There’s a bit of confusion when it comes to the subject of whole house repipe jobs. By its name, most people assume that a whole house repipe replaces every pipe in your “whole house.” Whole house repiping refers, specifically, to replacing all the water supply lines that come into your home, as well as any “branch” of those pipes that delivers water to any plumbing fixture. When discussing the re-piping of a house, plumbing companies refer to the replacement of all water supply lines only.
Whole-house repiping does not include the replacement of drain pipes or sewer lines. It is important to understand the distinction, as problems with clogged drains, backed-up toilets, or broken sewer lines will not clear up after a repipe job. We know that sounds a bit vague and confusing, so let’s break down the whole house repiping process.
Beginning at the point where the responsibility for the waterline becomes yours, the house side of the water meter, all water supply lines are replaced. From the water meter outlet, the existing water supply lines are removed or bypassed, creating an entirely new plumbing system to deliver water to faucets, dishwashers, toilets, showers, bathtubs, sinks, water heaters, and hose bibbs. Having a whole house repipe service performed does NOT include replacement of your drain or sewer lines.
The whole house repipe also does not refer to faucets, toilets, or other water fixtures installed in your home. Depending on the type of plumbing installed in your older home, now may be the most suitable time to think about a whole house repipe service.
What Materials are Used in Whole House Repipe?
PEX Pipes
Today’s most common house repipe material is PEX pipe, also known by its longer, less memorable name, cross-linked polyethylene. While PEX was introduced to the European market in the 1980s, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the United States fully embraced it as a replacement for galvanized steel or copper pipes. Since that time, PEX pipe has become the most used type of water supply line in new home construction.
Sourcing the raw materials for PEX plumbing lines is much less expensive than mining, dredging, and refining precious metals like copper and brass. PEX pipes are also easier to install, thanks to their flexibility and the fact that PEX pipe installations do not require any soldering or welding. PEX pipes will not corrode, as there are no metallic compounds in PEX, and they are much less likely to be damaged by freezing temperatures, as their elasticity allows them to expand in cold climates.
PEX plumbing has one major shortcoming, though. It is not recommended for outdoor use, as the sun’s ultraviolet rays can break it down quickly. When PEX is exposed to direct sunlight, it can leech petroleum by-products into your water supply, even for a short period. PEX pipes that are installed outdoors, without any protection from the sun, will harden and crack in a matter of months, causing major leaks.
Copper Pipes
Copper pipes, though much more expensive than PEX, remain a popular option in whole-house re-pipes. Since being introduced during the 1930s, copper plumbing lines are recognized for their long lifespan, ease of installation (compared to galvanized steel or lead pipes), and anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties.
Copper is still the most widely used material for plumbing pipes and fittings throughout the developed world. With an expected useful life of over seventy years, it’s safe to assume copper will be around for a while.
Pelican Plumbing has been serving Orange County residents with repiping services for the past two decades. Give us a call today for a free estimate.
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