Signs You Should Consider Whole House Repiping

Even the most thorough and high-quality plumbing jobs will need to be replaced at some point, usually decades after the work has been completed. If you live in an older home and are experiencing plumbing issues, deciding between repairs to existing pipes and a full, whole-house residential repiping can be difficult. There are some factors that can make your decision easier, signaling that full repiping is in order.

You’re Concerned About Pipe Materials

Homes that were built in the 1900s may have beautiful architectural details and beautiful fixtures, but the plumbing could be harboring a silently lurking menace. During the turn of the twentieth century, the most common material used for water supply pipes was lead. Because lead pipes can leach lead into your drinking water, they could be replaced as soon as possible. Homes built from the early 1970s through the 1990s may have polybutylene pipes, which can degrade over time and cause severe property damage upon failure.

Other Signs of Trouble

When leaks occur frequently, they can be repaired fairly easily. These repairs are just that, though: quick fixes. They are not permanent, and aren’t a substitute for repiping. Water that runs brown or yellow, especially after sitting in the pipes for quite some time, is a sign of rust in the pipes. Rust is a form of decay, and can signal compromised integrity of your pipes.

Consult a Reputable Professional

While there are a few telltale signs that your pipes should be fully replaced, the most reliable indicator of an impending need for replacement is the professional opinion of a trusted, respected licensed plumbing contractor. Setting up an inspection and consultation with a qualified plumber can help you determine when your pipes should be replaced.

Polybuylene Pipe Replacement Options

If you own a home plumbed with polybutylene pipe, you should consider your options before contacting an experienced plumber for a residential repiping.  Polybutylene pipe was installed in millions of homes built after 1970.  By the early 1990’s it became clear that polybutylene pipe that was exposed to chlorine found in the drinking water of many homes would fail and begin to leak and it was taken off the market.

Class action lawsuits were filed against the manufacturers of polybutylene pipe and homeowners who joined these suits received settlements to pay for the replacement of their plumbing.  Unfortunately, it is probably too late to file a claim if you haven’t already done so.

Homeowners have essentially three options for dealing with polybutylene pipe.  The first option is to do nothing and wait to see if the pipes begin to fail.  For some homeowners, this option may be the best route.  Polybutylene fails due to exposure to chlorine and if your drinking water has a very low level of chlorine, your pipes may provide good service for years.  Homes that use well water or that are connected to a municipal water supply that uses a low level of chlorine may not have the plumbing problems typically associated with polybutylene pipes.

If your pipes have begun to leak, then your choice is whether to replace all of the pipes now or to fix the leaking pipes and replace them later.  In most cases it does not make good economic sense to fix a leaking polybutylene pipe.  Your plumber may be able to repair a leaking section of pipe, but a leaky polybutylene pipe is a sign that the rest of the plumbing will fail soon.  Your plumber can help you make the decision, but generally the best course of action is to have all of the plumbing replaced.