Water Pipe Replacement and Repair

When Should You Opt for a Repiping Solution for Your Home?

Opting to repipe your home is a huge investment and decision. However, there are definite signs that indicate when it's high time you should consider repiping as an option.

Your Home Pipes are Made of Lead or Galvanized Steel

If your domicile was constructed over a century ago, it's highly probable that it has plumbing systems made of lead. The issue with such pipes is the potential health risks they pose - they tend to leak lead into your water supplies. Countless older houses with such designs have been updated, but there's a chance yours hasn't. It's of vital importance that you make an effort to find out if lead pipes exist in your house. If they do, it's about time you got in touch with a professional plumbing service for a complete repiping.

Similarly, galvanized steel is another material frequently used in older houses. This material was quite popular in houses built before the 1940s, though you can still find them in houses built in the 1950s and1960s. Even though this material is sturdy, it's vulnerable to corrosion that might result in leaks or silt contaminating your drinking water. If galvanized steel is what your pipes are made of, you should seriously start considering a repiping solution for your abode.

Broken Pipes: Enough Fixes, It's Time for a Change!

Persistently leaking pipes can be a repetitive nuisance, causing your plumbing repair expenses to skyrocket. However, the solution is more straightforward than you might think -- repiping your home can effectively tackle these ongoing issues. Instead of continuously fixing an old, worn-out system, imagine having a brand new one, designed to remain sturdy and functional for decades. With this one-time investment, your recurring plumbing nightmares would become a distant memory.

Transform Your Space and Your Plumbing System

Remodeling your home is an exciting endeavor, whether it involves revamping your kitchen, giving your bathroom a new look, or increasing your living space. However, this often implies incorporating new plumbing fixtures into your scheme. This transition phase would be an ideal opportunity to consider repiping your home and giving your plumbing system an overall update. Choose not to repipe could result in difficult to solve problems at the intersection of your old and new systems. So, why not upgrade with your remodel and save yourself the future hassle.

Defining a Slab Leak

If any of these scenarios apply to you, you might be dealing with a slab leak:

You observe water seeping from your home's foundation.

Strange sounds of running water can be heard when all taps are off.

There's an unexpected hike in your water bill.

You sense unusual warmth from a hot water pipe beneath the floor.

You've had a slab leak issue before.

Slab leaks have occurred in neighboring properties.

If this sounds familiar, we've got the perfect fix for you - a comprehensive home repipe.

The Repipe Process

For most homes, the repipe process can be finished usually within 2 to seven days. Don't worry about disruptions to your water supply - we'll only turn it off while working and it'll be back on by the end of each work day.

Got a Slab Leak? We're Here to Help!

If a slab leak is troubling you, don't stress. Reach out to us! Dial 501-666-9483 to connect with our team at Associated Plumbers, Inc. We're all set to replace your pipes and resolve your slab leak issues efficiently.

Copper

Type M Copper Pipe: This variant of copper pipe has a thinner wall compared to type K and L. It is widely used for residential installation, repair and replacements of internal water supply lines. Type M pipe is identified by its red stamp.

Type L copper pipe: is used in interior, exterior and underground  plumbing systems. This pipe type is available in both rigid and flexible forms. Type L is for residential and commercial water lines. Type L copper is thinner than Type K but is thicker than Type M. Type L copper is ordinarily marked by a blue stamp.

Type K copper pipe: has the thickest wall of all the common types. It is used mainly used in commercial, industrial and Underground. Type K pipe is available in rigid and flexible forms. Type K is the most expensive form of copper pipe. Type K copper pipe is usually identified by a green stamp.

PEX

• PEX-A: Using the Engel method, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is cross-linked by incorporating peroxides before shaping the final product. This strategy enhances atomic level bonding and facilitates a higher degree of cross-linking.

Flexibility: PEX A is malleable, making it expandable and well-suited for cold expansion fastening.

Kink Resistance: The pipe is manufactured to be resistant to kinking, providing assurance against pipe failure.

Expansion-style Fitting: It requires an expansion style fitting for installation.

The installation process of PEX A piping warrants the usage of an expansion tool. Given that the fitting boasts a larger diameter, you will need to use this tool to widen the pipe and sleeve. The fitting can then be slid in. When you pull out the tool, the material will return to its normal size and tighten around the fitting.

• PEX-B: The formation of PEX B pipe involves the silane process, also known as steam or moisture cross-linking, which is initiated once the HDPE has been extruded. In this procedure, the product undergoes passage through steam, where a silane catalyst then facilitates the cross-linking process. PEX B is recognized as the most prevalent type of PEX pipe and comes with numerous advantages.

