Does Your Home Need to be Repiped?
Extremely cold weather can really play havoc with your pipes, causing them to build up ice and burst. However, burst pipes aren’t the only reason to have a plumber perform a repiping job.
In fact some problems, including some burst pipes, only necessitate a repair. When frequency of pipe-related issues occur, it may be time to consider replacing the pipes in your home.
Knowing then to repair and when to repipe can save you thousands of dollars, not to mention addition hours of inconvenience.
When to Repair
Plumbing repairs are isolated events, even when they involve sections of pipe. If the length of pipe affected is small, it most often makes sense simply to replace that section and not the entire system when events such as burst pipes occur. In other instances, tree roots can invade services lines located in yards.
Repairs here often involve clearing the section of tiny roots and sealing pipe joints. Minor leaks around pipe joints may also be repairs by resealing the joints. Note, however, that leaks around joints may be temporary, especially if you have an older piping system.
When to Repipe
Repiping involves much more than simply replacing a section of pipe as it will involve your home’s entire system. Old piping begins to break down with use, leading to corrosion, poor water pressure, dark colored water, bad tasting water and frequent leaks. Another sign that could indicate repiping is necessary is if your system loses hot water quickly even though your water heater is working properly. The only way to determine whether your pipes are in poor condition is to have your plumbing professional inspect them through the latest methods to determine interior condition.
How Long Does Repiping Take?
The entire process takes about four days. Because repiping is an involved process, you need to a hire a plumbing contractor who thoroughly knows the process. Before work begins, your contractor will need to secure a permit from your city or village. Installation occurs on the second day, during which time the water to your premises will be shut off.
Most jobs can be completed in one day, but for extremely large jobs, repiping may occur over two days. Inspection by local municipal officials usually occurs the following day with patching of walls occurring the day after. With proper installation procedures followed, most homeowners can expect to be inconvenienced for only one day.
Not sure if you need a repiping job or a pipe repair job in your Chattanooga area home? Call Metro Sewer & Plumbing at (423) 855-0967 today, and get the right answers from the experts.