Category: Repipe

Galvanized pipes were commonly used for residential plumbing, especially in the 1900s-1970s. This type of piping has a specific lifespan, as the piping begins to deteriorate after 40 to 70 years.

Here in the Sacramento area, there are numerous homes that were built in the 20^th Century that had galvanized steel plumbing that haven’t yet been replaced with modern plumbing solutions like copper piping or PEX.

The issue with galvanized steel plumbing is that once it begins to degrade, the water quality is affected, and your water pressure can drop dramatically. If you see either of those symptoms, and if the piping in your home looks like it is steel and not copper, you probably have galvanized pipes which are beginning to degrade.

What is Galvanized Plumbing?

Galvanized steel is steel that has zinc bonded to it to prevent corrosion. In the mid-1900s, galvanized steel pipes were used in residential plumbing as a replacement for lead pipes and cast-iron piping. By 1960, galvanized steel was used for almost all residential plumbing applications. However, by the mid 1980s, many new residential projects had shifted to using copper piping.

Homes built before 1990 may have galvanized pipes, and the older the home, the higher the likelihood it was built using galvanized steel plumbing. Most galvanized pipes last between 40 and 50 years, so if your home is older and has galvanized pipes, the chances you have corrosion is high.

How Can You Tell If You Have Galvanized Pipes?

Galvanized steel pipes have a nickel-gray appearance when they are first installed but change color as they are exposed to water. Some galvanized pipes were painted on the exterior, so it might make it harder to identify at first glance.

If you scratch the outside of a galvanized pipe with a screwdriver, it will turn silvery gray.

How Long Do Galvanized Pipes Last?

Galvanized steel pipes can typically last between 40 and 50 years before degradation sets in, depending on the quality of the original pipes.

Signs Your Galvanized Pipes Need to Be Replaced

There are some tell-tale signs that your galvanized plumbing is ready to be replaced and you need to repipe your home.

• Water discoloration. Do you have brown stains on your sink? Discolored water? These are signs your galvanized pipes are deteriorating and rust and iron are being released in the water.
• Decreased water pressure. Corrosion in galvanized pipes causes the metal to clog the inside of the pipes, causing loss of water pressure throughout the home.
• Uneven water pressure throughout the house. Galvanized pipe deterioration can also cause water pressure to decrease at certain points in the house but not others. This is due to the zinc and iron buildup in the pipes at specific points.
• Pipe leaks. Once the zinc on the inner pipe corrodes, the steel pipe can begin to rust and after a while, the pipe can leak due to oxidation and rust.

Safety Risks with Galvanized Plumbing

Some older homes may have installed lead fixtures sometime in the past. If you’ve had water tests that show any lead, you should replace your pipes immediately.

If there are signs of corrosion in your pipes, or if you’ve had to call for pipe repair due to leaks, it is possible your galvanized pipes are beginning to degrade. These pipes should be replaced before major leaks occur and your home sustains water damage.

Remember that galvanized pipes corrode from the inside of the pipe outward.

Another problem is some home insurance policies will not cover water damage from this type of plumbing. Almost all installations of galvanized pipes have reached their end of life.

If you are asking if the plastic pipes, often referred to by the brand name PEX, is a good choice, my opinion is yes, PEX type piping is a good choice

When Should You Replace Galvanized Steel Pipes?

If you have a home that was built before 1960 and it has the original galvanized piping, or if your home is 50 to 70 years old with the original galvanized piping, it is probably time to replace the piping with durable, long-lasting copper or PEX piping.

How Much Does It Typically Cost to Replace Galvanized Pipes?

The typical cost to repipe your home is about $5,000 to $30,000, for a one-to-three-bedroom house, including finish and paint. This includes materials and labor.

Need a Consultation for Galvanized Pipe Replacement in Sacramento?

Our team replaces old corroded galvanized piping in homes in the Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, and Folsom area. We are a general contractor specializing in repiping and plumbing, replacing old galvanized pipes with reliable copper or PEX plumbing.

For a no-obligation consultation, call us at (916) 304-7629 or contact us through our website. Our repiping specialists will help you assess your residential piping and help you explore your options for replacing your galvanized plumbing.

What’s Involved in Repiping a House?

Repiping your home is the process of replacing the old existing pipes with new ones. This is usually done when the pipes are reaching the end of life, or if the current pipes are defective.

