Unless you live in a brand new home, then plumbing leaks are a concern for most homeowners. If you have ever heard the tell-tale sound of water running even when there is no water turned on, then you know the sound of a pipe leaking. The questions often become, is this plumbing disaster imminent or just a concern for the distant future? Is it time to replace the pipes? How much is this going to cost? Let’s take a look at the issue.
Tear Up the Concrete Slab
Even though the sound of running water may seem like a rampant river flowing through your pipes, it is often a small, pin-prick size hole that is the source of the leak. If you’re lucky, the problem will be easily accessible. However, most pipes run under a home. If you have a crawl space, you may have easy access to any necessary repairs. If you have a home that is on a concrete slab without a crawl space, then a leak may entail tearing up a portion of your flooring and jackhammering through the concrete slab.
Remove the Carpet or Hardwood Floors
Once the leak is repaired, you will need to replace the concrete and flooring. With carpet, you can pull up the edges and roll it. After the repair is complete, you can lay the carpet back down without any damage. With tile floors, laminate floors, or hardwood flooring, you may need to replace the damaged or removed pieces if the style of flooring is still in stock at the store. If not, this could mean replacing the flooring for the entire room.
These are all things to take into consideration when you are asking yourself how many times you want to do leak repairs before having the house re-plumbed. Yes, replacing all your plumbing is a bit costly, but so is replacing your flooring room by room as you chase leaks.
Replace the Pipes
The age and material of the pipes will determine how long it will last. Well-maintained pipes may last longer, and poorly maintained ones or those in areas with hard water may fail sooner. So, no matter what kind of pipes you have and how old they are, you need to keep an eye on them.
Copper Pipes
One of the most popular types of pipes to use is copper pipes. Copper piping became popular in the 1960s and has maintained its stellar reputation. The only drawback to copper piping is the price. However, it can be recycled, and you can often receive money for copper. So, if you need to have copper piping replaced, you may be able to get at least some of your money back by recycling your old piping.
PEX Piping
PEX piping is a new pipe material that has become quite popular in the plumbing industry. It is flexible and durable, making it easy to work with and long-lasting. It must have eighteen inches of copper piping or other piping that is safe for hot water to connect it to the water heater; however, after that initial eighteen inches, it is safe for hot water usage.
Cost of a High-Quality Plumbing System
According to House Logic, replacing old pipes in a 1,500 square foot, two-bathroom home costs $4,000 to $10,000, and often requires cutting open walls and floors. If your home does not have a high-quality plumbing system and leaks are happening on a fairly frequent basis, then it may be time to replace the pipes. If you don’t have money for re-plumbing your whole house, then, by all means, have your leaks repaired as they appear.
Ultimately, you’ll need to rely on a trusted plumber to advise you whether it’s time for a pipe replacement. Whether it is a running toilet, a leaky valve, a cracked pipe, or a whole house re-plumb, Sun Plumbing is the company for you! We are located in Brevard County and love serving our neighbors. No plumbing job is too big or too small. We are here to fix it!
