Re-Piping
The decision to re-pipe your Baltimore home or business is an important one, usually the result of necessity, but certainly not born overnight. Scaled copper piping or hardly noticeable pinholes in the pipe that manifest as a result of corrosion can be keen indicators that your property will soon need a re-pipe. Whether you’re replacing a section of worn piping or committing to a full re-pipe, Ace Plumbing, LLC provides exceptional quality at the hands of experienced professionals.
Signs that You Need Re-piping
If you notice a leak in your pipe, even a very small pinhole that produces a fine mist of a leak, you’ve got a problem. When you see this, it is only a matter of time before you will need to consider re-piping your home. Most homes will need to have pipes replaced at some point in the owner’s lifetime. This will include replacing old worn pipes and updating them to newer standards.
Another sign that you need to check on the integrity of your pipes is colored or foul-smelling water. If water is coming out rusty or metallic tasting, there may be a level of degradation in the pipes that requires re-piping. If you notice colors or smells from your water, have it tested to see if it is still safe to drink. Some old metal pipes may still contain dangerous heavy metals like lead which can make you sick.
Nothing Lasts Forever
Though it may not come up in conversations often, nothing in home building is meant to last forever. Homes are built with the thought in mind that their parts will slowly be replaced over time from roofs to carpeting to pipes. Pipes, like roofs and carpeting, are exposed to new elements moving through them every day, slowly wearing them down.
Not only does water slowly corrode copper and brass pipes over time, causing the small pinholes or larger flaking rust in pipes, but they are also assaulted by minerals carried in the water itself. These minerals do damage. If you live somewhere with a high mineral content in your tap water, you may face pipe replacements sooner than later.
Gases moving through the pipes can damage them as well. More wear will likely be noticeable on the tops of drain pipes where gasses will pass out frequently. Routinely checking these areas can give you a good insight into whether or not the pipe is in decent shape still.
When choosing new pipes to replace with, it is important to think about their longevity as well. Though it will likely not be you replacing them again, work with your plumber to figure out which kinds of pipes will last the longest with your particular type of water.
New Pipe Standards
In recent decades, standards have shifted from lead, brass, and copper piping to plastic pipes. These are easier to run, more durable, meant to last longer, and can withstand more dramatic shifts in temperature due to their ability to expand and contract. There is much less risk of plastic pipes freezing and bursting. There is no risk of corrosion or damage from heavy mineral content in water. This alone may be an attractive reason for homeowners to consider re-piping their home.
There are a couple of popular plastic pipe options. PEX piping resembles a garden hose. Along with being more responsive to temperature, installation is less cumbersome due to the flexible nature of the tubes. Fittings are internal. CPVC (a form of polyvinyl chloride) piping is a hard plastic pipe with external fittings.
Planning for a Re-Pipe Project
Scheduling for a re-piping project can be a difficult experience as a currently occupied home needs running water. We at Ace Plumbing will coordinate with your schedule to get work done efficiently while leaving your home livable in the meantime. Costs will include demolition and replacement, and in this sense, it may seem like re-piping is more than the original cost of installing the piping in the new home.
Steps to Take to Determine When a Re-Pipe Is Necessary:
- Evaluate parts of piping you can see, including any exposed in your basement or crawl space or the tops of drain pipes, to see if there is any misting or obvious leaking
- Test your water and investigate if there is any discoloration or foul smell
- Work with a plumber like Ace Plumbing to routinely survey your pipes for any potential damage
- Monitor the age of your pipes and prepare for the necessity of a re-pipe as they advance
If you’re in need of residential or commercial re-piping services, Ace Plumbing, LLC is your Baltimore area, plumbing specialist. Serving Nottingham, Perry Hall, Bel Air, White Marsh, Pikesville, and more, we are happy to evaluate your pipes. If you do need replacement pipework done, we can work with you to coordinate the best timing, as well as cost and pipe replacement style. Call (410) 256-7900 today to find out more about what we can offer for your re-piping needs.