What It Means to Re-Pipe an Old Home

Unless you have deep pockets and can afford to design and build your own home, chances are good that you’re buying an existing one. And depending on the area and your budget, that could mean buying an older home.

While that can give you a home with unique architectural elements that stand out from modern cookie-cutter homes, it also means that you might be dealing with some serious plumbing issues. In a worst-case scenario, you might need to re-pipe the entire thing. What does that mean for you?

Why Is Re-Piping Necessary?

Plumbing systems can last for a very long time. However, they’re not immortal. Eventually, time and hard use will take their toll and if you’re the owner at the time, you’ll need to make some significant upgrades. Re-piping is usually necessary in homes that are several decades old and can be due to things like:

• Mineral build-up within piping
• Deteriorating piping
• Upgrading or expanding plumbing

Signs You Need to Consider Re-Pipping an Old Home

Not sure if that older dream home needs a re-pipe? Here are some of the signs to look for:

• You notice rusty or yellowish water coming from the taps
• There are signs of hard water in the home
• You notice temperature or pressure fluctuations in sinks and showers when flushing the toilet
• There’s unusually low water pressure in the home
• You notice signs of leaks, particularly slab leaks

Is It Necessary to Re-Pipe an Entire Home?

There’s no single answer that will apply to all situations. Each home is unique. In some cases, you may need to re-pipe the entire home, which can be quite costly and will require a good bit of time. In other cases, you may only need to re-pipe a portion of a home. Not sure which is the case for you? Working with a professional plumber will help ensure that you have access to expert guidance.

What to Re-Pipe With

You have several options when it comes to re-piping. You can choose to install PVC piping, which is the most affordable option, but it has the shortest lifespan. You can also go with copper piping, which is more expensive, but can last for a very long time. Both materials will degrade over time, however, and neither is perfect.

Buying an older home and worried about re-piping? Get in touch with Elk Grove Village Sewer & Plumbing, and we’ll be happy to provide you with an expert inspection.