My house is old and thinking it probably has lead pipes which are not safe. I think PVC is safe though.
2007-06-13 15:32:45 · 11 answers · asked by Sidereality 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Some of these answers are correct. You can certainly have lead pipe in your home, a new home "no" but and older home, most certainly. And, PVC isn't the best way to go, it's the cheapest and easiest but, not the best.
I went with copper lines all around. I put in one inch and 3/4 inch lines with 1/2 inch take off lines in my home. I can turn all the taps on and have a shower without any cut back on pressure.
I did all the work myself with sweat fittings and the figuring.
I would get three estimates from a plumber. I just had two plumbers put in a hot water furnace for home heat, for me. It was a circus, I had to show one guy the best way to solder a pipe, he was so inept, I called the company the second day and asked the owner to take him off the job. It took an extra two days when they left. I got a cut because of that and, I knew what was going on.
2007-06-13 23:00:53 · answer #1 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, anything is possible. We need to be realistic though as to just how much of the systems can be replaced at a reasonable cost. Contrary to what has been stated, it is absolutely possible to have lead pipe in a home including the service and waste lines. If your home is old enough it could have portions of the waste line that are lead and connect to cast iron mains. I can't honestly say though that I have seen a water supply system in a home that was lead past the meter. Pex as mentioned in the other replies is the best way to go from both a cost and ease of installation standpoint and if your home is a ranch style home with an open basement it will be easier to do all the piping in a new material than in a two story. I would never try to quote a job like this sight unseen or even try to tell you that it should cost no more than a certain amount. There are too many variables involved and we as Plumbers are doing you a disservice to tell you otherwise. As mentioned before get at least three quotes from reputable Plumbers in your area and don't be afraid to ask for references and ask lots of questions.
Regards,
Indy
2007-06-13 17:11:10 · answer #2 · answered by indyaga 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's kind of interesting to see so many different and some what uneducated answers.
First of all you are not going to have lead pipes in your home! The only part that can possibly be lead is your service. (that's were it comes out of the floor in the basement).
I agree with the apprentice that suggested the pex tubing. This will be the cheapest way to complete the job. Copper is at an all time high right now.
I would check with at least three different plumbers. Get a quote from each of them and ask for references.
A re-pipe for a 1 1/2 bath home should cost approximately 1,200.00 Max. Any more than that and you might be paying too much. If you have any more questions or need a more detailed quote, let me know.
2007-06-13 16:12:07 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. Who? 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Without seeing the house and where the plumbing is located, it's impossible to even hazard a rough guess. The PVC piping is inexpensive, but you're going to suffer on the labor end. Call a plumbing contractor for an estimate.
2007-06-13 15:37:09 · answer #4 · answered by acermill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pvc is safe however you have to check the building code in your area to find out if it is legal. In Chicago and many of its suburbs PVC is only allowed for waste lines not water feeds
Cost depends on how large a job and each individual contractor. always get multiple estimates they should be free
2007-06-13 15:51:55 · answer #5 · answered by paulj2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check any pipe you can get to. Take a knife and scratch the pipe. It won't take much pressure to see if it's lead and it will scrape the surface off. I would guess it is galvanized steel water pipe and perhaps, some lead drains if the house is really old.
2007-06-13 15:49:35 · answer #6 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is possible, will take time to remove old . Probably the least expensive way to go. What it will cost depend alot on where the pipes are located and how many feet of them you have and how many elbows and connectors you need to buy. Kitchen , bathroom, Laundry,etc, start with one room at a time.
2007-06-13 15:45:22 · answer #7 · answered by fuzzykitty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
before you do anything get a test kit for lead and test your pipes. test a couple different spots incase any have been replaced already. to replace the plumbing you would have to tear open almost every wall and have them repaired. try to find a friend that is a plumber talking big bucks try a place like home depot for the kit
2007-06-13 15:42:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know alot about it, but what you want to ask about is " Wirsbo Pex" Tubing. It is very cost efficient and easy to run, from what I understand. A more experienced plumber can tell you more than me.
2007-06-13 15:42:25 · answer #9 · answered by KId Colt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
over in the uk, the only pipes you cant run in plastic is gas and oil.
2007-06-14 07:00:47 · answer #10 · answered by JIM M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