After a long, hot day outside, you want to shower. But the water pressure is a little more than a disappointing drizzle. Or the problem may be that your water tastes unusual, or your sinks have mysterious puddles under them. These may seem like small issues, but they can be huge red flags indicating that the pipes in your home are getting old and may be due for replacement.

This means that repiping is in your very near future. This job involves replacing all the outdated water supply lines in your home. Sure, repiping is a huge headache if you’re not prepared. But, with some foresight and savvy decisions, you can turn what could be a stressful situation into an easy update that won’t break your bank account and will help avoid future plumbing nightmares.

Get to the Bottom of Your Pipe Material

The type of pipes you already have in your home will play a major role in how many years they last and the specific issues they may encounter. Many older homes, especially those built before the 1970s, feature galvanized steel pipes. Pipes made from this material can rust from the inside, which restricts water flow and can even lead to discolored water.

Some homes constructed from the 1970s through the 1990s used polybutylene pipes, a material that once seemed like a great idea. But it turned out to be susceptible to hidden failures and sudden leaks. Many new homes now feature copper and PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipes, which both resist corrosion.

Project Planning

When you anticipate that repiping may be necessary soon, effective planning is your greatest ally. This is not a DIY operation because one wrong move can cause serious issues that can be expensive to repair, such as significant water damage. Even if you watch some of the best video tutorials on social media, this will never substitute for the training and experience that professional plumbers have.

Begin by asking for quotes so that you know how much money you will need to save. Inquire about the many types of piping materials the plumber suggests and the pros and cons of each for your home. Ask when the work will finish and what the level of disruption will be. They may need to take down walls. You will also want to find out how many hours each day your water will be shut off. After you have received a description of the work, a good plumber should inform you of what needs to happen and help you prepare.

If you find that you need a repiping job to be done in your Rochester, NY home, contact Nichols Electric and Plumbing to start the planning process now.