Like anything else in your home, pipes have a limited useful life of about 40 to 80 years depending on what they are made of. A pipe’s useful life can also be impacted by its environment as well as other factors that might be unique to your home itself. However, it may be possible to extend a pipe’s life by repairing damage instead of replacing it. Let’s take a closer look at how to decide whether you want to repair or replace a pipe.
When Should You Repair a Pipe?
There are a few scenarios in which a repair is the better and most affordable option. For instance, if the damage is relatively minor, it may be possible to simply repair a small fracture with tape or similar materials. It may also be possible to replace the damaged section of a pipe instead of the whole thing. This ensures that you have a more permanent fix to the problem without spending too much time or money.
It may be better to repair a pipe that is relatively new instead of replacing it. For instance, if you just installed a pipe last year, it might last for several more decades if you can fix it properly.
Finally, repairs may be ideal if the damage was caused by improper installation or similar issues. In such a scenario, you might be able to fix a leak by putting a larger fitting on the pipe. This is likely an easy repair that would only take a few minutes and cost a few dollars if you opted to have a professional diagnose and fix the problem.
When to Replace a Pipe
It’s generally best to replace a pipe when it has a large crack or other extensive damage. This is because it will likely take more time, money and effort to attempt a repair than it would be to simply put in a new piece of pipe.
A replacement project might also be ideal if the pipes are under warranty or have some other type of service guarantee attached to them. If this is true in your case, the pipes can be replaced for free or at a significant discount.
If the pipes in your home have reached the end of their useful life, it may be best to take the opportunity to replace them. This may ensure that you don’t have to do any significant maintenance on them again for as long as you own your house.
Replacing a pipe might also be a good idea if you would rather have pipes made of something other than cast iron. Although they tend to last the longest, they may also pollute the water supply as they can leech into the water that runs through the pipes. Therefore, it might be a good idea to replace your damaged pipes and ensure a healthier home for everyone who lives in it.
Repairs Can Help Buy Time Until They Can Be Replaced
Replacing pipes in a section of your home can be an expensive project. Therefore, you might need a few weeks or months to seek financing or save up the funds needed to complete it. Making a temporary repair might give you the time needed to accomplish that goal without putting your home at risk of additional damage.
How Can Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Help?
The team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can help in a number of different ways. First, we’ll inspect pipes to determine the extent of any damage that they have incurred. Next, we can recommend whether they should be repaired or replaced and give various options to meet your needs without causing a financial hardship. Finally, our team will make repairs or upgrades in a timely and professional manner to ensure that you get the most for your money.