Most homeowners repipe their home if they see certain signs: corroded pipes, discolored water, low water pressure, persistent leaks. If your existing pipes are several decades old and made from material such as galvanized steel, it might be time to repipe your home.

What does it mean to repipe your house? Here are signs it’s time for a repipe, your replumbing options, and what you can expect during the repiping process.

Signs You Need to Repipe Your Home

If you’ve considering repiping your Sacramento or Roseville area home, there are several distinct reasons why you would undertake this project. It is an important investment in the functionality of your home.

Your Home Has Lead Pipes

If your home was built in the 1920s or earlier, and the pipes have never been replaced, they are very likely to be lead pipes. Any lead seeping into the water can cause massive health problems, so this is a must-do situation!

Your Home Has Galvanized Steel Pipes

Most homes built from the 1930s to the 1970s had galvanized steel pipes. Over time, these pipes rust, corrode, and go through a process known as dezincification which causes some very noticeable plumbing issues. If your galvanized pipes are deteriorating, you may notice low water pressure, discolored or metallic tasting water, or uneven water pressure throughout the house.

Your Home Was Built With Kitec Plumbing

Kitec plumbing was used in many homes built between 1995 and 2007 in the US and Canada. Later on, the manufacturers of Kitec were in a multi-million dollar lawsuit because Kitec was found to be defective, and eventually fails prematurely. The fittings and hot water pipes on Kitec plumbing especially fail early, leading to extensive water damage to homes. Many homes in the Sacramento area were built with Kitec in this period. If you want to learn how to identify Kitec, read our article here.

You’re Remodeling Your Home

Are you already planning a major remodel of your kitchen or bathroom? You may not need to repipe as part of this project, but if your home is over 50 years old and still has the original piping, it may be a good idea to do this project at the same time.

Repiping during a home remodel will help you solve already existing issues like persistent plumbing leaks, old corroded pipes, and reduced water flow.

You Are Selling Your Home Soon

If you plan on putting your home on the market soon, you should proactively solve any potential issues which can lower the value of your home. Old, galvanized steel pipes can dissuade buyers from closing a deal on your home, and it can lower the appraisal value of your home. Repiping your home is a way to make your plumbing system new, which will assure home buyers the plumbing is in impeccable shape. This can help you maximize your property value.

Persistent Pipe Leaks, Corrosion, Discolored Water

If you see visible signs of advanced rust or internal pipe corrosion is affecting your water quality, it might be time for a repipe. Leaky pipes can cause higher water or energy bills, mold growth, and water damage. Corroded pipes can make your water look discolored, taste funny, or small strange. Replacing these old pipes with corrosion resistant PEX or copper pipes will help solves these issues.

Low Water Pressure

If you see low water pressure in your house or in parts of your house, that can be a sign your pipes are corroding internally, and metallic particles are clogging your pipes. Galvanized pipes will deteriorate after 50 years; and the clogged pipes are caused by the internal coating deteriorating and settling in the pipes. New pipes made with non-corrosive materials will fix the low water pressure issue.

What is the Repiping Process?

As we said, repiping a house is a major undertaking, and it will likely be one of the biggest renovation projects you have ever done in your home. The first step is to have a professional examine the issue and provide an estimate on the project. They should let you know if you need to repipe your whole house or just a single section of your home. Next, you and your installers will select the materials and secure work permits if needed.

Water service will need to be shut off to your home while work is being done, but the plumber will often turn it back on for you at night, so your evening routines aren’t impacted if you choose to stay in the home at this time. They’ll pinpoint the locations of the pipes and cut them into your drywall to access those pipes and disconnect them. You can choose to either keep the old ones inside the walls or have them pulled out. They’ll then install the new ones and patch up and repaint the wall for you.

Process and Timeline for Home Repiping

The average time to repipe a residential home is about 2 to 3 days. A repiping company will have 2 to 3 workers on a repipe project.  A residential repiping project will take about 2 to 3 days to complete. You can think about the project in three phases.

Phase One:

The repiping company examines the home and determines what materials and labor they will need, providing an estimate to the homeowner. The pipes and fittings for the repipe project is acquired and located on-site. The plumbing team walks through the house and plans the work. Any furniture or décor near the walls is moved, and covered in plastic to prevent drywall dust landing on it.

Phase Two:

Drywall is cut, the pipes are replaced, and connected to existing plumbing fixtures. Fittings are connected to the pipes. The bulk of the repipe work is done in this phase.

