When it comes to repiping your home, you should always work with the best plumbers Fontana has to offer. Repiping is when the hot and cold water pipes throughout your home are removed or replaced. This is done for a number of reasons, but most commonly to replace old pipes that could cause major problems in the near future.
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What is PEX Repiping?
When you’re repiping your home, you’ll have an option between copper and PEX. PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, is much more cost-effective than its copper counterpart, which is why many plumbing professionals have started making the switch.
PEX is also flexible and can easily bend with changes in direction. The flexibility of the material reduces the number of connections, which makes installations faster and require less intensive labor. A benefit for the homeowners—the flexibility also lessens the chance of leaks.
Flexibility also means that it can expand and contract. This is ideal for homes that have fluctuating temperatures and extremely cold winters because it is highly resistant to damage, which means pipes are less likely to freeze.
PEX resists corrosion, scale buildup, and pitting, which means it prevents pinhole leaks and the chance of restricted water flow.
PEX vs. Copper
Copper is the standard for plumbing and requires the proper skill set for soldering pipes and fittings together. Copper creates a biostatic atmosphere, which makes it difficult for bacteria to thrive inside. It also resists corrosion and remains unaffected by UV rays, so it can be used outside.
Unfortunately, copper has become expensive. It can also still corrode, and if you live in a cold climate, copper pipes are prone to freezing and bursting.
PEX is most often seen in radiant heat flooring, but it’s becoming more popular for repiping and plumbing repairs. It offers the same benefits of copper, but is much more affordable, making it a favorite among plumbers and their clients.
PEX, however, is not suitable for outside applications.
PEX Repiping FAQs
How Long Does PEX Repiping Last?
The life expectancy for PEX pipes is around 50-70 years, according to ASTM International. However, there are some manufacturers that offer a life expectancy of more than 100 years.
When compared to copper, which only has a life expectancy of less than 50 years, it has longer longevity, making it ideal for homeowners.
How are PEX pipes installed?
Installing PEX repiping is easy for professional plumbers, and the process is much simpler than copper repiping. After all, the faster you get the old, corroded pipes out, the sooner you can get the newer, efficient, and effective pipes in to avoid potential problems.
When a professional plumber installs PEX piping, they will run a new line parallel to the old and string it through the wall to the plumbing fixtures. A hot-and-cold line mirrors the existing line, and the old pipe is abandoned for the new one.
You can expect a PEX installation to take around half of the time as a copper repiping.
How much do PEX pipes cost?
Of course, the question that many homeowners in need of a repipe will ask is about the cost. Replacing the plumbing in a two-bathroom home can cost anywhere between $8,000 and $10,000 depending on where you live.
Luckily, using PEX is much cheaper, and could cost you only $4,000 to $6,000. The reason for this is that PEX requires much less labor and materials.
When it comes to finding the cost of PEX repiping, make sure to talk to your local plumber for a quote. They may need to visit your home to give you a better idea about how much it will cost and how long it will take.
Signs Your Home Needs Repiping
Your Pipes Are 50 Years Old (Or More)
Galvanized steel was once the main material used in plumbing through the mid-twentieth century. While this material is strong, it does corrode after 50 years and will require a replacement. No plumbing system will last forever, so if your house and its pipes are getting old, make sure to have them inspected by a professional.
You find Rust and Minerals in Water
Red or brown water happens when rust breaks off into the water supply, which can negatively impact your water quality. If you find rust and minerals building up in your water, especially alongside low water pressure in your home, you can expect that it has something to do with your piping.
You Experience Frequent Pipe Leaks
Isolated pipe leaks tend to happen every now and then. However, recurring or frequent leaks are typically a sign that the piping system may have developed several holes and needs to be replaced.
Read More: How To Detect Hidden Water Leaks And What You Should Do About It
You Need Professional Plumbers for PEX Repiping
When it comes to your plumbing and pipes, it’s always best to work with an experienced plumber. DIY projects can cause severe problems in the future, and it’s important for the safety of your family and the house to avoid potential problems by working with the experts.
Repipes may also require permits from the city so that they can ensure everything you do to the home is up to code. While you may be able to get away with making renovations to your home without the knowledge of the city, you can’t expect to sell your house without correcting any issues that are not considered “code.”
Your primary concern, however, should be your plumbing system. If you want it to work properly, you need to consult the experts. If you’re not a professional plumber yourself, it’s always a good idea to rely on the people who do this type of job every single day.
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