Is it Time for a Whole-Home Repiping?

If you’re like most homeowners in the Houston, TX, area, you probably don’t give your plumbing system a second thought unless something goes wrong. To some extent, this is exactly how it should be! An operational and healthy plumbing system shouldn’t cause you incessant stress and frustration. However, if your plumbing pipes are approaching or have extended past their lifespan, we implore you to consider a whole-home repiping service sooner rather than later. 

Some of the oldest homes in Houston and the surrounding cities date back as far as the early 1900s, during which galvanized steel and cast iron were the most common construction materials used in plumbing systems. Both of these pipes are prone to corrosion long before they reach the end of their lifespan, estimated to be around 50 to 100 years. Furthermore, galvanized pipes were coated in zinc, which trapped and contained impurities such as lead, to increase the pipe’s lifespan. 

It’s not uncommon for old-school plumbing systems to suddenly collapse or burst from their inability to withstand high-pressure water supply or carry heavy-duty sewage loads. This can create a world of trouble for unsuspecting homeowners. If you live in an older home, quickly check your records to determine what kind of pipes make up your plumbing system, then contact a Houston plumbing expert from Aberle to perform a full inspection. 

There are two systems you should be looking at: 

• The Water Supply System: Responsible for bringing fresh water into your home.
• The Sewer System: Responsible for disposing of waste in a convenient and clean manner.

Each system can display its own signs of trouble that indicate it’s time for an upgrade. We’ve compiled the most common red flags in the infographic below. 

Now, you’re probably wondering if repiping your home is worth the trouble. We’re not going to lie — it’s no walk in the park! However, the benefits are invaluable. Not only do you get peace of mind knowing that your new plumbing system is running smoothly, but you also:

• Increase the value of your home
• Enjoy increased water pressure
• Reduce your monthly water bills
• Ensure your water is not contaminated

Once you decide to take on this little home project, an Aberle plumber will determine the best plumbing pipes for your home based on a number of factors. We usually recommend PVC, CPVC, PEX, or copper pipes (or a combination) because they can handle just about anything without worry or risk. PVC pipes are perfect for main water lines as well as drain and waste lines, while CPVC can safely transport hot and warm water throughout your home. 

Do you live in an older home and are unsure of whether it’s time to upgrade your plumbing system and repipe your home? We can help! Give our plumbers in Houston, TX, a call at your earliest convenience.