3 Factors That Affect the Cost of Replacing Pipes
June 22, 2017
Timely Replacements
If you’re experiencing low water pressure, drain and sewer clogs, and other similar problems with the pipes in your home, it may be time to have them replaced.
Even if the problems seem small at the moment, corrosion and imperfections in pipes can grow worse over time and lead to much bigger (and more expensive) problems in the future.
The thought of having this process done can be extremely stressful for any homeowner. However the exact details of the process vary based on the situation.
Depending on a number of factors, the cost of replacing pipes can be much different for one homeowner than it is for another. Here are three main factors which affect the cost of replacing pipes.
#1: The Size and Structure of the Home
The first factor that affects the cost of replacing pipes is the size, structure, and layout of the home they’re in. Depending on the configuration and path of the pipes, the cost of replacing them can vary.
This is due to the fact that various amounts of work can be required in order to get to the pipes and work on them efficiently depending on where they’re located.
Homes with multiple stories can incur more expenses when having pipes replaced if the problem is on an upper floor.
More work is involved in replacing pipes on a higher floor, and costs can also be larger in a house with more bathtubs, sinks, and toilets, as this will require more pipes.
#2: The Materials Used
Many different types of pipes are commonly used in homes, both for water and sewer.
Copper Piping
The first type of water pipe is copper. This type of pipe is resistant to bacteria, UV damage, and even natural disasters.
It is also an environmentally-friendly option due to the fact that it does not leech harmful chemicals and is recyclable. However, this type of pipe can also burst or corrode easier than alternatives and is typically more expensive.
PEX Piping
PEX pipe is another type of pipe commonly used in homes. While PEX piping lacks the UV-resistant qualities and recycle-ability of copper piping, it is much more flexible and easy to install.
PEX piping is often cheaper to install as its palpable nature leads to fewer holes having to be made in walls in order to install long tracks of pipe.
#3: Removing Existing Pipes
When pipes need to be replaced, one of the primary factors that can influence the overall cost of the operation is the amount of existing pipes that need to be removed in order to make room for replacements.
Installing new pipes from scratch is understandably cheaper, as the amount of demolition that needs to be done to facilitate new repairs will obviously increase the cost.
Choosing a Professional
While all of these factors can affect the cost of replacing pipes in your home, lower costs and higher quality can often be obtained by choosing the right individuals for the job. Well trained professionals who are held to high standards can help homeowners get more for their money when it comes to replacing pipes.
Rather than simply focusing on dollar amounts, homeowners are likely much more interested in ensuring that they have quality work done in their homes.
By having professionals do a job well and right the first time, individuals can save money in the long run when it comes to the pipes in their home.