Phase Three:

Plumbing joints is tested to make sure there are no leaks, a final inspection is run. The drywall is patched, the walls are finished and repainted, and the remainder of the work materials is cleaned up and your home restored.

Types of Pipes

Copper Pipes

Copper pipes are one of the most popular choices for residential plumbing, and the only metallic piping material used today. Though copper is more expensive than PEX, it is still used quite often because it is sturdy, reliable, long-lasting, and corrosion-resistant. The lifespan of copper pipes is quite long, somewhere between 50 and 100 years. Copper pipes are also bacteria resistant. The water quality will improve greatly with copper vs galvanized steel pipes.

One thing to be aware of is the price of copper pipes may fluctuate slightly, and it is rigid, which makes it slightly more difficult to install vs PEX.

PEX Pipes

PEX or cross-linked polyethylene pipes are another corrosion resistant piping option. These pipes are flexible, and do not require as many fittings as copper, making it easier to install in small spaces. These pipes are also able to withstand extreme cold temperatures, making them ideal for colder climates. They are also heat conductive, making them a good choice for most homeowners.

The downsides to PEX are this piping can degrade in UV light, so they are unsuitable for outdoor piping or indoor piping with UV fluorescent lighting. Water with heavy amounts of chlorine can also damage the piping.

Overall, this is a good choice for homeowners on a tight budget.

How Much Does Repiping Cost?

The total cost of a repiping project depends on factors like the size of the home, the complexity of the existing piping, the types of pipes being installed, and the amount of preparation needed for the project. Local permits may also influence the cost of the project.

The average home costs about $5,000 to $30,000 to repipe

, for a one to three bedroom house, in the Sacramento area, including finish and paint.

Considerations When Repiping

Getting Estimates

Repiping projects are a major home renovation which require planning and preparation. Your plumbing contractor should inspect your home beforehand and give you an estimate for labor and materials.

Preparation for the Work

The repiping construction crew will typically replace your hot and cold water piping, and any pipe fittings. They will need to cut holes in the drywall to access the piping, so cover any furniture that needs to protected from dust.

There will be times when the water is shut off so the pipes can be replaced, so plan on having bottled water on hand for drinking and cooking. The process takes about 2 to 3 days from start to finish, and the water may not be off the entire time, but it will be off when the piping is being replaced. Very large homes may take up to a week to complete the entire process. Plan on having some periods of time during this time frame where the water is shut off.

Construction Permits

The county or city will require a permit for the repipe construction. Typically, the plumbing contractor takes care of this, but it should be put in motion as soon as the project is approved by the homeowner.

Inspection and Finishing

Once the pipes are installed, the work will be inspected and double checked. As the work passes inspection, the repipe contractor will patch the drywall, finish and repaint it to make the walls look brand new.

Benefits of Repiping Your House

Repiping your home is a significant investment, but there are tangible benefits to replacing the pipes in your home.

• Better water quality. Old, galvanized steel pipes often make your water discolored and full of rust and dezincified metal. New pipes are resistant to corrosion, and your water will be clean, fresh and better-tasting.
• Increased property value. If you plan on selling your property in the near future, or getting it appraised, you’ll be asked what types of pipes you have and how old they are. Old galvanized pipes, lead pipes, or Kitec pipes will decrease your home’s value vs copper or PEX pipes.
• Preventing recurring plumbing repairs. If you constantly have pinhole leaks in your pipes, slab leaks under your home’s foundation, or other plumbing issues, repiping can help solve those problems.
• Protecting your home from water damage. Kitec plumbing was the target of a multi-million dollar lawsuit when it was shown to fail prematurely, causing many homes in the US and Canada to sustain water damage. If you have Kitec installed in your home, replacing it with copper or PEX piping will help you prevent unnecessary damage to your home.

Tips for Hiring a Repiping Plumbing Company

If you need a repiping company, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Contractors that specialize in repiping will have more experience and have an established process for completing the job with max professionalism.
• Use contractors who are licensed by the state Contractor Licensing Board. These are contractors who have passed state cetification, bonding, and licensing.
• Does the plumbing contractor offer a lifetime warranty? Repiping companies that offer a warranty are confident in the quality of their workmanship and will give you peace of mind.
• Check for positive reviews. A reputable repiping contractor will have numerous reviews of their work, and an overwhelming majority of those will be positive reviews.

