At one time or another, many older homes will face the prospect of a home repipe. Older homes, like those in Alpharetta, were generally constructed using galvanized pipes, which are prone to rusting and corrosion. Ignoring problems with old plumbing pipes can be costly. For instance, flakes of rust can damage your water-using appliances and put your home's water supply at risk.
Repiping a home involves ripping out the entire plumbing system and replacing pipes with new ones made of more durable materials. Sometimes the fixtures leading to sinks and showers will need to be replaced.
When is repiping necessary?
Homeowners should watch for these surefire indications that their plumbing systems needs to be repiped:
- Decreased water pressure
- Water that looks rusty
- Water that tastes funny
- A dishwasher or clothes washer that fills up slowly
- Plumbing pipes that are beginning to leak
It's important to have a reputable plumber inspect the system if you notice any of these signs. One such problem on its own may not indicate failing or corroded pipes, but these signs together warrant an inspection.
Getting by
A total home repiping project is costly, and homeowners who know that their pipes need to be replaced may have to wait a while to get the money together to pay for the project. There are things you can do in the meantime to help keep the plumbing system in good condition:
- Drink bottled water or purchase a high-quality filtration system
- Preserve appliances by giving them a rest. Take laundry to the laundromat, for instance, and wash dishes by hand
- Fix all plumbing leaks immediately, as leaks boost your water bill, place undue stress on the system and lead to bigger leaks when corrosion has already weakened the pipe walls
Enlist the help of a plumber
Choose a plumbing specialist who has extensive experience in replacing residential pipes. The process generally starts off with an inspection of the site. The plumber will establish the pipe layout, prepare the home, install the piping, test the system and repair any walls or floors that the repipe may have damaged.
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