Water, Sewer & Drain Pipe Replacement
Copper Water Supply Piping
Copper water supply piping is typically 1/2 or 3/4 inch diameter. Copper piping has soldered connections and the walls of the pipe are thinner than galvanized steel. From 1950 to 1970, 1/2-inch diameter piping was used commonly for residential building water supply pipes. After 1970, 3/4-inch diameter copper service piping has been more common for building water supply piping.
The life expectancy of copper piping is dependent on water conditions. In many areas, its life expectancy is indefinite. In harsh corrosive water or corrosive soil conditions, it may fail within 20 years or even less.
CP Conway Plumbing can take care of any copper pipe repairs or replacement.
Drain Pipe Replacement
Did you buy a brand new home or build your own house? If not, Read on. Most people live in homes built before 2000. If your home is older than two or three decades, there is a high probability your plumbing is outdated.
Is it Necessary to Replace Cast Iron Plumbing?
The danger is even greater for houses built before 1970 since chances are you have cast iron pipes. The age of the pipes and type of material used will affect when and if you will have plumbing issues. Cast iron was a popular choice for water and sewage pipes in the 20th century. In spite of their durability, it might be time for you to the replace cast iron pipes in your home.
Why is that?
The original cast iron plumbing inside houses built in the mid 1900’s are reaching the end of their lifespan. Extreme weather changes, type of soil, and water quality will also affect plumbing longevity.
If you have mature trees in the yard, their root systems may grow extensively underground. At times, they can spread into the plumbing system and damage the pipes.
It’s not always easy to know if your pipes are damaged because most of them are hidden.
Here are the top 10 plumbing signs that you need to watch out for (especially if you have cast iron plumbing):
- Water Discoloration
- Leaks
- Odor
- Mold
- Back-ups or Slow Drainage
- Visibly Healthy Lawn
- Puddles
- Cracks
- sagging Areas
- Rodent &/or Insect Infestation
Sewer Pipe Replacement
Now-a-days, some of us tend to live in our homes longer and longer, while others are buying homes that are at least 25-years old, and often 75 to 100 years old. One thing older homes have in common is the poor condition of the main sewer line (for homes that aren’t on septic tanks, that is). If you are house shopping, remember to have us do a sewer inspection BEFORE you buy. It may save you a few bucks.
Main Sewer Lines older than 25-years, will most likely be made out of a material like concrete, clay, cast-iron, cement-asbestos, or different types of bitumen coated piping that tends to leak at the joints as it ages.
Why do Older Pipe Systems Fail?
Over time, piping systems tend to move and settle a little, as rain, freezing, and thawing cause ground heaving and movement. When older systems move, they often start to leak at the fittings. Once a leak starts it can do two things; settle the ground under the pipe so it settles more and leaks more, and attract roots because it has become a source of water. Roots tend to wiggle their way into the joints, pushing them apart as they grow, causing the pipe to leak, which causes more settling of the pipe; and it keeps getting worse as time passes. Once roots discover a water-source, they will never abandon it.
Even though roots can be ‘jetted’ out of a pipe, or cut out with cable-type roto-rooter machines, or treated with a ‘root-killer’ product; removing and/or killing roots will not repair the leaking pipe; and it will keep getting worse until the leaking area is repaired or replaced.
How Can I know the Condition of My Sewer Pipe?
The only sure way to determine the condition of your sewer line, is to put a Sewer Camera down the pipe and examine the entire system. It’s best to have this done by a professional who can clean and flush the line out first to get the best possible picture, then camera the line from the house all the way out to the Sewer Main in the street. A good company will do this and also provide you with a copy of the video and explain what they have found. It usually runs $300.00 to $500.00 for the video inspection.
What’s the Best Solution?
If the problem is localized to an area of a few feet, it’s usually best just to dig it up and repair the problem. If there is root penetration into an older sewer line so extensive that the whole sewer line has to be replaced, there are essentially three permanent solutions; dig it up to replace the pipe, install a new pipe with a pipe-bursting system, or install a new liner inside the old pipe. Conventional trenching and replacing the pipe is normally the most intrusive remedy, but sometimes this is the only reasonable solution due to the condition of the pipe and a lack of other options.
