If you’re planning to remodel your bathroom or kitchen, you are likely to have a long list of tasks you’ll need to contemplate. One area you may have overlooked is whether you should replace your water pipes. Poor plumbing can compromise your new fixtures and appliances, so while your pipes are likely to be exposed during the remodel, it may be time to think about replacing your water pipes.
How Much Pipe Work Will Need to Be Replaced?
The first step is to have an experienced professional plumber inspect your water pipes to find out if there is any damage or corrosion. Ideally, when you uncover your pipework, it will all be in great condition and perfect for tying into your new fixtures or additions. Unfortunately, this isn’t necessarily the case, and you may need to replace sections due to damage, age or incompatibility with your new plumbing. You’ll need to ask your plumber whether it is feasible to replace sections or whether you will need a full replacement. Although a full replacement may be daunting, it may be the more cost effective option.
What’s the Best Replacement Material
If you have an older home, you may be surprised when your water pipes are uncovered. In the past, water pipes were made from lead, galvanized steel or even clay. So, it is easy to see how these pipes will be incompatible with new appliances and fixtures. These materials were also prone to corrosion, so they may be adding unwanted elements into your water.
The most common material for water pipes today is copper. Copper piping requires a specialist with experience working with the material. While copper is a great material, it is one of the most costly options. It also can take longer to install, as copper pipes require soldering to join sections together. Other code compliant options are PVC or PEX. Both these materials are very cost effective and may even provide a better option compared to copper, depending on the application.
Money and Time Saving
Although replacing your water pipes will add to the cost of your renovation, it may actually save time and money. If your existing pipes are showing signs of damage or age, it is inevitable that they will need to be replaced at some point. During a renovation, your room will already be undergoing work, so it can provide an ideal opportunity to replace your pipes. You also need to think about whether your pipes will need to be replaced in the coming years, potentially ruining the aesthetics of your new room. Imagine the frustration of completing your renovation to perfection, and after a year of enjoying your fantastic new room, you need to call in a plumber to replace a section of pipe.
If you are unsure whether you should replace your water pipes during your renovation, it is worth calling in an experienced plumber for professional help. A
trusted plumber can assess the condition of your pipes and make a recommendation whether it would be worth upgrading your pipes as part of your renovation project.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
