Copper Repiping Process

Rstolarczuk | Sep 29, 2010 |

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When someone is talking about galvanized pipe, they are referring to a pre-manufactured pipe that is constructed out of steel or iron, with a zinc coating. This is to protect the pipe itself from the elements. Corrosion on a galvanized pipe will typically not begin for at least forty or fifty years. Once the corrosion begins, homeowners need to begin the process of copper repiping.

Copper repiping is required when the flow of water internally becomes restricted because the galvanized pipe corrodes. Additionally the water will be discolored and have a very unpleasant taste. However, the poor tasting water and discoloration is an indication that corrosion has begun in your building's pipes. Low water pressure is another sign you should watch out for.

Once you have noticed your building's pipes have begun to corrode it is extremely important for you to begin the process of repiping right away. Not removing and copper repiping these corroding galvanized pipes will put the lives and health of everyone in the building at a great risk. In corroding pipes, the water that flows through them will pick up contaminants from the corrosion. These contaminants will cause bacteria to begin growing which in turn leads to sickness.

That reason alone should get you started replacing pipes. If not, you will eventually have to invest in copper repiping anyway. Your property will devalue with aging pipes in turn making it quite a bit harder to sell. If, in fact you are able to sell, one possible condition for the sale from the buyer will be asking for you to do the copper repiping.

To better understand the copper repiping process; it is actually the job of removing older galvanized pipe and then replacing it with a new pipe. The standard practice of thirty years ago was to use the galvanized and iron pipes we find in most buildings today. A re-pipe specialist has the job of changing out these pipes as they corrode.

There are many indicating signs that appear to tell you when it is time for a copper re-pipe job to be performed. At first, upon examining your water from the pipes, you will begin seeing rust particles. Also, any lowering in water pressure is also an indication there is something wrong. As a general rule of thumb, when your building reaches the twenty-five year mark, you will be to check your pipes periodically to see if they will need the attention of a copper re-pipe specialist.

The new pipes will add value to your home. In addition, your home will gain a better water quality from the copper re-pipe. This process can be costly, however it will be worth it. Keep in mind, if you don't do the repiping when you notice the first stages of corrosion, the end result could very well be spending even more money on repairing the damage to your home from the water when your pipes totally erode.

Five thousand dollars is the typical cost for the entire process, additional costs can come from add-ons, like having a copper kitchen sink installed. Most plumbers can install a copper sink in the kitchen as well as do the job of repiping, however the best recommendation is to consult with a repiping specialist. Contracting a plumber could be a cheaper cost; however, the repiping specialist has much more experience with this work will be worth the extra dollars. They have mucho experience, as they re-pipe buildings every day. Your average plumber may have never actually done an entire repiping job.

When you begin searching for a repiping contractor to hire, consider these points. Of great importance is verifying that they are properly licensed. With this information, finding out everything is easier, including where to search for previous customers and their reviews of the contractor. The internet is a great place to find company reviews, however, if you are dealing with a smaller company with no online reviews, do not hesitate to request verbal references from the contractor.

Once you see the first signs of pipe corrosion in your commercial building or home, the next step is talking to a contractor. After they inspect your pipes, you will be made aware of your problem's severity and costs to fix it. Now you have the knowledge too get the job done right!