Repiping Experts in Sacramento and Roseville

Wise Monkey Repipe & Construction helps homeowners in the Sacramento-Roseville area with replacing old galvanized pipes, defective Kitec pipes, or old lead pipes with brand new copper or PEX piping. We’ve done scores of homes in the Sacramento-Placer-San Joaquin area, and we can repipe your home as well, quickly and efficiently. Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 916-304-7629 for a no-obligation estimate.

Has your water bill increased unexpectedly? Do you hear running water in your walls? Have you noticed water pooling around your foundation? Are there abnormally warm spots on your floor? These can all be signs of a slab leak.

Slab leaks are when the piping beneath your foundation deteriorates to the point where there are leaks, sometimes small leaks known as pinhole leaks. If you suspect slab leaks, you should address this issue right away. The concrete foundation can crack from water erosion, and the slab leak can cause water damage to your home, including structural damage, and potentially seeping into your home’s interior, creating mold and mildew.

The team at Wise Monkey Repipe is trained in slab leak detection, slab leak repair, and complete home repiping. Here are some sure signs you may have a slab leak in your plumbing.

Signs of a Slab Leak

If you see any of these warning signs, call an experienced slab leak repair and repipe contractor to prevent further damage to your home.

1. Higher Water Usage and Bills

If you see your water bills increasing suddenly, and you cannot explain this abnormal usage, there might be an undetected slab leak. As an experiment, turn off all the faucets, and any appliances that use water, such as the washing machine or dishwasher. Check the outside water meter, and if the water usage is still moving, that might indicate a previously unseen slab leak. If the leak is in a hot water line, it will also cause your gas or electricity bill to spike. The best thing is to contact a slab leak repair contractor for a slab leak detection test.

2. Unexplained Wet Spots

Pools of water or recurring wet spots in your home that are not the result of a leaky faucet may be caused by a slab leak or pinhole leak.

If you see water under cabinets or vanities, or water near walls, this might be caused by a slab leak. Pipes in the bathroom or kitchen that run under the house might spring a leak and be causing mysterious puddles of water.

3. Low Water Pressure

If the water pressure in your home is much lower than usual, this might also indicate a slab leak or leaky pipe in an unseen location.

4. Sounds of Running Water When No Faucets Are On

If you hear running water under your floor, in the walls, or inside kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities, when there are no faucets running, this could be a sign of a slab leak. The water you hear are leaky pipes. Call a repipe plumbing contractor to set up a slab leak detection appointment as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

5. Musty or Moldy Smell

An undetected slab leak in the walls or under the foundation can cause moisture to seep into the wood and building materials of your home. This type of pipe leak can cause mold or mildew to grow in your home.

6. Warm Spots in Your Floor

When pipes burst under your floor, the running water can cause the floor to feel warm underneath your feet. This can indicate a hot water pipe has burst or sprung a leak. This sign should not be ignored as a slab leak can cause extensive damage to your home.

7. Damp Spots in Your Carpet

Water leaking from pipes in your foundation can cause cracks in your foundation. The water can seep into your carpet. This is a strong signal you have an undetected water leak around your foundation.

8. Cracks in the Concrete Slab or Foundation

If you see brand new crack in your foundation or concrete around your home, this might be a sign that a slab leak is causing erosion. Concrete that is heaving or buckling can also indicate a potential slab leak.

How do repipe contractors detect a slab leak?

Homeowners may notice signs of a potential slab leak such as unexplained puddles of water, movement or buckling in the foundation, low water pressure, mildew in the floor or walls, and increased water bills.

A highly experienced repipe contractor like Wise Monkey Repipe & Construction will use specialized equipment to detect and confirm a slab leak. From there, the contractor will give you an estimate of the scope of work and an estimate for repiping and repairing the slab leak.

How much does it cost to repair a slab leak?

Typically, it can cost between $3,600 and $8,000 to repair a slab leak and fix the foundation, with severely damaged foundations costing more than $10,000. Commercial buildings are larger, and slab leak repairs will typically cost more than residential slab leaks.

Do You Need Slab Leak Repair in Sacramento?

If you need slab leak repair in Sacramento, Elk Grove, or Roseville, then call Wise Monkey Repipe & Construction. Our team specializes in repiping houses and repairing slab leak.

Financing is available for homeowners in the Sacramento area. If you suspect a slab leak in your home, contact us today or call us at (916) 304-7629.