Among these benefits are the ease and speed of installation, with no requirement for an expansion tool to join PEX B pipe. The method used to join this type of pipe remains unaffected by variations of temperature, which includes both hot and cold. Furthermore, PEX B pipe also complies with the same ASTM standards as PEX A pipe.

However, it is crucial to never attempt to expand the end of a PEX B pipe since this type of pipe is not designed to be flexible. The fittings of this pipe are of smaller stature, resulting in a tighter pipe diameter at its junction, which subsequently increases the pipe's resistance to flow. As a result, there is a decrease in the volume of water that can reach fixtures.

Moreover, given that the practice of joining this type of pipe is not as ergonomic, it presents a risk of fitting the pipe onto the sleeve incorrectly, which could potentially cause a leak. To prevent this from occurring, it is essential to ensure the crimping tool is correctly positioned square on the sleeve.

• PEX-C: PEX-C plastic pipes are the lowest in price compared to the other two, but they may crack in freezing temperatures. It's also the least flexible, so it is not commonly used.

PVC: 

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipe: A widely used white plastic pipe material typically used for waste lines.

Applications: Due to its strength limitations, PVC pipe and fittings are unsuitable for highly pressurized systems. As dictated by construction regulations, PVC pipe is strictly for drain, waste, and vent (DWV) applications within residential structures, typically used specifically to handle drainage and ventilation. Additionally, it is frequently utilized for underground exterior irrigation water supply purposes.

CPVC

This is not recommend by us.

Copper Piping: An Overview (Both Rigid and Soft Copper Types)

For many years, copper piping has remained a cornerstone in the plumbing industry. 

These pipes have a longevity of over half a century, hence their frequent use in fixtures such as sinks, showers, tubs, among others. 

Their popularity among both plumbers and homeowners is mainly due to their resilience against corrosion, contributing to the preservation of water quality. 

The immunity of copper pipes to corrosion and bacterial growth ensures that they do not contaminate the water in any way.

One major benefit of copper piping pertains to its capability to withstand high water pressure along with hot and cold water temperatures. 

Coupled with its recyclability, this makes it one of the most environmentally friendly options available.

However, copper piping is not without its drawbacks. 

Due to its high cost and rigidity, copper piping can pose challenges in spaces lacking in size. Yet, this problem is partly addressed through the availability of soft copper. Soft copper is malleably designed for use in short runs, particularly in tighter spaces where flexibility is crucial.

Exploring the Advantages and Disadvantages of PEX Pipes: The Handy and Adaptable Plastic for All Your Plumbing Needs!

Benefits of Utilizing PEX Pipes in Your Residence

Affordability of PEX Piping: This variety of plastic piping is not only easier on the pocket, but its light weight also gives it an edge over copper pipes in terms of ease of installation.

Simple Installation Process:  PEX pipes are praised for their physical adaptability and practical flexibility. Its capability to be installed as a single length makes it optimal for connecting water lines in difficult to access locations.

Reduction in Noise with PEX Pipes: Traditional issues like loose pipes or excessive water pressure causing noise is not a concern with PEX pipes. Water flowing through these pipes is noticeably quieter.

Durability of PEX Plastic: Unlike metal pipes which are prone to corrosion over time, PEX pipes stand sturdy. With careful water treatment and professional annual inspections, these pipes are known to serve a lifespan of up to 30 years.

Drawbacks of Using PEX Pipes in Your Home

PEX Plastic's Vulnerability to Fire: PEX plastic material has a low resistance to fire.

Sensitivity to Ultraviolet (UV) Light: PEX pipes may not be suitable for outdoor plumbing, even when installed underground, as UV light can penetrate soil and damage the pipes.

Non-recyclable nature of PEX Pipes: For individuals aiming for an eco-friendly lifestyle, PEX pipes may not be the ideal choice. The plastic material they are made from is not easily recyclable like some other types of plastics.

Risk from Rodents: If you are dealing with a rodent infestation in your home, PEX pipes may be at risk of damage.

Risk of Contaminant Leaching: While it's not a common occurrence, there have been a few reports of PEX pipes leaching potentially harmful substances, such as Bisphenol A (BPA), into the water supply. Long-term exposure to BPA can have negative effects on the neurological system, reproductive health, and immune system, as per various scientific studies.

