to replace the old pipes with the same-sized pipes. If the pipes have a larger diameter, they will be more expensive.
Types of Replacement Pipes
The most common materials for replacement pipes are PEX, CPVC, and copper. Each of these materials has its pros and cons.
- CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride)
CPVC pipes are the cheapest to use for repiping. They are rigid, easy to install, and can be used in different places. They also don’t corrode as easily. CPVC pipes are not the most durable and tend to burst. - PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)
PEX pipes are suitable for indoor piping and are easy to install. They are very flexible and don’t cost too much. They are not ideal for outdoor use as sunlight is harmful to PEX. These pipes might need extra insulation as some rodents like to chew on these pipes. - Copper
Copper pipes can last a very long time. They are durable and can be used both for indoor and outdoor piping. They are also the most expensive of the three types and are more likely to burst when temperatures drop below freezing.
Method Used
Will the plumber be digging trenches and manually removing pipes? Or will trenchless technologies be a better option? Digging trenches will cost much more, not to mention that it will also require more people to do the job. But depending on the location and condition of the pipes, trenchless piping might not always be possible.
The Extent of Repiping Needed
Sometimes you might not need to repipe the whole house. Replacing pipes in the afflicted area might be enough to get your plumbing system to work again. Sometimes plumbers will only replace the visible part of the pipe to reduce labor and costs.
But usually, it’s best to repipe the whole house to avoid future plumbing problems; You should also consider a complete repipe if the old pipes contain lead. Lead is toxic and has harmful health effects, especially in children.
Building Codes and Permits
If the plumbing system is decades old, it might be outdated. Apart from repiping, a plumber will also have to do the necessary upgrades to bring the system up to code.
Some localities will require you to obtain a permit before you repipe your home. You will also need inspections before and after the work is done. That’s why you should hire an experienced plumbing expert in Haslet, TX who can take you through the process.
Other Factors
You will also need to ask your plumbing professional about their services. Cleanup, drywall repairs, and maintenance will all add to the cost.
How Much Will Repiping a Home Cost?
When repiping a home, there is no one size fits. The most significant factors are:
- The size of your house.
- The extent of the replumb.
- The type of replacement pipes.
The cost can vary from a few thousand dollars to ten thousand dollars and more. Be sure to consult several plumbers and compare estimates first before you start this extensive upgrade.
Looking for Repiping Experts? We Can Help!
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth is a trusted and reputable plumbing company. We have been serving our customers for many years and are familiar with homeowners’ problems in Haslet, TX.
From plumbing repairs, leak detection, water heater installations, repiping, fixture replacement, gas leaks, and sump pump repairs to water filtration systems, we’ve got you covered. We will take care of your home’s plumbing system so that it can serve you for many more years. Give us a call at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth to book your inspection.