If you have an older house, you might have noticed some of the signs that your pipes need replacing. But replumbing is a big job. If you’re wondering about the costs to replumb a house, read on as we answer this and other common replumbing questions.
How Do I Know My House Needs Replumbing?
Don’t panic, problems with your water supply don’t necessarily result in replacing plumbing. However, if you are having the following problems with your home then it might be time to consider replumbing.
- Rusty colored water coming from your taps
- Low water pressure
- Recurring leaks
- There are visible signs of corrosion
If you are experiencing these problems then it’s worth calling in a plumber to carry out a survey for you.
What Does It Cost to Replumb a House?
There are a lot of variables when it comes to the cost to plumb a house. The total re-pipe cost will depend on how many bathrooms, and how many floors the home has. Even for homes with the same number of bathrooms, there can be a huge variation in the cost to replace plumbing. There are so many variables that it’s impossible to provide you with general pricing. This is why you need a highly skilled and licensed plumber who will be able to provide you with a correct project estimate without any hidden costs. Also, you will probably need a permit from the local planning or building department and that is an extra expense you will have to budget for. With all these variables taken into consideration the average cost of replumbing a house can range anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000 depending on your home's specific replumbing needs.
Which Pipes Do I Choose?
Older homes often have copper pipes. While you might be tempted to replace it with similar piping, the price of copper has increased a lot in recent years. There are cheaper alternatives available, such as PEX and CPVC. PEX is a flexible plastic piping system. PEX pipe has the advantage over metal in that it’s less costly, it doesn’t rust or corrode, and it is resistant to scale forming. It’s also quicker to install than metal piping.
CPVC is another type of plastic pipe. It differs from PEX in that it’s rigid, but it’s used extensively in building work as it works well at many different temperatures. Copper is more expensive, but it still remains one of the most popular choices for piping. One of its advantages is that it can be recycled, making it a more environmentally solid choice.
How Do I Choose a Plumber?
Hiring a tradesman can be stressful – how do you know that you are choosing a reputable company? You should make sure that your plumber is fully licensed and insured, as we are. Many towns and counties require different licenses for all types of plumbing work. So when a plumber says they are licensed you MUST make sure they are licensed for the type of work you want to be done. If not, lower quality plumbers often call in other plumbing companies to finish the project which costs you more money.
Can I Do it Myself?
While there are some plumbing jobs you can do yourself, repiping is one of those that you really shouldn’t. No matter how great you are at DIY. The work will need a permit and will need to be carried out to the required standard. An experienced and qualified professional is your best bet.
We’re Happy to Help
If you’re thinking of replumbing your home, then please get in touch. We have a skilled and experienced team of plumbers in the New York, Nassau County, Brooklyn, Queens, and NYC areas and we’d love to help you out whether it’s fixing a leak or giving you a quote on the cost to replumb a house.