Should You Rethink How You Repipe?

Tucked away within the walls of our homes lies a crucial network of pipes, quietly ensuring that water flows to every faucet and fixture as needed. Over time, however, pipes can age and deteriorate, leading to leaks, discolored water, leaching of contaminants, and reduced water flow that no one wants during a morning shower. This is when the often overlooked yet essential task of repiping, or epoxy coating comes into play.

You might wonder about the costs. Estimating the expense of repiping your home isn’t straightforward; several factors influence the total, including your home’s size, the type of materials used, and labor costs, all while adhering to current building codes. It's a complicated formula that significantly sways the final cost.

Don't worry this blog will help to demystify the process of repiping, or epoxy coating your home. From understanding the costs involved to recognizing the critical importance of hiring the right specialist, we've got everything covered.

In this blog, we're going to discuss:

• What is the Average Cost of Restoring Pipes in a House?
• Why Repipe Specialists Are So Important
• DIY vs. Professional Repiping
• Key Indicators Your Home Requires a Full Repipe or ePIPE
• Why ePIPE Is A Better Fit

What is the Average Cost of Restoring Pipes in a House?

When it’s time to tackle a repiping or epoxy coating project, understanding the potential cost is crucial in preparing for what is undeniably a significant investment in your home. The total bill can vary widely, influenced by several factors, including the size of your home, the type of pipes you have or want to have, labor costs, and any unforeseen hurdles that might arise during the process.

By Home Size

The size of your home plays a significant role in determining the overall cost. Generally, smaller homes require a lower budget, while medium-sized homes fall into a moderate cost range. Larger homes, on the other hand, demand a more substantial investment, which can vary significantly depending on the complexity and scope of the project.

By Pipe Material

The choise of pipe material is another crucial factor that impacts cost:

• PEX: Known for its flexibility and budget-friendly pricing, PEX piping is an economical choice for homeowners, although it does have several drawbacks, however.
• Copper: Copper pipes are durable, although their upfront costs are significantly higher. Their lifespan often makes them a worthwhile investment for many homeowners, even though we’ve seen copper pipes fail in as little as 5-8 years.
• ePIPE: ePIPE is an epoxy barrier coating and is specifically manufactured for drinking water pipes. It’s a minimally invasive patented process that is tested and engineered to last a plumbing systems lifetime. 

Labor Costs

The complexity of your home’s layout, accessibility of the current piping, and the need for permits can all influence labor costs. Professional plumbers will consider these factors when providing an estimate, as they can significantly affect the time and work required to complete the project.

Additional Costs

It’s also important to factor in the hidden costs that can sneak up on you with a repipe. Wall repairs, obtaining necessary permits, the potential need for water shut-off accommodations, drywall replacement, and patching and painting holes left behind are all considerations that can add to the final price. These additional expenses can sometimes be overlooked but are an essential part of the repiping process.

With the patented ePIPE® process, you can avoid some of these additional costs.  There is zero to minimal need for drywall replacement, patching, and painting. In most cases, patching and texturizing (if required) is included in your original bid. 

Understanding the financial implications of repiping your house lays the groundwork for a smoother, more predictable renovation. While the numbers may initially seem daunting, the peace of mind and improved functionality of your home's plumbing system are invaluable investments in your property's long-term health and your own comfort.

Why Repipe Specialists Are So Important

Embarking on the repiping, or epoxy coating journey of your home might stir up a whirlwind of questions and uncertainties. This isn't a task for the faint-hearted or the inexperienced DIY enthusiast. Enter the repipe specialist, a skilled craftsman whose expertise can transform this daunting task into a seamless, efficient process.

Experience and Expertise

Repipe specialists or ePIPE certified technicians possess a deep understanding of the various pipe materials available and the most effective solutions for your specific issue. Their knowledge extends beyond just restoring old pipes: they can assess your home's entire plumbing system, identify potential future issues, and recommend the best methods to address your specific needs. This expertise ensures that your repiping project is tailored to maximize longevity and efficiency, avoiding costly mistakes or oversights.

