We Repipe Homes in the Sacramento Area
What is repiping? Repiping is the process of replacing all the existing piping in your home with new, upgraded piping. The fittings and valves are also replaced. This creates better water pressure, eliminates bad tasting water caused by contaminated pipes, and mitigates the risk of water damage from an unexpected pipe burst.
Copper Repiping Services in Sacramento
Why do homeowners repipe their houses? Repiping is done because your home has water pipes which have reached their end of life, are corroded, or are defective and are in danger of bursting. Often, pipes are hidden away behind walls, beneath flooring, or in out of sight places. This makes it difficult for homeowners to know that they need a repipe project.
A repipe job is usually done because the pipes are old or defective, or have burst or are in danger of bursting. If you have rust-colored or bad smelling water, have low water pressure, notice visible oxidation on your pipes, or live in a home that has not had the pipes replaced in 50 years or more, you could be ready for a repipe job.
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What Are Signs Your Home Needs Repiping?
Here are common signs your Sacramento area home requires repiping.
- Your home was built fifty years or more ago. In decades past, it was common for home to use galvanized pipes, which are steel pipes dipped in a protective zinc coating. The problem with these pipes is they go through a process called dezincification in which zinc is leeched from the alloy. The end result is pipes with mineral buildup, and pipes that fail structurally. If your home is 50+ years old, and you have any of the other symptoms on this list, your home may require repiping.
- Low water pressure. If your home experiences low water pressure from the faucet, and the water does not run properly, you likely have old galvanized pipes that have residue and mineral buildup due to degradation of the zinc alloy in the pipes.
- Pinhole or slab leaks. Slab and pinhole leaks are leaks in your home’s piping. Slab leaks are when they occur under your foundation; pinhole leaks are when they occur above ground. If you see either of these, have a contractor inspect your home to see if you need repiping. Slab leaks can damage your foundation, and pinhole leaks can lead to mold and mildew issues. Both issues are very serious.
- Discolored or funny-tasting water. If the water coming out of your faucets is reddish, yellowish, or rust-colored, it means that your pipes are corroded from the inside out. Similarly, if your water tastes nasty or strange, this can mean your pipes are bad.
- Scalding hot water in the shower when someone runs the sink, flushes the toilet, or runs the dishwasher. Your water system is built to service all rooms in your house at once. When you see a surge in hot water when cold water is being run in another room, this means there is inadequate water pressure to the shower, and the cold water is being pulled from the bathroom to provide water for the other rooms. Usually this means your home has galvanized pipes, and the alloy has lost the zinc, and those minerals are now building up in your pipes. This is why you have poor water pressure, and two water sources cannot run normally at the same time.
- Your current piping is made from Kitec, Polybutylene, or PVC. These are all plastics or polymers that were installed in homes, and several have lawsuits due to pipe failure and spontaneous bursting. Kitec in particular was used in the construction of many homes in the Sacramento, Folsom, and Roseville area. A settlement of $125 million dollars was dispensed for homes built in the United States and Canada using Kitec piping, which is prone to premature failure, causing water damage to thousands of homes.
Advantages of Copper Piping
Resistant to Degradation from UV Light
Piping made from polymers, plastics, or PVC break down from exposure to sunlight, or UV light from fluorescent lighting. Copper pipes do not suffer from UV degradation.
Better Water Pressure vs Galvanized Pipes
Older pipes made from steel galvanized with zinc are prone to alloy degradation. This means that mineral buildup occurs in the pipes, resulting in low water pressure.
Copper Will Last the Lifetime of Your Home
Copper pipes are usually covered by a 50 year limited warranty from the manufacturers. In most cases, American-made copper “L type” pipes will last up to 100 years.
Home Buyers Like Copper Pipes
If you plan on reselling your home in the future, copper pipes are a good choice. Many buyers prefer copper piping for their stability and longevity.
Repiping Usually Only Takes a Few Days
The repipe process usually takes a few days to complete, in very complex cases, up to a week (this is uncommon). You can remain in your home while the work is completed.
Fully Resistant to Bacterial Growth
Some types of piping are not resistant to bacterial growth. Copper pipes are bacteriostatic, meaning the growth of bacteria in the pipes is inhibited.
Are There Any Reasons Not To Use Copper Piping?
If your water source has high pH levels, with an alkaline level above 8.5, copper pipes can be susceptible to corrosion. If your water is very alkaline, it will make more sense to do a PEX repipe instead, as this type of piping is resistant to corrosion from high pH water.
If you have any questions, the team at Wise Monkey Repipe & Construction can help you make an informed decision on the best options for repiping your Sacramento area home.
Ready for a Repipe Project?
The team at Wise Monkey Repipe & Construction can help you through the process of replacing the old pipes in your home.