When Should You Have Copper Repiping Done?

You may have heard that you should consider having your existing galvanized steel pipes replaced with copper repiping. Experts will tell you that the old pipes in your home are probably all rusted out and will start to fail, or they will be soon, and that replacing them with copper pipes is the way to go. The reality is that if your home is more than 25 years old and has galvanized steel pipes, then you should have it repiped with copper. Not everybody, however, has the money or the time to install copper repiping, so when is a good time to have it done?

Renovations

Installing copper repiping while the house is being renovated is a perfect time for the install. Typically, while the house is being renovated, walls are being repaired, replaced or relocated, so it is a perfect opportunity to think ahead and install copper piping while you still have easy access. Additionally, most people or contractors find things that need to be repaired or replaced during a renovation by opening up walls, floors and ceiling anyways, so it really is a great time to completely evaluate the home.

Fouled Water

Dirty looking and even foul smelling water is a sure sign that your old galvanized steel pipes are decaying. Once you have noticed that the water has a brown hue to it or has a slightly foul odor, it means the corrosion level has gone beyond what is considered normal wear and tear. Even the slightest discoloration is evidence enough – you shouldn't wait until you have rust flakes in the water to seriously consider copper repiping.

Water Pressure

Deviations or inconsistent water pressure is another sign that the old steel pipes are decaying. Differences in water pressure may not be readily apparent as they tend to drop over a number of years. In reality, the water pressure from the main line has probably stayed relatively the same over the years, but the buildup of eroding materials inside the steel pipes is choking off the flow. The result is low water pressure or inconsistent pressure as the rust constrictions will buildup and release, only to buildup in another section of pipe.

Leaks

A sure sign that your old steel piping system is on its last leg is when leaks start to develop. Leaks may start out very small and may even go unnoticed for years because they are under the house or in walls. But once a leak begins, it will start to worsen at an accelerated rate because the outside of the steel is now being exposed to moisture as well. Eventually, the leaks will turn in a deluge when the pipes finally bursts, possibly causing thousands of dollars in water damage.

If your home was built using galvanized steel water pipes, you will eventually have to replace them. If you catch the problems before they damage the rest of your home you can save a lot of money on your repair bills. Installing copper repiping may not be the cheapest project you ever put into your home, but in the long run it will save you a lot of time, money and headaches.