Plumbing Upgrade: Galvanized To Plastic Pcb Cost Guide

If you're experiencing issues with your home's plumbing system, such as low water pressure, discoloured water, or leaks, it may be time to consider upgrading your plumbing. This is especially true if you have galvanized pipes, which were commonly used in older homes. The cost of upgrading your plumbing will depend on various factors, including the size of your house, the type of pipes you choose, and any additional repairs needed. In this paragraph, we will explore the costs associated with upgrading plumbing from galvanized to plastic PCB pipes and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your home's plumbing system.

Cost of new plumbing

The cost of new plumbing will depend on the size of the house, the pipe type, and any additional repairs needed. For example, the cost to re-pipe a 2,000-square-foot home with PEX tubing is $2,000 to $4,000. The price of pipes ranges from about $0.40 to $10.00 per linear foot, depending on the type of pipe material. Metal pipes cost more than plastic ones as a general rule. The cost to replace galvanized pipes is $2,000 to $15,000 depending on if you use PEX, copper, or another material.

The cost to re-pipe a house with copper pipe is $8,000 to $16,000 or $3 to $8 per linear foot. Replacing galvanized drain, waste, and vent pipe with copper costs $13 to $15 per linear foot. Copper pipe is more expensive than PEX, but has some benefits: copper is naturally resistant to bacteria, it is recyclable, and it is easy to install. If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, copper is very resilient and may not break during an earthquake, saving your home from expensive water damage.

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) piping materials cost $0.40 to $1.56 per linear foot. CPVC is a popular replacement material for metal pipes and is a rigid plastic piping with thick walls for hot and cold drinking water pipes. CPVC is easy to install and meets rigorous building codes, but it can be more likely to leak, especially if not fitted precisely at the time of installation. It also has a shorter lifespan of about 50-70 years.

The cost of replacing the plumbing in an old house has a minimum cost of $2,000 and a maximum of $15,000. Replacing the water main will cost from $32 to $53 per linear foot or $800 to $2,000 on average. New construction costs to install a water main and hook it up from the meter to your home are $1,700 to $3,000 or double the replacement costs. The cost to replace pipes under the house is $2,000 to $15,000 or more.

Other factors that can influence the cost of new plumbing include the labour cost, which can be influenced by the accessibility of the plumbing. Attics, raised foundations, open sub-flooring, basements, and standard hollow wall construction are all common home features that can reduce labour costs associated with running new pipes.

Pros and cons of plastic pipes

Plastic pipes have been a household fixture for decades and can be made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC), Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX), Polybutylene (PB), or High-Density Polybutylene (HDBP). They are a popular choice for new homes due to their flexibility, durability, and ease of installation.

One of the main advantages of plastic pipes is their resistance to corrosion and rust. If your water quality is somewhat acidic, it can corrode metal pipes over time, leading to pinhole leaks. Plastic pipes, such as PVC and PE pipes, are not as susceptible to corrosion, allowing them to last indefinitely without needing to be replaced unless damaged. Additionally, plastic pipes are flexible under water pressure, reducing or eliminating knocking sounds in your pipes.

Another benefit of plastic pipes is their ease of installation. They are lighter than metal pipes and do not require metal soldering at joints. This makes them more accessible to work with and contributes to their growing popularity. Plastic pipes, such as PEX, are also flexible, allowing them to be used in long, continuous runs. The flexibility of PEX pipes, combined with their ease of cutting and joining, makes them a convenient option for plumbing projects.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider when using plastic pipes. One concern is the lack of antimicrobial effects compared to copper pipes. Some homeowners view this as a health risk and prefer the antimicrobial properties of copper. Additionally, the manufacturing process of plastic pipes, particularly polyethylene, requires a lot of energy and time, resulting in high carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to climate change and global warming.

Lastly, while plastic pipes are generally durable, they can break if frozen, similar to most pipe types. CPVC, for example, is vulnerable to breaking down if exposed to sunlight for extended periods. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the specific type of plastic pipe and its suitability for the intended application.

Cost of specialist vs generalist plumbers

The cost of hiring a specialist repiping company is often more cost-effective than hiring a generalist plumber. Repipe specialists offer several benefits, including a lifetime workmanship warranty on all repipes, specialized repipe crews, handling permits and coordinating inspections, and the use of high-quality materials.

Generalist plumbing companies typically operate in small teams of one or two and offer a range of services, including small repairs and larger projects. They handle various aspects of home plumbing, such as gas, sewer, and plumbing fixtures. However, they may not be as cost-effective as specialist companies, as they often have higher operational costs and may charge higher prices for materials.

Repipe specialists, on the other hand, work in larger teams, which can reduce overall man-hours and lower average labor costs. They only need repiping-specific tools and materials, which can result in significant cost savings. As a national company, they can also purchase materials in bulk at lower prices and pass these savings on to their customers.

The cost of repiping a house can vary depending on factors such as the size of the property and the complexity of the project. A two-bedroom, one-bath house may cost around $4,500 to repipe, while larger properties and more complex projects can range up to $15,000 or more.

It is always recommended to get multiple quotes and compare the services offered by both specialist and generalist plumbers before making a decision.

Cost of whole-house repiping vs partial repiping

The cost of repiping a house varies depending on several factors, including the size of the house, the type of materials used, and the complexity of the job. On average, homeowners in the US spend $7,500 to repipe a house, with costs ranging from $1,500 to $15,000.

Repiping a house is a significant investment, with labor making up around 70% of the total cost. The cost of labor varies depending on location, with higher labor prices in cities where the cost of living is higher. The type of pipe also impacts the price, with PEX being the least expensive material and copper being the most costly.

If you are considering a whole-house repipe, it is important to note that this option is often more affordable than repeatedly repairing damage caused by leaking pipes. A whole-house repipe can typically be completed in one to two days, minimizing disruption to your home.

On the other hand, partial repiping may be a more cost-effective option if you have isolated plumbing issues. Partial repiping costs significantly less than a full repipe, with an average cost of $1,200 per fixture. However, it is important to consider that partial repiping may not address the root cause of your plumbing issues, especially if you have old, corroded pipes.

Ultimately, the decision between whole-house and partial repiping depends on your specific circumstances and budget. Consulting with a professional plumber can help you determine the best course of action and provide you with a more accurate estimate of the costs involved.

Cost of replacing galvanized steel pipes with copper

The cost of replacing galvanized steel pipes with copper varies depending on several factors. These include the size of your home, the amount of pipe that needs to be replaced, the depth of the pipe, and the installation method.

On average, homeowners spend $7,500 to repipe their entire home, with costs ranging from $1,500 to $15,000. The cost of copper pipes ranges from $2 to $15 per linear foot, with labor costing an additional $1 to $4 per linear foot. Copper pipes are more expensive than other materials such as PEX or PVC, but they are more durable and long-lasting, with a lifespan of up to 70 to 100 years.

It is important to note that replacing pipes is not a DIY job and requires a professional, licensed plumber. The process involves excavation, permits, and working around other underground utilities. Additionally, if a plumber needs to open up walls, ceilings, or floors to access the pipes, you may need to hire another contractor to repair these areas, adding to the overall cost.

If you are only replacing a single galvanized steel pipe with copper, the cost will be significantly lower than replacing all the pipes in your home. A single pipe replacement can cost between $149 and $5,800, or $150 to $250 per linear foot, depending on the complexity of the job.

Before starting any pipe replacement project, it is recommended to consult with a professional plumber who can assess your specific needs and provide a more accurate estimate of the cost.

Frequently asked questions