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It’s the question you secretly dread. ‘Is it time to replace the water line in my house?’ And it’s so understandable. Replacing water lines from well to house can be grueling, time-consuming, and costly. Unfortunately, the longer we delay thinking about the problem, the more chances are that a minor problem will become a major problem. Luckily, there are steps you can take not to feel overwhelmed with the issue and to ease up the process. A feasible solution is to find out more about the process of the water line replacement and make an informed decision.

Types of Water Pipes

Nowadays, there are a lot of various types of pipes available to carry water to fixtures and appliances in your house. How do they differ in quality and prices? Read the information below to learn more.

Galvanized Steel and Cast Iron Pipes

These two types of pipes are commonly found in older homes and are rarely used in new constructions. Cast iron pipes are durable and heat-resistant, with good longevity. What is more, they muffle the sound of the moving water. Unfortunately, they are also prone to corrosion, which affects their ability to supply clean water.While galvanized water supply lines are corrosion-resistant and have good durability, they are also pricey to install. If your home has galvanized steel pipes, it might be a good idea to replace them with copper or PEX pipes.

Copper Pipes

This type of pipe is a golden standard for water supply lines, as it is durable, doesn’t affect water quality, and can be easily cut and fitted. Bear in mind, that installation of copper piping requires the expertise of a plumber and special equipment since it's soldered with a propane torch at high temperatures.

PEX Pipes

PEX, aka cross-linked polyethylene, is affordable and durable plastic piping. It is easy to install, as the material is rigid to resist water pressure, but at the same time flexible enough to zigzag through the walls, cellars, and utility rooms. But remember this: check your local regulations before you install PEX pipes since they are not permitted everywhere.

Why Water Lines Wear Out

Nothing lasts forever. Literally. Nothing. Even if your water supply system once was brand new and of the best possible quality, time and corrosion pave their way to pipe damage. Here are some causes of pipe damage:

internal water pressure
corrosion
build-ups of scale or minerals
chemicals added to drinking water
temperature fluctuations
mechanical damage (ground slides or tree root pressure).

Tell-Tale Signs of Water Line Damage

How do you know that your water line needs replacement? The good news is that if your water line is seriously damaged, it will be hard to miss the leakage and the puddles of water in your garden or backyard.
Oh, wait!.. That was the bad news: your water supply line poses a threat to your family’s health and the house itself and needs replacement. Think of the rusty color and metallic taste of the water, which might be infused with heavy metals or dangerous chemicals that seep through the leaks right into your kitchen or bathroom tap. Or imagine having to replace drywall, flooring, insulation, and patio tiles. However, there are some tell-tale signs that will help you identify the problem early on:

the orange color of the water (sometimes with chunks of rust in it)
low water pressure across the house (issues with pressure in one fixture might indicate a blockage)
multiple leaks
cracks in the foundation or walls of the house
mold and the smell of damp
the noise of running water in fixtures and walls
puddles or bubbling water in the garden or street
high water bills for no obvious reason.

So… Now What?

Once the problem has been identified, you have to decide what to do about it. Basically, you have two options: repair or replace the water line. In any case, it’s better to consider all factors and consult a specialist before you make a decision.

Repair

Your water repair project doesn’t have to be massive and expensive. In some cases, a simple spot repair will do the trick. Take into consideration:

location — the leak might be difficult to locate and access.
depth — some lines lie closer to the surface, while others are naturally lower.
obstructions — trees, fences, or concrete patios will pose additional difficulty.
safety — the pipes might be in close proximity to utility lines like sewer or gas pipes or electrical cables.
the lifespan of materials — relatively new pipes might do with a simple repair while those older than 50 years will need replacement.

Replacement

Sometimes, the repair is simply not an option. Unless you replace the water line, you are eventually going to get multiple leaks that might result in flooding and thousands of dollars in damage to your house. Consider this:

previous repairs — if this is not the first leakage, maybe it’s time for replacement.
age of the pipe — the older the material, the more brittle and prone to damage it gets.
cost-effectiveness — if repairs cost half the price of the full replacement, it’s more economical to get a full replacement in the long run.

What Adds to the Price of Replacement?

There are a few factors that shape the price of your water line replacement:

pipe material. pipe diameter.
linear feet (that is how many square feet you have to replace)
the difficulty of the access point.
depth (if you are not using the trenchless method).

To Sum It Up

Regardless of what type of pipes you have, you have to keep an eye on them. As soon as you see a problem with water lines on your property, go solve it so that it doesn’t cost you upwards of a thousand dollars. Whether you are thinking of repairing your water line or completely replacing it, make sure you contact professionals. They will help you appraise the estimated cost of the work and clarify what local regulations apply to the work. https://excellentplumbingus.com/

Everything You Might Want To Know About Water Line Replacement