Faster & More Efficient Work

A repipe or certified ePIPE specialist's focused experience in this field equates to a job done not just effectively but efficiently. Their work is streamlined, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily life. Unlike general contractors or DIY attempts, ePIPE professionals have a systemized approach that enables them to complete the project faster, with a keen eye on maintaining the integrity of your home during the process.

Proper Permits & Compliance

Navigating the labyrinth of local building codes and regulations can be perplexing. Repipe specialists are well-versed in these requirements, ensuring that your project is not only up to code but also has all necessary permits in place. This is a critical aspect of the repiping process or ePIPE process, safeguarding you against future legal and structural hassles and ensuring the safety and reliability of your home's plumbing.

Warranty & Long-Term Assurance

One of the most reassuring aspects of hiring a repipe specialist is the warranty and long-term assurance that often accompany their work. Many specialists offer warranties on both the materials used and their labor. This not only provides peace of mind immediately following the project's completion but also secures your investment in your home's plumbing infrastructure for years to come.

DIY vs. Professional Repiping

When facing plumbing issues in your home, the temptation to take matters into your own hands can be strong. The apparent cost savings and the instant gratification of a DIY fix can indeed be appealing. But, when it comes to repiping, the DIY approach carries significant risks that can end up costing you more in the long run.

Risks of DIY Repiping

Potential Leaks and Improper Fitting: Repiping is not just about replacing old pipes but ensuring each new pipe fits perfectly with your home’s unique plumbing system. The skills required to measure, cut, and fit pipes accurately are honed through years of experience. DIY repiping often results in leaks due to improper fitting or failure to adhere to the minute specifications essential for a watertight system. These leaks can cause extensive damage to your home, from structural damage to mold and mildew issues.

Plumbing Code Violations: Every locality has specific building codes that govern plumbing installations. These codes are updated regularly and can be quite complex. DIY projects often result in violations of these codes, whether due to lack of knowledge or misunderstanding of the legal requirements. Such violations not only jeopardize your home’s compliance with local laws but often necessitate costly corrections.

Importance of Hiring a Certified Repipe or ePIPE Specialist

Hiring a certified ePIPE or repipe specialist mitigates all the risks associated with DIY repiping. Certified specialists are not just skilled workers; they are professionals trained and tested in the knowledge of plumbing systems and local codes. Their certification is a testament to their ability to handle your repiping needs effectively, ensuring compliance with all legal standards.

Assurance of Quality: Certified ePIPE and repipe specialists bring a level of assurance that DIY cannot match. They have the necessary tools, technology, and expertise to ensure that your plumbing system is efficient, up to date, and restored to last. Their work often includes thorough testing and inspections post-installation, confirming that your restored piping is installed correctly and functioning properly.

Cost-Effectiveness: While DIY repiping might seem less expensive, the potential future costs due to issues like water damage, mold remediation, or code violations can significantly surpass the initial savings. Certified specialists, while seemingly more costly up front, can actually result in savings and added value to your home through professional quality work and avoid future problems.

While the DIY approach might offer immediate satisfaction and apparent cost-saving benefits, the complexities and potential long-term consequences of repiping make it a job best left to certified professionals. Investing in a certified ePIPE or repipe specialist not only ensures that the job is done right but also secures your home against future plumbing failures, enhancing both its safety and value.

Key Indicators Your Home Requires a Full Repipe or ePIPE

Understanding when to take the significant step of repiping or ePIPE’ing your house can be challenging. Many homeowners grapple with frequent, minor plumbing issues without realizing they point to a more severe underlying problem. Recognizing the signs that your home needs a full pipe restoration is crucial for maintaining its integrity, functionality, and the safety of your water supply. Here are the critical indicators to watch out for.