Repiping Your Home - What You Should Know

The repipe process in your home might feel like it's undergoing a revolution with most rooms getting a makeover. Here's a breakdown of what the experience involves:

Prepping Up

To replace the old pipes, our plumbers have to cut through the drywall. It’s your cue to move your furniture to a safe location and cover it up with protective sheets, to shield from dirt or possible damage. A little tip: remember to secure flat-screen TVs, artwork, or other precious home décor you may have.

Remember - only you can safeguard your home 

Dealing with Water Downtime

During the repiping process, your water supply will take a break for a certain period. However, not all is lost. You will still have intermittent access to water from the old pipes. Our plumbers won't leave you high and dry. They will replace the old system one piece at a time, keeping as much of the old system functional as possible, until the new system is ready to take over. But please note there will be a brief period when water will be totally off as we connect the new system.

Providing Access to Plumbers

For installation of the new pipe system, the plumber may require access to the drywall of multiple rooms. Before the process starts, please ensure that the plumbers have convenient access to the walls. It would be helpful if you could relocate furniture, artwork and any wall hangings to facilitate the process.

Understanding Repiping Duration

A repiping project can take anywhere between two to seven days, varying based on the size of your home and the number of bathrooms. It's worth mentioning that there will be periods when your water service is disrupted. It's best to discuss the probable schedule with your plumber to prepare for these interruptions.

Need for a Permit

Like many other home renovations, repiping your home may require a plumbing permit. 

Inspection and Completion

Once your new pipes have been successfully installed and inspected. Rest assured, as soon as the inspector gives a green signal indicating everything is alright, your entrusted contractor can now take care of fixing the damage in the drywall and even take a step further by repainting your walls. This would leave them looking just as fresh as they were when you first fell in love with your home.

Copper vs PEX pipes, which is better?

Copper or Pex pipes? Which one should you pick? Well to answer these questions, we first look at what each type of pipes is, which one is easiest to install and what the benefits and disadvantages of each are.

What is PEX Repipe?

PEX is an acronym for cross-linked polyethylene. PEX tubes are flexible, durable, proven piping products that have been used in plumbing systems since 1980’s. PEX tubes won’t pit, scale or corrode and they are highly resistant to extreme high and low temperatures.

What are the benefits of PEX Pipes?

Adaptable and easy-to-use plumbing system

Can be used with hot and cold water

Can also be used with metal and PVC piping

PEX has fewer fittings for less of a chance to leak

PEX is more burst-resistant due to its flexibility to expand and contract

It has a shutoff valve at each supply line, making it more convenient for you when you have to get repairs done

PEX can have a pressure balanced system

Since it is flexible, the pipes can be bent around most corners and usually won't need a coupling or fitting

Disadvantages of PEX:

It cannot be used outside

Cannot be recycled, due to its shorter life use

It provides an impermeable membrane that may allow the possibility of water contamination

The pipes may be damaged if left outside for a long period of time

What are the advantages of using Copper Pipes?

Here are some of the advantages of copper pipes:

Durable and flexible, making it easy to install

Safer in natural disasters

Weather and bacteria-resistant

Resists corrosion, more so than other metals

Unaffected by ultraviolet rays, so it can be used outside

Copper does not release toxic gases in a fire because it resists burning

In earthquakes, the slightly elastic pipes flex so that they don't snap

Copper is recyclable, making it a more sound environmental choice

Disadvantages of Copper Piping

Can corrode

Has become expensive

With higher levels of copper from corrosion, water can have a metallic taste

Copper can freeze and break during cold water

Which one should I pick? Copper or PEX?

Which one should you pick? It all depends on what your budget is and which one would last longer. PEX is easier and faster to install and less expensive than copper so in effect you will save money both in cost of PEX pipes and cost of labor, but it has a manufacturer guarantee of 25 years.

The final decision is yours and we’ll be happy to give you more details before the project begins. 

Know More About Polybutylene

Polybutylene is a kind of plastic resin that became quite popular for water fittings in homes during the 80's and 90's.

These pipes are typically gray if they're used in interior plumbing, whereas the blue ones are typically meant for underground use.

Risk of Pipe Failure?

Unfortunately, these pipes are notorious for being unreliable, with a high potential for failure. So much so that some insurance companies have even stopped providing coverage for homes with this type of piping installed.

HDPE for Underground Water Services

Our recommendation is to utilize High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) for underground water services. One major advantage of HDPE is that it can be acquired in lengths that could potentially make fittings redundant, with exception to each end.