Smart Pipework Upgrades That Add Value to Older Houses
Got an older house with dodgy plumbing?
You are not alone. Many older homes were built using materials that just weren’t meant to stand the test of time — and the longer you wait to fix it, the more value (and money) you lose. The best part is smart pipework upgrades can turn that old house into a modern, efficient home worth much, much more.
Pipe repiping is more than just leak repair. Repiping can help safeguard your investment, enhance your water quality and help prevent expensive problems in the future.
Here’s how to get it done the right way…
In this guide:
- Why Older Homes Need New Pipework
- Warning Signs Your Pipes Are Failing
- The Best Pipe Materials For Repiping
- Smart Upgrades That Add Property Value
- How Much Does Pipe Repiping Cost?
Why Older Homes Need New Pipework
Here’s something most homeowners don’t know…
The median age of American homes continues to rise each year. This means there are millions of homes with outdated plumbing. These old pipes weren’t built to keep up with new appliances and consumption.
And it gets worse.
Approximately 65% of pre-1970 construction has galvanized steel plumbing for water supply. This material can rust, corrode, and even leach deadly lead with age.
If your home was constructed prior to the 1980s, there’s a good chance that you need repiping. Hiring professionals to come out and do Farrell Plumbing repairs is one of the best things you can do when it comes to a pipe repiping project. They can take a look behind your walls to see what pipes need replacing before you run into a serious plumbing issue.
Don’t Ignore these red flags. Old pipes can cause more than sluggish water flow. They can also:
- Leach lead into your drinking water
- Burst and flood your home
- Cause hidden mold growth
- Lower your home’s resale value
Biggest point… Love an older home full of character…..No one wants a plumbing disaster!
Warning Signs Your Pipes Are Failing
How do you know if your pipes need replacing?
These warning signs show up all the time. If any of these things are happening in your home you may want to schedule a pipe repiping:
- Discoloured water: Brown, yellow or rust-coloured water means corrosion
- Low water pressure: Mineral buildup is choking your pipes
- Frequent leaks: Constant repairs cost more than replacement
- Strange noises: Banging, rattling or clanking from inside walls
- Visible corrosion: Rust or greenish stains on exposed pipes
But here’s the kicker…
Some hazards can’t be seen whatsoever. For example there are lead pipes lurking in approximately 1 million households in the U.S., you can’t know by simply looking. Get the water in your home tested and have a licensed plumber inspect the pipework. You’ll know for sure what you are working with this way.
Don’t wait for these signs to appear in your home. Burst pipes can wreak havoc, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage in a matter of hours.
The Best Pipe Materials For Repiping
Now to the fun part… choosing your new pipes!
Pipe materials used today are far superior to those installed many years ago. They have a longer life expectancy, are more corrosion resistant and can handle today’s water pressures.
Here are the top 3 options for pipe repiping:
Copper Pipes
Copper has been the gold standard for plumbing for decades. It’s:
- Corrosion resistant
- Long-lasting (50+ years)
- Naturally antibacterial
- Recyclable and eco-friendly
The downside? Copper costs money. Copper repiping material can range from $4-$12 a linear foot. Which can get expensive on an entire home repipe.
PEX Pipes
PEX has become the plumber’s new best friend. It is flexible, simple to work with, and less expensive than copper. Prices are usually $.50 to $2 per linear foot.
PEX doesn’t freeze up as easily as copper does. That’s a real advantage if you live where it gets cold.
CPVC Pipes
CPVC falls in the middle ground. It is inexpensive, durable and works well for hot water lines. It is less flexible than PEX, but it is a decent option if you are on a budget.
What’s the smart choice? Unless you have one of the newer houses, you want PEX. It’s cheap, dependable and durable just like copper.
Smart Upgrades That Add Property Value
Pipe repiping is just the beginning. What other improvements can you make while the walls are already opened up?
Here are some smart additions worth thinking about:
Tankless Water Heaters
Old water heaters spend energy heating water you won’t use. Tankless models only heat water when you need it, saving you money and tons of space.
Whole-House Water Filtration
It has a built-in filter that takes out such contaminants as chlorine, lead and sediment. Customers will rave about this — and your water will taste great.
Smart Leak Detectors
Smart leak detectors can save you thousands of dollars. They alert your phone immediately when water begins accumulating.
Modern Fixtures
Since you’re having a plumber come anyway… Replace old faucets, showerheads and toilets with water-saving models. They’ll save you money and they look great too.
How Much Does Pipe Repiping Cost?
Time to talk money…
A whole-home repipe typically costs between $4,000 and $15,000, depending on:
- The size of your home
- The number of bathrooms
- The pipe material you choose
- How easy it is to access the existing pipes
Feeling overwhelmed? Think about this: approximately 10% of U.S. homes have plumbing problems annually. One broken pipe can create more expensive damage than repiping a home completely.
When considering pipe repiping, view it as an investment rather than an expense. By installing a new plumbing system you will:
- Increase your home’s resale value
- Lower your insurance premiums
- Reduce water bills
- Improve your daily quality of life
You get most of your money back when you sell. But in the meantime, peace of mind is priceless.
The Bottom Line
Older homes can be so amazing….lots of charm. Ceilings high, beautiful woodwork and architectural details you don’t often find in newer construction. The downside is the plumbing that lurks behind those charming walls.
Smart pipe repiping protects your home, your family, and your investment.
To quickly recap:
- Older homes (built before 1980) likely need repiping
- Watch for warning signs like discoloured water and low pressure
- PEX is the best modern pipe material for most homes
- Combine repiping with upgrades for maximum value boost
- A pro plumber will save you time, money and stress
Pipe work isn’t glamorous… but it’s one of the wisest investments you can make in your home. Get yours done now and your older home will maintain its VALUE (and curb appeal) for years to come.
