There’s no need to stress about choosing between a pipe repair or a full replacement. Making the right choice becomes much easier when you know which types of plumbing issues benefit more from repairs and which types benefit from replacement. The right choice really depends on a few key factors, like the extent of the damage and the type of pipes you have.
What Kind of Plumbing Problems Benefit From Repairs?
One of the easiest ways to determine whether to repair or replace your pipes is to assess the problems you’re having with them. If the problem is an isolated leak, you can likely have a professional perform a targeted repair. This allows you to resolve the issue with minimal demolition of the home, which results in a cheaper fix when compared to replacing one or more pipes. Isolated leaks can stem from cracked or collapsed pipes caused by corrosion, shifting soil, invasive tree roots or general wear and tear. If the leak is a pinhole or rust-caused, a plumber might patch it or use pipe epoxy liners.
Other problems that benefit from repairs rather than full replacements include minor clogs and blockages in specific sections of your plumbing system. Hydrojetting and snaking are two ways that plumbers can fix these issues without having to do an extensive pipe replacement. Small clogs and blockages are normally the result of accumulated debris like grease, soap scum, hair or food particles that gradually build up inside the pipes. If left unaddressed, even the smallest clogs can result in massive water damage due to slow drainage and backups. Another possible cause of clogs is accidentally flushing or washing foreign objects (sanitary pads, baby wipes, etc.) down a drain. Sometimes, all it takes to fix minor clogs is the use of enzyme-based cleaners.
What Kind of Plumbing Issues Benefit From Replacements?
Anytime you’re dealing with multiple leaks, it might be better to do a full pipe replacement rather than a repair. It’s very common for homes to experience multiple leaks if the pipes have severe corrosion. As time passes, the rust weakens the pipes, causing them to eventually crack or even collapse. Several leaks are a clear warning sign that several sections of your plumbing system have been compromised. Trying to repair these leaks over and over can end up being way more costly than doing a full replacement.
Tree root intrusions are another plumbing problem that can lead to having to replace several pipes. If the intrusion only affects one pipe, you might be able to have a professional repair the affected portion. However, tree root intrusion often affects several underground pipes, meaning repairing a section or two won’t fix the whole problem.
Another reason to consider a full pipe replacement rather than a repair is if your home has outdated pipes, like those made of lead or polybutylene. These materials come with several safety and health risks, including contaminating your drinking water and an increased likelihood of pipe failure. Upgrading your home with new pipes made of a safer alternative, such as copper or PEX, can mitigate these risks and make it much safer.
How Do Plumbers Decide Between a Repair or Full Replacement?
Plumbers will take several steps to determine whether to repair or replace the pipes in your home. They start by performing a thorough inspection of the entire home, both inside and outside. This allows them to pinpoint all problems with the pipes, such as leaks, cracks, collapses and tree root intrusions. If they find multiple problems affecting multiple parts of the property, they’ll likely recommend a full pipe replacement.
They will also take into account the age of the pipes in your home when making the best decision. Older pipes that are nearing the end of their expected lifespan typically benefit more from a replacement than a repair. This doesn’t necessarily mean the plumber will have to replace all the pipes in your home, but it does reduce the chances that a repair will provide a permanent fix.
The last thing a plumber will consider when choosing between a repair or replacement is your budget. Repairs usually end up costing much less than a full replacement. This is because full replacements frequently necessitate extensive demolition, which costs a lot in terms of labor time and materials. However, if a repair doesn’t resolve the issue at hand, you’ll likely run into recurring problems that require multiple fixes, which can quickly add up and cost a lot of money. In this type of situation, it becomes much more cost-effective to do a full pipe replacement.
You can rely on Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to guide you to the optimal choice for your house when it comes to choosing between a repair or full pipe replacement. Contact us now!