Repiping is a major project that should only be performed by an experienced, licensed plumber. Repiping is often required at some point in the life of a home’s plumbing system. Thankfully, most pipes will last a long time and the main factors in determining whether repiping is necessary is the age and type of pipe material. For supply lines, pipe materials include:
- Brass 80-100 year lifespan
- Copper 70-80 year lifespan
- Galvanized Steel 80-100 year lifespan
Drain lines are often made of one of the following materials:
- Cast iron 80-100 year lifespan
- PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) 24-40 year lifespan
The symptoms of damaged or deteriorating pipes include:
- Low or inconsistent water pressure
- Rust colored water
- Leaks (higher than usual water bills could indicate a water leak)
If your home has a type of plastic pipe called PEX, it can be more prone to failure than other materials, and should be replaced.
To determine if repiping is necessary a qualified plumber should inspect the supply and drain lines to determine what materials are used, the age of the pipes and the presence of any leaks or defects. For drain lines, a video camera is often used to get a more complete look at the condition of the pipes.