Frequent Leaks or Pipe Bursts

One of the most glaring signs that your plumbing system is failing is the recurrence of leaks. If you find yourself patching up leaks more often than you'd like to admit, it's a strong indicator that your pipes are deteriorating. These frequent repairs are not just a temporary inconvenience but a sign pointing towards a systemic issue that requires a permanent solution— ePIPE or a full repipe.

Rust-Colored Water or Low Water Flow

Rust-colored water flowing from your taps is a tell-tale sign of corrosion within your pipes. When pipes corrode, they contaminate your water supply with rust, leading to the discoloration of the water. Similarly, low water flow  throughout your home can be a symptom of this corrosion or the accumulation of sediment within the pipes, signaling that they're nearing the end of their functional lifespan.

Old Galvanized or Polybutylene Pipes

If your home still relies on galvanized or polybutylene piping, it's time to consider repiping. Galvanized pipes were commonly used in homes built before the 1960s and are highly susceptible to corrosion and rust over time. Polybutylene pipes, prevalent from the 1970s through the mid-1990s, are known for their tendency to break and cause significant water damage unexpectedly. The presence of these materials in your plumbing system is a red flag that cannot be ignored.

Visible Corrosion or Pinhole Leaks

Regularly inspecting exposed pipes can reveal visible signs of deterioration. Corrosion on the outside of pipes often hints at an even worse situation within. Similarly, pinhole leaks—though seemingly minor—indicate that the pipe's integrity has been compromised. These leaks not only waste water but can lead to more significant leaks, bursts, and water damage if left unaddressed.

When faced with these signs, it's essential to acknowledge that a patchwork approach only postpones the inevitable. The patented ePIPE process is a noteworthy investment into the health of your plumbing system and, by extension, your home. Although the prospect might seem daunting, the benefits of a modernized plumbing system-including enhanced water quality, consistent water flow, and peace of mind knowing you're protected from unexpected leaks and water damage-are invaluable. Consulting with a certified ePIPE specialist can set you on the path to safeguarding your home's plumbing health for years to come.

Why ePIPE Is A Better Fit

Whether you're managing a residential building, overseeing a project, or simply trying to care for your home, you deserve a solution that respects your time, budget, and comfort. That’s why we don’t just focus on replacing your pipes—we offer a streamlined process that rehabilitates them from the inside out. Our patented  ePIPE process coats your existing pipes with a durable, non-invasive material, preventing future leaks and corrosion while preserving your plumbing system’s functionality.

Why Choose ePIPE Over Repiping?

1. Minimal Disruption

Repiping often involves tearing into walls, floors, and ceilings—disrupting your home or property for weeks. With ePIPE, there’s no need for invasive demolition. Our process is designed to keep your space intact, allowing you or your tenants to resume normal routines.
2. Cost-Effective Solution

A full repipe can quickly escalate in costs due to labor, materials, and potential renovations needed afterward. ePIPE’s innovative approach reduces these expenses without compromising on quality or longevity. It’s an investment in peace of mind without the overwhelming price tag.

3. Proven Expertise

Our team has more than 25 years experience understanding plumbing issues and providing tailored solutions designed to maximize durability and efficiency. While other services might temporarily patch a problem, ePIPE actively prevents future damage—saving you from recurring issues and unnecessary repairs down the road.

4. Environmentally Friendly

Why replace when you can restore? With ePIPE, you can avoid the headaches and safety concerns of asbestos abatement. No need to tear into walls, floors, and ceilings like a traditional repipe.  Repiping also generates significant construction waste and often involves discarding old materials into landfills. ePIPE’s pipelining system minimizes waste and maximizes sustainability, helping you protect your property, people, and the planet.

A Smarter Solution for Your Pipes

Plumbing problems shouldn’t disrupt your life. With ePIPE, you get a solution that works with you—transforming your existing pipes into a reliable system without the hassle of a full repipe. We’re here to make things simple, effective, and worry-free.

If you're dealing with aging pipes or persistent leaks, contact ePIPE today. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional customer service, guiding you through every step, and providing a solution that ensures your plumbing system stands the test of time. Contact us today.