Water line replacement is a large home repair job that can become necessary in some older homes or those experiencing significant plumbing issues.
It may become necessary in homes experiencing frequent leaks, broken water lines, or other signs that the existing piping is deteriorating.
An experienced plumber can identify this need by assessing residential plumbing and whether repairs should be made or if re-piping would be the better, safer, and more cost-effective solution.
What Is Residential Water Line Replacement?
Residential water line replacement is the process of removing interior plumbing lines and replacing them with new ones.
Plumbers often suggest this when homeowners experience frequent plumbing problems or there are obvious signs that their existing water lines are becoming non-functional.
Though this is not a problem that every homeowner will deal with, some may be forced to invest in this process if the water lines in their home are of poor quality or have simply started to deteriorate due to age, corrosion, or other reasons.
When May Water Line Replacement Be Necessary?
There are several signs that residential re-piping may be necessary to restore proper plumbing service to a home, including:
- Deteriorating Pipes - Broken water lines, rust-colored water, and chunks of sediment in the water are all signs that the existing pipes in a home are deteriorating and should be replaced. Older pipes made from steel are especially susceptible to corrosion after a few decades, leaving homeowners in need of replacing some or all of their piping after some time. Those made from PVC also have limited lifespans and can sometimes become brittle throughout the years.
- Frequent Leaks - Frequent leaks in new places are another indicator that the existing water lines are deteriorating and should be replaced. Although a homeowner could choose to keep paying for plumber repairs every time there is a new leak, the time will eventually come when the frequency and seriousness of the leaks leave no other option than to re-pipe the home.
- Diminishing Water Pressure - Loss of water pressure, either due to corrosion of the pipes or sediment collected inside them, can be another sign that water line replacement should be considered. If the loss of water pressure cannot be attributed to anything else, re-piping with new corrosion-resistant water lines may be a solution.
- Outdated Plumbing Components - Older homes with obsolete plumbing systems designed for less residential water usage and lower water pressure appliances are yet another reason why a homeowner might invest in re-piping to more easily provide water service to their home.
- Safety Concerns - Homeowners dealing with corroding pipes, frequently broken water lines, and pipes sending sediment and other materials through the home plumbing can also become a safety issue via contamination, high mineral or metal content in the water, or frequent service interruption.
Discuss Water Line Replacement With An Experienced Plumbing Service
While it is not a repair that every homeowner will deal with, water line replacement is a very important one when it is necessary.
It is also a significant repair that should be performed only by experienced plumbers who have the proper training to take on this type of whole-home repair job.
Find an experienced local plumbing company when dealing with frequent leaks, broken water lines, water discoloration, or low water pressure and discuss whether the best repair might be to start over with all new residential water lines!