One of the conundrums many homeowners in Norfolk, Virginia, living in older properties have to deal with is what to do with their old plumbing pipes once they start to show signs of damage or wear and tear.
Old plumbing pipes: repair vs. replace? The argument has gone on for ages. As the top provider of plumbing services in Norfolk, VA, we’ve had to answer the question several times from homeowners looking for guidance. We’ve put the details together in this post.
What You Should Know About Old Pipe Repair as a Homeowner in Norfolk, VA
Repairing your old plumbing pipe looks straightforward. It’s all about patching holes, sealing leaks, and even re-lining some pipe segments. Many people choose to repair their old plumbing pipes by default, even though it’s not always the right thing to do.
Their decision is influenced by the fact that repairs are often cheaper. Plumbers only have to work on a specific area instead of the entire system. Similarly, the repair work will not affect your daily living significantly. The plumber can be in and out of your home within a short time, getting things back to normal.
However, it’s important to note that repairs are not always a long-term solution — especially when it comes to old pipes. You may find yourself fixing the same problem multiple times. Leaks can occur around another end of your pipe shortly after you’ve fixed the leak on another end.
This is why when asking, “Old plumbing pipes: repair vs. replace?” you should think carefully before deciding on anything.
What You Should Know About Old Pipe Replacement as a Homeowner in Norfolk, VA
Pipe replacement is exactly as it sounds; the plumber removes all the old pipes and installs new ones. Some homeowners avoid pipe replacement for as long as they can because it is more expensive and generally highly disruptive. The plumbers may need to dig up large sections of the landscape and break walls and floors.
However, it’s a long-term solution. Switching to new pipes can significantly reduce the risk of future plumbing problems. It also provides you the opportunity to switch from more problematic types of plumbing pipes to more durable options.
Which Should You Choose?
Here’s how to decide which side to tilt toward when you are debating repairing or replacing plumbing in your head.
Look at the Severity of the Damage
A professional plumber will discuss the severity of your plumbing damage with you. If you have minor damage, such as a leak or crack in one small section of your pipework, you can go ahead with repairs. On the other hand, severe damage, such as multiple cracks or general weakness across the line, calls for replacement.
Compare the Pipe’s Age to the Advertised Lifespan
The fact that your home is 40 or 50 years old doesn’t mean your plumbing pipes are already too old. Some plumbing pipe materials like cast iron and PVC can easily last 100 years or more. Therefore, you should only consider replacing pipes if they are close to their advertised lifespan.
Compare the Cost-Effectiveness of Repair vs. Replacement
Your plumbing contractor will provide you with a quote for both repairing and replacing your old plumbing pipes. You should look beyond the raw numbers to work out which is more cost-effective.
For example, it’s not a good idea to spend 20%-30% of the cost of re-piping your home on repairs as you may still need to pay for replacement in the not-too-distant future.
Consider Your Plans for Your Property
If you have old damaged pipes in a property you intend to live in for the long term, it makes sense to switch to a completely new network of plumbing pipes.
Even if you intend to sell the property in the coming years, the installation of new plumbing pipes can give you one less thing to worry about during inspections and increase the chances of selling your property faster.
Get Expert Guidance From Your Local Plumbers in Norfolk, VA
Old plumbing pipes: repair vs. replace? It’s clear to see that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Most homeowners are better off adhering to the advice and guidance from honest, experienced plumbers like our team here at Hats Off Heating and Air Conditioning. Call us today to get personalized advice guaranteed to help you avoid any regrets a few years down the line.
Want to read more? Check out our page on the benefits of tankless water heaters.
