Why You Might Want To Consider Repiping Your Home

By Author: Amery Carver
Total Articles: 1
Comment this article

If you have recurring pipe leaks, low water pressure, or rusty water, your Joilet plumber may have recommended a repipe for your home. A repiping of your home means that an entirely new water distribution system is installed in your home to replace the current faulty system. This process involves replacing all pipe fittings, stop valves, and supply lines. There are several reasons why a repipe might be the solution to your plumbing concerns.

Common Reasons to Repipe:

• Low Water Pressure - Low water pressure is most often caused when rust and corrosion builds up inside galvanized iron pipes. This build up leaves less room for water to pass through the pipes at one time, resulting in less water flow from your faucets and shower heads. In this case, repiping will increase water pressure and allow for the use of multiple faucets at one time.

• Rusty Water – Not all rust sticks to the sides of your pipes. Rust inside your pipes can also get mixed in with your water changing your normal clear, clean water into smelly, “rust” colored water. Normally clean water becoming rusty usually indicates an ...
... advanced stage of corrosion in the pipes. Repiping will eliminate the rust from your water.

• Leaky Pipes – If a galvanized iron pipe is corroded long enough water will leak through cracks and holes or a pipe could burst completely open, flooding water out into your home. Even more dangerous is when pipes leaks where you can’t see them until significant damage has already been done. Hidden leaks can develop in the walls, attic, and under the house. Repiping means you can protect your home and your belongings from being permanently damaged from water exposure.

In addition to these more common reasons for having a Plainfield plumber repipe your home, some homes may need a repipe before there are even any signs of a plumbing problem at all. For example, homes with polybutylene piping are in danger of having pipes burst. Polybutylene is a special kind of plastic that was extensively used twenty to thirty years ago. At the time, it was considered to be a wonderful advancement for plumbing pipes and fixtures. Polybutylene plumbing systems were installed in millions of homes from the mid 70’s to the mid 90’s. Unfortunately, polybutylene turned out to be just a “pipe” dream and was found to be highly defective with a short lifespan due to the effects of chemicals in city-provided water. Over time it hardens, turns brittle, and then bursts with no warning. It is rarely, if ever, used today. Unfortunately, polybutylene piping remains in many homes built during this period.

It is easy for a Naperville plumber to determine by sight if your home has polybutylene piping. Polybutylene plumbing is a flexible plastic type pipe. It is colored gray when used inside and black or blue when used outside, with plastic-and-metal fittings.

Most repipe jobs by a Joliet plumber take about 3 days. Water is usually available during the most of the repiping process. However, water is only available for a few hours on the last day, while the system is hooked up to begin running water through your home. It may sound costly and inconvenient but a repipe maybe the best thing you could do for your home.

For more information on repiping or other plumbing concerns, visit www.russellsplumbing.com