How Much Does It Cost to Replace the Pipes in My House?
Your home requires upkeep and care over the years, and in doing so, it can get costly. An issue that many people encounter is replacing the pipes within the home. It is a big task that raises the question of price. Unfortunately, there is no generic answer because all pipes and all homes differ. An average replacement of all your pipes can range between $1,800 and $5,500. Let’s look at some of the factors involved with replacing your pipes:
Where are Your Pipes? Polybutylene Pipe Replacement Cost
Expenses for replacement can depend entirely on where your pipes run through. Every home is different, and having a proper understanding of the needs of each location is important in planning a full replacement of the system.
Underground – Pipes will run through the ground and into your walls, directly connecting to whatever appliance needs water.
Attics – Provided your attic has a suitable space for a plumber to work in, piping can be run through the attic and down the interior walls of your house.
Under the Floor – Homes with hardwood flooring and a crawlspace beneath provide great housing for plumbing. Crawlspace piping is one of the least expensive systems.
Piping Material
There is a vast array of materials from which to make pipes and all of which impact the pricing of getting new pipes. Understanding the difference between the different types of pipe keeps you informed and can help save money.
Polybutylene – Can be found in homes built between the late 1970s and early 1990s. They were banned from usage due to improper connections being made between pipes resulting in leaks. Some insurance companies will not even allow a new homeowners policy without the replacement of Polybutylene pipes first due to the liability.
Copper – Common piping material, copper can be expensive and not recommended for Florida homes due to it lasting only 15-25 years.
PEX – Cross-linked polyethylene, also known as PEX, is perhaps the best piping to use, and it is estimated that within the next ten years, PEX will become the standard vessel for water in regard to plumbing. Due to its flexibility, cheaper cost of production, and easier installation, PEX is the way to go when repiping your home, which is why Jeff’s Kitchen Bath and Beyond exclusively use it.
Repiping with Jeff’s
Every plumbing system is different and requires an understanding of several factors when considering a replacement. At Jeff’s Kitchen Bath and Beyond, we are the foremost experts in the area and wish to help provide the most effective replacement of your plumbing system. We have been Angie’s List Super Service Award winners since 2009 and strive to continue with excellent work. Contact us at (407) 968-1801 to set up an appointment and ask about our free estimates.
Update: 07/01/2003
More facts on polybutylene pipes:
Polybutylene (PB) pipes are a type of plastic resin that was used extensively in the manufacture of water supply piping from 1978 until 1995. This type of piping was viewed as a cost-effective replacement for traditional copper piping due to its low cost and ease of installation.
However, polybutylene pipes have a significant drawback. They are known to become brittle and prone to fracture over time, especially when exposed to chlorine and other oxidants commonly found in public water supplies. This can lead to leaks and potentially severe water damage, which is why they are no longer widely used.
If you have polybutylene pipes in your home and they haven’t caused problems yet, it’s generally recommended to replace them, even if they’re currently in good condition. This is because the risks of a future pipe failure could result in costly repairs.
