Should you live in an older home here in LA or the surrounding area, you may not be giving much thought to your home’s pipes. Most structures built 25 or more years ago were fitted with iron pipes coated with what’s normally called galvanized pipes. As the galvanized pipes age, the zinc lining tends to erode allowing rust to form. Once galvanized pipes begin to deteriorate, they need to be replaced. Most people prefer to replace galvanized pipes with copper pipes, in a process referred to as copper repiping. If this sounds like a viable option for your home, talk to us here at Boss Plumbing.
When Should I Consider Copper Repiping?
Homeowners usually decide to initiate copper repiping when they begin to see a dramatic drop in water pressure. Decreased water pressure is often very annoying; washing machines fill up more slowly, and garden hoses have a much weaker spray. Perhaps the most evident result of low water pressure is in the shower – instead of a forceful stream, the user only experiences a dissatisfying trickle of water.
A water system is composed of two measurable parts: pressure and volume. The pressure is measured as pounds per square inch (P.S.I.). Water pressure represents the force with which the water passes through the pipes and out of your faucets. Water volume represents the amount of water that can flow through your pipes and out through the faucets in a given period of time.
If your home’s older pipes are beginning to experience problems, you’ll soon know about it. When it’s time for a copper replacement or perhaps a whole house repipe, some of the other common signs you’ll see include leaking pipes, visible signs of corrosion, water that has a bad taste or odor, rust-colored water from your tap, or even a damp foundation.
Should you begin to notice these problems developing, don’t waste time hoping they clear up on their own. Instead, call an experienced copper repiping plumber from Boss Plumbing. Our experts can come in and test to see if the problems are being caused by eroding pipes, and make recommendations whether it is time for copper repiping or not.
What About PEX Piping?
If your home has had numerous problems with slab leaks that have not cleared up despite many re-routes of your home’s pipes, non-metallic PEX piping may be the answer. Since this method has proven to be very effective in solving even the most stubborn slab leak problems, you may want to contact us here at Boss Plumbing to see if PEX piping would work for your home.
Are There Benefits to Copper Repiping?
Performing a repiping service on your property with copper piping can be a wise decision that, in the long run, will save you money and headaches, and it’s an upgrade that can add to the resale value to your home by making it attractive to potential buyers. In more and more LA homes that are older and have galvanized pipes, our customers are reaping the benefits of copper repiping. For starters, copper is an extremely durable material, meaning it’s not likely to experience problems once it is installed. Also, you will have much cleaner water and stronger water pressure, which will be welcome news when you take a shower or do the laundry or dishes. If you have grown tired of your home’s constantly low water pressure and want to do a whole house repipe to solve the problem once and for all, schedule a service call with us here at Boss Plumbing.
How Much Does Copper Repiping Cost?
Since copper is very expensive, the cost for a copper repiping can be high, possibly as much as $20,000. However, if you opt for PEX piping, your installation costs will be much, much lower. Requiring far less demolition during installation, PEX piping can last 100 years or more, making it a cost-effective and very affordable option.
Can I Replace My Pipes With Copper On My Own?
Boss Plumbing does not advise anyone to make this job a do-it-yourself type of project. This is definitely a task that needs special skills in handling hazardous materials. As it would be such a large and disruptive job, it’s best dealt with by a trained repipe specialist who knows how to take out damaged or corroded pipes and to replace all of them with safe, new ones. Sadly, which implies most of the walls around the pipes will need to be exposed and repaired whenever the job is conducted. By no means is this a short-term solution, and performing the job properly will demand considerable funding. Nonetheless, the new pipes typically last for 20 to 25 years, making this service well worth every penny. The alternative is to replace one pipe at a time, however that would not dismiss future damage to structural factors, such as ceilings, cabinetry, or flooring, if a pipe leaks before being replaced. Small jobs every year or two are still expensive and over 25 years would add considerably to replacement expenses. This makes one-time repairs from a professional, like Boss Plumbing, a much more attractive option.
We have copper repipe specialists that will map out the entire system after reviewing and understanding the condition of the water system and determining what work has to be done in the whole house, which includes kitchen, showers, laundry, and other areas. Very special attention is given to hot water pipes, supply points, and all other water lines. Prior to beginning the repairs, the homeowner may have to prepare the items of the home, as well as the home itself, to ensure that no harm occurs during the restoration process. These responsibilities include relocating furniture, valuables and fragile things to a safe storage and protecting carpets with tarps, and anything else that may have sentimental value. Before the plumbers can come, the property owner should make sure the water is turned off at the home. Or else, hold ups could be expensive and inconvenient.
If you want to learn more about the pros and cons of copper and PEX piping, talk to us today here at Boss Plumbing.
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