Charlotte Repipe Services
When it's time to repipe your home, trust a plumbing service that can get the job done efficiently and affordably. Call 704-846-5371 to speak with E.R. Services about your whole home repiping today.
Charlotte Piping Problems
Many Charlotte, NC, homeowners put off repiping their homes for as long as possible. They do this because they want to delay the cost as long as possible. However, in many cases, repiping is the option that will save money in the long run.
The problem is poor piping choices were made when homes were constructed. The following are summaries of four problematic piping materials that were popular in home construction from the 1930s until the mid-1990s.
Galvanized Pipes
Here’s the problem: many homes built in the 1930’s-1980's were piped with galvanized pipes.
Galvanized pipes present the following problems:
- Over the years, zinc erodes from galvanized pipes.
- This results in corrosion and corrosion built up.
- Corrosion buildup inside your pipes can lead to the accumulation of lead inside your pipes, contaminating your water supply. Lead is very dangerous. In fact, the EPA says it is not safe for you to have any lead contamination at all —even a trace amount of lead is considered hazardous to your health. Click here to read the EPA’s report on lead in drinking water.
- Corrosion build up in galvanized pipes can also result in lower water pressure and other water quality issues.
Galvanized pipes typically start to show problems after about 40 years of use. They are no longer used for home piping. While all types of pipes can crack or present problems, we are seeing a lot of homeowners in need of replacement of their galvanized piping right now. If your home was built in the 1930s-1980s, you may need repiping services. At the very least, you should have your water tested for the presence of lead.
Polybutylene Piping
Polybutylene is a type of plastic that used to be commonly used for piping between 1978-1995. It has since been discontinued because so many polybutylene pipes ruptured and caused extensive property damage. If your home was built between 1978-1995, you should check to see if you have polybutylene pipes.
Polybutylene pipes present the following problems:
- Susceptible to breaks and leaks
- Reacts to commonly used disinfectants, causing fractures in the pipes
- Often cracks or leaks at joints and unions.
Many homeowners participated in class-action suits against polybutylene manufacturers and received payouts. If your home was built in this time frame, you may need repiping services.
Dura PEX
After the flaws of galvanized and polybutylene piping became evident, PEX piping became popular. While most forms of PEX piping is very reliable, one brand, in particular, has been failing homeowners – Dura PEX piping, manufactured by CPI (bought out by NIBCO).
NIBCO CPI Dura PEX piping is used throughout the home, and it has been determined to have the following problems:
- Oxidization, which means the tubing cracks and ruptures, causing leaks
- Dezincification, which means the water leaks from the tubes, comes in contact with PEX brass fittings, and leaches zinc from the fittings, weakening the fittings.
- Stress corrosion cracking of clamps when chlorine-rich water (typical drinking water) comes in contact with the PEX clamps.
You may still be able to get in on the class action suit that has been filed against NIBCO CPI Dura Pex. Learn more here.
HDPE Piping
Used from meter to house, HDPE piping (also known as black poly pipe) fails quite often. We get called in to replace piping between the meter and house often since HDPE piping is prone to oxidization (see definition above) and leads to cracking and rupturing of the pipe.
When is it Time to Repipe your Home?
The following are signs you should get your water tested and your pipes evaluated for repiping services:
- Your water is rusty or discolored (brown or yellow water means your water is mixed with rust from corrosion inside the pipes).
- Your water smells funny.
- Your water pressure is low.
- Your water bill has spiked (indicating you probably have a hidden leak somewhere, which is indicative of piping problems).
- You’ve already invested in the frequent fixing of water leaks and pipe repairs.
- You know your home has a substandard plumbing system. Basically, if you have galvanized, polybutylene, dura-pex, or black poly water distribution or service system piping, you need to look into repiping options.
Sometimes the signs mentioned above are indicative of other issues like water heater sediment build up or even problems with municipal pipes (not your home). Instead of wasting time and money trying to troubleshoot the problem yourself, have an expert out to inspect your pipes. Check out our latest reviews and customer feedback to see that we are the undisputed Charlotte repiping experts. We’ll help you identify what the problem is and help you find the most cost-effective solution.
Understanding Types of Piping
Over the years, many different types of pipes have come in and out of popularity. The following are the most common types of pipes commonly used today to repipe homes:
PEX Piping
While Dura PEX is notoriously failing, other brands of PEX are excellent forms of piping material.
- PEX piping is made from a flexible material that is easy and inexpensive to install.
- It is resistant to acidic substances and works well even under corrosive water conditions.
- This is one of the more flexible piping options, meaning it handle freezing and thawing well. No piping is completely freeze-proof, but PEX piping is relatively very good.
- It is also very heat-resistant, which means it is good for those of us here in the South!
Copper
Copper pipes are considered the gold standard when it comes to repiping a home.
- Copper pipes are made from a strong and durable material that will not sag over time.
- They last longer than PEX or other options.
- Copper pipes will not corrode or pollute drinking water.
- The upfront cost to install copper is more than with PEX, but the pipes have an impressively long life span.
- Copper pipes are very heat tolerant.
CPVC
CPVC is approved for both supply (line from the municipal main or well source to the structure) and distribution (piping within the structure), but it is also the most vulnerable to damage from pipes freezing or from physical shock.
- It is relatively inexpensive and user-friendly.
- It is impervious to acids.
- It is the least durable and must be protected from sunlight or UV exposure.
Repiping is a big job. Make sure you speak with a pipe replacement expert that has experience. E.R. Services has been repiping homes here in Charlotte since 1997. We’re established, so you know you can count on us to be there for you when you need us.
Why Work with E.R. Services?
If you’re feeling unsure where to start, E.R. Services can help. Our extensive and comprehensive service ensures that our customers are comfortable every step of the way. We also include the following features and benefits to improve the customer experience even further:
24/7 Emergency Services for Less: Unlike other providers, we do not charge extra for our emergency plumbing services.
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Let us know if you are not completely satisfied with our work, we will do everything in our power to make it right and leave you happy.
Remarkable Plumbing Service: We are proud of our comprehensive service and honest advice. Working with customers is always a remarkable experience.
No-Hassle Guarantees: You can always count on us to do the right thing because we stand by our work.
Angi Service Award Winner: Recognition from trusted sources like Angie’s List helps customers trust us, even more.
Thinking About Hiring a Charlotte Repipe Service?
Find out if repiping your home is the right choice for you. Call 704-846-5371 and speak with one of our expert repipe specialists in Charlotte, NC today. We’ll answer all your questions and help you find a solution that works for your unique situation.