The Best Material for Repiping Your House Explained
Hey there! If you’re reading this, you might be dealing with some plumbing issues in your home. Trust me, I get it – old pipes can be a real headache, leading to leaks, water damage, and those dreaded emergency repair bills. At Boulden Brothers, we’ve seen it all when it comes to outdated plumbing systems.
If your home’s pipes are showing their age, repiping is honestly the best way to avoid bigger problems down the road. But I know what you’re wondering: “What material should I choose?” Great question! The right piping really depends on your specific home, your budget, and even your local water quality. Let’s talk through your material options.
Best Materials for Repiping
1. Copper
Copper has been the gold standard (pun intended!) for decades, and for good reason. It’s incredibly durable, resists corrosion like a champ, and will last for generations in your home. It handles heat beautifully and won’t degrade in sunlight, making it versatile for both indoor and outdoor plumbing needs.
Pros: Super long-lasting (we’re talking 50+ years), naturally resists bacteria growth, and stands up to the elements
Cons: It’s on the pricier side, can be prone to freezing in extremely cold climates, and definitely requires professional installation
2. PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)
PEX is the new kid on the block that’s been winning a lot of fans lately. It’s a flexible, plastic-based material that’s so much easier to install than rigid pipes. I love that it resists corrosion completely, won’t develop those annoying pinhole leaks, and can actually expand slightly if water freezes inside – which means fewer burst pipes during cold snaps!
Pros: Much more affordable than copper, super flexible (literally bends around corners!), handles freezing better, and installation is quicker
Cons: Not great for outdoor use and doesn’t play well with UV light exposure
3. CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride)
Think of CPVC as PVC’s more capable cousin. It handles hot water much better, stands up to corrosion, and gives you a more budget-friendly option than copper without sacrificing too much quality.
Pros: Easy on the wallet, works well with hot water lines, and laughs in the face of corrosion
Cons: Can become a bit brittle as it ages, and requires special fittings for installation
4. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Let’s clear something up – PVC is fantastic, but it’s mainly for your drain lines rather than water supply pipes. It’s lightweight, super affordable, and completely immune to rust and corrosion issues.
Pros: Perfect for waste and drainage systems, very budget-friendly, and relatively easy to install
Cons: Not suitable for your main water supply lines that need to handle pressure
5. Galvanized Steel (The Outdated Option)
If your home was built before the 1960s, you might still have galvanized steel pipes hiding in your walls. While they were once all the rage, these pipes tend to corrode from the inside out over time, leading to reduced water pressure and rust in your water. Not ideal!
Pros: Strong and durable when new
Cons: Prone to rust, heavy as all get-out, and a real pain to replace
When to Call for Professional Help
Look, repiping a house isn’t exactly a weekend DIY project. Give us a call if you notice any of these warning signs:
- Frequent leaks – If you’re constantly dealing with pipe leaks, your plumbing system is trying to tell you something!
- Discolored or rusty water – That brownish tint likely means your metal pipes are corroding from the inside.
- Low water pressure – Mineral buildup inside aging pipes can really restrict your water flow.
- Strange-tasting or smelling water – A metallic or funky taste is often a sign that your pipes are deteriorating.
- Visible corrosion or cracking –If you can actually see rust or cracks, it’s definitely time for new pipes.
Our motto is simple: You call. We come. It’s fixed. Our team will thoroughly assess your plumbing situation and recommend the best repiping solution for your specific home.
How We Handle a Whole-House Repiping
1. Evaluating Your Plumbing System
First things first – we’ll inspect your existing pipes to determine their age, material, and current condition.
2. Choosing the Right Piping Material
We’ll help you navigate your options and decide on the best material based on your budget, local water quality, and long-term needs.
3. Planning the Repiping Process
We’ll map out the most efficient way to replace your pipes while minimizing disruption to your daily life.
4. Removing Old Pipes
We carefully remove the old piping, taking extra care to minimize damage to your walls, floors, and ceilings.
5. Installing New Pipes
Time for the good stuff! We replace your old plumbing with high-quality materials, ensuring proper fittings and connections throughout.
6. Testing and Inspection
Once installation is complete, we thoroughly test your system for leaks and proper water pressure.
7. Final Clean-Up and Walkthrough
We restore any areas affected by the repiping and walk you through everything you need to know about your new plumbing system.
Fixed right the first time – that’s our promise to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is copper better than PEX?
It depends on your situation! Copper definitely lasts longer but comes with a higher price tag. PEX is flexible and handles freezing better, making it a fantastic choice for many homes.
Will I need to move out during repiping?
Nope! We work in sections to keep water disruptions to an absolute minimum.
Does repiping increase home value?
Absolutely. Replacing old pipes improves both your water quality and pressure, making your home much more appealing to potential buyers.
How do I know if I need repiping?
If your home has frequent leaks, rusty water, or persistently low pressure, your pipes may be failing.
If your home’s plumbing is past its prime, Boulden Brothers is ready to help. Remember our promise: You call. We come. It’s fixed.
